What does VIATEC do ?
Our Mission is to support the Greater Victoria Tech Sector in growing to over $10 billion by 2030.
We do this by cultivating the most cohesive tech community in the world by providing resources to tackle shared opportunities and challenges while boosting a sense of belonging and shaping our region.
VIATEC started in 1989, when a community of technologists and entrepreneurs joined together to share information on how to build companies and support the tech industry.
Since then Victoria’s economy has changed dramatically and its brand has been transformed.
We work closely with our members to offer a variety of events, programs and services.
We focus on 4 things:
Technology is Victoria’s #1 industry with a $5.9 Billion Annual Revenue, a $7.9 Billion Economic Impact and over 20,007 employees across 1172 high-tech companies.
VIATEC serves as the primary promoter and trusted source of information on the local technology sector.
Events and introductions through VIATEC offer top quality networking and community building opportunities by connecting members.
Showcase career opportunities available within local technology companies by targeting experienced workers and recent graduates.
VIATEC also works closely with student bodies to promote technology careers.
Provide valuable training, advice and information through programs, workshops, courses, seminars and by connecting interested members with experienced, volunteer mentors and advisors.
Meet The VIATEC Crew
Dan Gunn (CEO)
After being accepted by Royal Roads University, Dan transferred from Trent University where he started in Political Science after unexpectedly getting elected to Georgina City Council when he was 22. Fortunately for Dan, one of his RRU profs was Doug Taylor, the then CEO of VIATEC. They hit it off and two weeks after graduating Dan started on a 7-month contract.
Dan loves how the not-for-profit world allows his entrepreneurial spirit to flourish while making a difference helping other entrepreneurs realize their dreams. Having previously operated his own IT support company and a publishing company, Dan knows how tough starting a business can be and he takes great satisfaction from playing any role he can in helping others achieve their goals.
20 years later, Dan's 7-month contract has turned into a career and in 2005, he was promoted to leading the organization. A lover of creativity and innovation, Dan takes pride in VIATEC's unique approach to serving its members.
CEO
Rob Bennett (COO, Program Director)
As VIATEC's Chief Operating Officer and Program Director, Rob supports the development of start-up and early stage companies through a variety of programs and resources, most notably the VIATEC Accelerator Program.
He has personally been involved in multiple local tech companies as a programmer, founder, angel investor, mentor and coach.
He's passionate about the growth and development of the tech community, and you can easily spot him at a variety of community events (he's 6'5" tall!).
COO, Program Director
Georgia Cowell (Member Relations Manager)
Native to Vancouver Island, Georgia is the 4th generation. The Island provides her family the diversity that is required for their lifestyle and the Gulf Islands where she enjoys boating, camping, fishing and a great round of Frisbee golf.
With a biology background in Pathogenic Bacteria's and a Diploma in Business Management. Georgia brings more than 30 years experience in a Managing position. Her talent to manage time keeps the team fashioned and the office functioning in top-notch condition.
She is the main contact for all inquiries regarding membership. Her resourcefulness to assist VIATEC members on a day-to-day basis provides her with a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment knowing that she is working in a innovative and entrepreneurial community.
Some of her other Mad Hatter hats entail accounts receivable, administration, procurement, and negotiations.
Member Relations Director
Tessa Davies (Director, Communications & Events)
Tessa Davies is a dynamic events, marketing and communications professional with a rich history at VIATEC. As the Director of Communications and Events, she is instrumental in promoting Victoria's burgeoning tech sector, which boasts over 1,172 companies and contributes approximately $5.9 billion in annual revenue.
Tessa leads creative direction for large-scale events and strategic communications, enhancing VIATEC's reputation for innovative and unconventional approaches. She plays a pivotal role in fostering community engagement, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions and networking opportunities.
Having stepped away from VIATEC for a number of years to gain experience in event marketing in the tech, retail and hospitality industries, she's thrilled to return to her passion of community in order to put her vision towards leaving a lasting impact on the region's technology landscape.
Director of Communications and Events
CERI BARLOW
Ceri comes from a background in the hospitality industry. Born and raised in Victoria she has also lived and worked in NZ and Australia.
When not at her post at Fort Tectoria welcoming everyone, she is busy ensuring the building is welcoming and inviting to the community.
When Ceri is not working she enjoys gardening, hiking, swimming, biking and great walks with Franky, her dog.
Fort Tectoria Manager
Program Advisors
Shelley Voyer (Executive in Residence)
Shelley has spent her career bringing innovative digital products and services to market for consumer brands and start-ups alike. Brands like Nokia whose first mobile gaming platform she helped bring to life, and Vivendi Universal/Sierra On-line whom she assisted with their first foray into massively multiplayer games.
Shelley creates brands and experiences that resonate--helping companies differentiate themselves in increasingly competitive markets. She’s worked with numerous start-ups to find to find their niche and first revenue agreements like leading VR gaming company Cloudhead Games, Branium--an award-winning online curriculum product which she brought to North American schools--and a host of others. She even founded her own start-up, Zuzee, an award-winning web/mobile app for tweens.
She’s a sales and marketing maven, applying both traditional and digital tactics that generate long-term revenue. Shelley loves validating market opportunities and defining go-to-market plans that help companies find their best path to success.
Executive in Residence; Accelerator Program.
Mark Grambart (Executive in Residence)
As an Executive in Residence for VIATEC, Mark is excited about helping Victoria’s entrepreneurs accelerate the profitable growth of their promising start-ups.
Prior to becoming an Executive in Residence, Mark was the president and CEO of Contech Enterprises Inc., a technology based company that provided green pest management products for consumers. While at Contech, revenues grew by more than five times by expanding distribution networks, driving world leading science and adding complementary acquisitions. Contech was sold to The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company in 2015, the world's largest marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products.
Prior to Contech, Mark was the vice president and general manager for JM Huber Corporation, one of the largest family owned, privately held companies in the US. While at Huber, he led the turnaround of a $170m specialty chemical business that resulted in EBIT growing from $5m to 18m in two years. Previously, Mark had a number of different roles in development, marketing, production and strategy with Mercedes-Benz while based in in Germany with projects in South Africa, Latin America and the US.
Mark has an MBA from IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland and an engineering degree from the University of Victoria, Canada.
Outside of business, Mark enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids and can commonly be found coaching at the rink or ballpark or sailing around BC’s south coast.
Executive in Residence; Accelerator Program.
Lorna Johnson (Executive in Residence)
Lorna Johnson is a Business Mentor/Coach, Advisor and Board Director. She uses an agile approach to strategy to help early to late stage start-ups and businesses undergoing change explore, test, and refine their products, customer-experience, go-to-market strategies and business models for profitable growth. She is passionate about understanding what customers are really buying and has proven frameworks for customer discovery.
Lorna honed her product design and development skills, operations competencies and commercial acumen via a global career as a management consultant with a top-tier firm in New York and Sydney, and as an intrapreneur with Australia’s largest insurance providers, wealth management firms, and banks. She brought to market more than 30 customer-focussed technology-based products and services.
Returning to Canada in 2012, Lorna was Vice President, Product Services and Innovation with Interac, one of Canada’s leading payments brands; Managing Director, Canada with Cubane Consulting, a private firm supporting universities via their Consultant-As-A-Service model and; Principal/Owner of CalderJohnsonConsulting Inc., providing digital strategies, project delivery, and advice for clients such as the world’s largest gold mining company, a European fintech, and a B.C.-based digital marketing start-up.
Lorna has the ICD.D designation from the Canadian Institute of Corporate Directors, and is a certified Advisory Board Chair. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Forestry (U. New Brunswick), an MBA and Masters in Environmental Studies (Yale) and a Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning (Deakin U.)Â
Outside of business advisory and consulting, Lorna is the Vice President and Board Member for the Rotary Club of Victoria-Harbourside, is an active member of Le Cercle (French) Toastmasters Club, and, with her husband, Cliff, owns and manages investment properties including an AirBnB.
Executive in Residence; Accelerator Program.
Adam Dorval (Executive in Residence)
Adam Dorval is a marketing strategist, e-commerce business builder, and digital transformation expert. He has a deep passion for brand development and is a fervent believer that truly successful brands and organizations are built by their people, culture, and customer experience - not just products and pricing.Â
On the client side, Adam has built e-commerce businesses for some of Canada’s most iconic brands, and developed brand, marketing, and digital strategies in the retail, media & entertainment, agriculture, construction & engineering, and real estate sectors.Â
On the agency and consultancy side, Adam has worked with one of North America’s most innovative brand engagement agencies, as featured by Forbes, and coached and consulted with government, non-profit, and businesses of all sizes.
In 2019 Adam relocated to Victoria BC and began helping local businesses and start-ups with digital transformation, business and marketing strategy, building for scalable growth, and overcoming new market challenges.
Adam is an accomplished and awarded multi-instrumental musician, an avid world traveler and wilderness adventurer, and can sometimes be found playing beach volleyball in his spare time.
Executive in Residence; Accelerator Program.
Board of Directors
Mike Anderson (Intlabs)
Currently CTO at Intlabs, a data privacy and governance startup. Formerly, Mike has worked in both technical and operational roles as CTO and COO of Echosec Systems, a social media search and threat intelligence company, where he oversaw a successful exit. He is (unsurprisingly) incredibly passionate about novel uses of personal data, their impact, and how we can secure it from abuse and theft. Mike brings 10 years of experience in starting, funding, and operating technology companies on Vancouver Island. A former UVic grad, Mike maintains a close connection to the Software Engineering faculty, often speaking at panels to emerging technologists. He is excited to share his experience with early stage companies starting with R&D grants, software development practices, security, and compliance. Despite this, he’s been lurking in the shadows too long at VIATEC and is excited to potentially take a more active role in contributing to the community that provided him so much guidance and support.
Armon Arani (Cognito Health)
Co-founder & board member at Cognito Health - a Victoria based online mental health startup established in 2021.
He graduated electrical engineering from the University of Victoria and quickly made his transition into tech. Armon launched his career into the Victoria tech scene by working at VIATEC and then transitioning to DoubleUp; a Tiny Agency that focuses on go-to-market strategy and subscription business. He went on to start a company that focuses on supporting individuals with anxiety & depression by offering a holistic approach to mental health care.
Outside of his career, Armon enjoys photography, hiking, playing music, and enjoying the hundreds of restaurants Victoria has to offer.
JOHN AUSTIN (SureSwift Capital)
VIATEC Chair
John Austin, brings more than 20 years of leadership and expertise, gained through domestic and international experience in service to our technology ecosystem. Previously, John has served leadership roles (CEO, COO, Director) in Europe and Canada, as well as founding two startups, and learning lessons along the way. Currently, John serves as an General Partner for Cindicates, Victoria’s own community seed fund, and Chief Operating Officer for SureSwift Capital, a fund based software aggregator with its HQ here in Victoria, and a Community Mentor for VIATEC’s accelerator program. Through investing and advising, John is passionate in seeing Victoria’s technology industry flourish. A UVic Political Science graduate, John’s work feeds into his fascination with systems of governance, analysis and consensus building. Personally, he enjoys time with his three amazing boys, and takes advantage of every opportunity for outside activities across Vancouver Island.
Jim Balcom
Jim spent his career in the technology industry in Silicon Valley, Seattle, Vancouver and in Victoria as COO of Redlen Technologies.
Redlen has become a major technology success story, developing world-leading medical and security imaging technology, tripling staffing, quintupling revenues and attracting talent and customers from around the world.
Jim has worked in various roles over the past 30 years including manufacturing, engineering, sales and venture capital, and has developed and launched disruptive products and technologies into the consumer electronics, alternative energy and medical and security industries.
Jim has a Systems Engineering degree from Waterloo and an MBA from Harvard and has learned a lot along the way from his successes and failures. He has helped raise over $200M in financing for numerous companies from angels, VCs, government programs and IPOs and has been a board member, angel investor and advisor to several companies over the years.
Justine Bryant (Delta-X Research)
Finance Chair
Justine Bryant is a versatile finance professional with over 25 years of expertise in transforming the financial landscapes of diverse industries through innovative strategies, data analytics, and efficient processes. Armed with an extensive background in technology, land development, and various other sectors, Justine is equipped with proven methods to drive profitability, optimize cash flow, and enhance financial accuracy and transparency. Justine is the full time Accountant for Delta-X Research Inc. This local SaaS company was honored with the VIATEC award for Innovative Excellence in Software or Service in 2018. When not playing with Excel Pivot Tables, Justine enjoys painting, playing drums, and, most recently, paddle boarding.
Chris Carvalho (Ross Bay Medical)
Chris is a seasoned entrepreneur with a proven track record of launching and scaling successful businesses in the tech and healthcare sectors. As the founder and CEO of Carveira Group Consulting, he has led numerous digital transformation initiatives, helping organizations innovate and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape. Chris has also co-founded multiple companies, including Ross Bay Medical, where he currently serves as Chief Operating Officer, focusing on empowering individuals to maintain their independence through simple, health-promoting solutions. His entrepreneurial journey is marked by a deep commitment to fostering innovation, from mentoring start-ups and scale-ups to building strong partnerships that drive growth. Chris’s hands-on experience in building businesses, combined with his strategic vision and leadership skills, make him a key player in the tech ecosystem. He is dedicated to creating environments where new ideas can thrive, and businesses can achieve sustainable success.
ROBERT COOPER (PlusROI Online Marketing)
Rob is a full-time tech marketer for over 22 years and has been running PlusROI Online Marketing since 2007.
In 2022 he launched a second thriving agency (What Works Marketing), which was based on the concept he developed in VIATEC’s VAP program. He has presented on digital marketing nationally and internationally and his company has been acknowledged by Google as being in the top 3% of agencies in the country. Rob’s been involved in just about every program offered at VIATEC since joining in 2008: as an VAP participant, leadership participant, Round Table member, educator/trainer, Fort Tectoria tenant and past board member.
He deeply missed engaging regularly with the tech community through Covid and is keen to get meaningfully involved again. Rob has a special interest in helping new members feel welcome and thrive in the wonderful VIATEC community.
PlusROI Online Marketing
Maria Davidson(Udutu)
Governance Chair
CEO of Udutu, an e-Learning software company. Over the past 15 years she has had a variety of roles at Udutu and been involved in all aspects of business ranging from training development, project management, HR, operations management, management, business development, marketing strategy, and social media. She has worked with Udutu’s biggest clients including WorkSafeBC and BC Hydro helping them plan, develop and successfully launch their training initiatives. As CEO, she oversees strategic direction, ensuring the products remain innovative while maintaining client satisfaction. In 2008, Maria joined the VIATEC board of directors where she served 3 consecutive terms. During her time on the board, she both served on and chaired the governance committee. Maria remains an active member of the VIATEC community. In 2020 during the pandemic, Udutu became a virtual company. Working from home allows her to successfully run a company while maintaining work/family balance.
Udutu
Jacques Du Plessis (Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP)
Jacques is a partner in Osler’s Emerging and High Growth Companies practice group in Osler’s Vancouver office. Jacques advises entrepreneurs, start-ups and venture backed technology companies in all parts of their lifecycle from start-up to exit as well as advising a wide range of investors including venture capital funds, privacy equity, strategic investors and angel investors. Jacques has broad experience in matters related to corporation formation, governance, venture capital and financing transactions and acquisition and divestiture transactions in addition to supporting companies with their day-to-day corporate needs. Jacques also plays a central role in Osler’s relationship with Creative Destruction Lab, Accelerate Okanagan and e@UBC.
Jennifer Hartfield (BCI)
The Senior Vice President, Corporate Data & Operations. She delivers centralized, corporate business services including data and analytics solutions, corporate business planning, and facilities managing across BCI’s global offices. Preceding her current role, Jennifer led BCI’s Enterprise Project Management and Transformation Office. Prior to joining BCI, Jennifer spent sixteen years in various capacities within technology. Starting out as a software developer, she transitioned into project and program mgmt., specializing in human resource and financial systems. As a consultant she provided program management for large IT infrastructure projects. Jennifer has Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of British Columbia, a Diploma in Applied Information Technology, the Project Mang. Professional (PMP) designation, the CFA Investment Foundations certificate, and is a graduate of the General Management Program at Harvard Business School. She is a volunteer Board Director for IWIST.
BCI
Darin Herle (Cosmogence)
Vice Chair
A long time VIATEC member and supporter, and has been an active participant in Victoria's technology community for more than 20 years. He's held senior leadership roles at Latitude Geographics/VertiGIS, Trackmeet, OfficeSpace Software, AOT and Cosmogence. In a volunteer capacity and board member, Darin's worked with the ICA, UVic and Scouts Canada.
He's looking forward to the opportunity to serve the VIATEC community as a prospective board member, and brings a unique perspective to this group.
Meghan Nichol (Redlen Technologies)
Meghan is a seasoned HR professional, bringing extensive expertise in talent management and executive leadership to the table. Over her 15 years of experience in HR leadership roles, she has successfully navigated through multiple post-acquisition integrations and played a pivotal role in an IPO. Her strategic guidance has consistently led to tangible business successes across start-ups, growth-stage ventures, and established organizations, primarily in the technology sector. Meghan is currently completing her MBA at Royal Roads University and holds a CPHR designation.Â
Corey Scholefield (Workday)
Currently a Sr. Technical Product Manager with Workday, working in the area of System Reliability Engineering for private and public cloud IT infrastructure teams. His role includes stakeholder engagement, project management, backlog refinement, and technical support. Corey has a background in public-sector identity-management, having spent over 15 years working in higher-education, with positions at both Uvic and BCNET in B.C, Canada. At BCNET, Corey led a federated-identity service bureau which supported regional adoption of eduroam and SAML capabilities under the umbrella of the Canadian Access Federation. At UVic, Corey’s team established an identity-management program that supported campus-wide access-management needs. He brings a unique spirit of collaboration to all the IT engagements he undertakes, and looks forward to bringing IT collaborators together to achieve results!
Chistine Tatham (Redbrick)
Christine Tatham is the Chief People Officer at Redbrick, a group of software platforms for digital entrepreneurs, based in Victoria. She joined Redbrick in 2021 as the Vice President of People and Culture and was promoted to her current role in 2024.Â
Christine spent 12 years in London, UK where she began her journey into People & Culture leadership and gained her Master’s degree in Strategic People Management & Development. She has a rich background in People & Culture, having previously served as the Vice President of HR at Epicure, and as the Head of HR for Pentland Brands, which owns and manages well-known sports and lifestyle brands such as Speedo and Lacoste.Â
At Redbrick, Christine has been instrumental in shaping the company’s people strategy, focusing on creating an inclusive and supportive workplace culture, where expectations are high and strong performance is valued and rewarded. She has been a strong advocate for work-life balance, diversity, employee growth and employee well-being, aligning with Redbrick’s values. Christine’s approach to People emphasizes the importance of both personal and professional fulfillment, a philosophy that has resonated well within Redbrick, leading to high levels of employee satisfaction, performance and retention.Â
As a career-driven mother of four, Christine challenges traditional notions of career paths for women. Christine's leadership at Redbrick is marked by her commitment to fostering an environment where all employees can thrive if they have the desire, regardless of their personal circumstances.