Wennovate Venture Labs is an innovative venture studio focused on launching and scaling AI and IoT startups in partnership with leading academic institutions in British Columbia. Our mission is to transform groundbreaking research into successful commercial ventures, with a target of launching 20 startups over the next four years. We work directly with professors and doctoral/postdoctoral researchers from UBC Okanagan, Thompson Rivers University, and Simon Fraser University to commercialize cutting-edge technologies across multiple sectors including agriculture, healthcare, wellness, supply chain, logistics, transportation, education, financial services, and hospitality.
Position Overview
We are seeking an exceptional Chief Operating Officer to work closely with the CEO in building and scaling our venture studio operations. The COO will be responsible for developing and implementing the operational infrastructure needed to successfully launch and support multiple startups simultaneously while maintaining strong relationships with our academic partners and ecosystem stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Working in collaboration with the CEO, the COO will:
Venture Development and Support
- Participate in customer discovery initiatives, including conducting customer interviews, market validation meetings, and stakeholder engagement sessions
- Perform comprehensive market analysis and competitive landscape assessments for potential ventures
- Participate in the development and writing of detailed business cases and investment memorandums for new ventures
- Conduct regular office hours with portfolio startups to provide operational guidance and support
- Participate in pitch refinement sessions with founding teams to improve their presentation and fundraising capabilities
- Participate in the organization and moderation of bi-weekly virtual pitch events for portfolio companies
- Provide administrative and operational support to portfolio companies, including HR, finance, and legal guidance
Operational Leadership
- Participate in the design and implementation of the operational framework for identifying, evaluating, and launching new ventures in partnership with academic researchers
- Develop and manage relationships with key stakeholders across partner universities, including technology transfer offices, faculty members, and research departments
- Create and oversee standardized processes for startup formation, including legal structure, IP transfer, equity distribution, and governance
- Build and lead the operational team necessary to support multiple ventures simultaneously
- Establish KPIs and monitoring systems to track the progress and performance of portfolio companies
Investor Relations and Reporting
- Prepare for and attend Limited Partner meetings, presenting portfolio performance and operational updates
- Develop and maintain relationships with external service providers, including legal, accounting, HR, and technical partners
- Create and maintain best practices documentation and playbooks for venture launch and scaling
- Oversee budget allocation and financial planning for both the venture studio and portfolio companies
Required Qualifications
- 10+ years of senior leadership experience, with at least 5 years in operations management roles
- Proven track record of building and scaling operations in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments
- Experience working with early-stage technology companies and understanding of startup operations
- Strong background in customer discovery and market validation methodologies
- Experience in preparing and presenting investment memorandums
- Demonstrated ability to mentor and coach startup founders
- Strong understanding of the academic research commercialization process and technology transfer
- Experience in developing and implementing operational systems and processes
- Strong financial acumen and experience with budget management
- Advanced degree in business, engineering, or related field preferred
- Previous experience in venture capital, accelerators, or startup studios is highly valued
Required Skills
- Exceptional leadership and team-building abilities
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Outstanding presentation and public speaking abilities
- Excellent project management and organizational capabilities
- Superior written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment
- Strong understanding of AI, IoT, and emerging technologies
- Experience with academic institutions and research commercialization
What We Offer
- Opportunity to shape the future of technology commercialization in British Columbia
- Competitive compensation package including equity
- Comprehensive health and benefits package
- Professional development opportunities
- Chance to work with cutting-edge technologies and brilliant minds
- Impact-driven work environment
- Flexible work arrangements
Location
- Primary location: British Columbia (specific city flexible within proximity to partner universities)
- Regular travel required between UBC Okanagan (Kelowna), Thompson Rivers University (Kamloops), and Simon Fraser University (Vancouver/Burnaby)
How to Apply
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and a brief statement outlining your vision for successfully launching 20 technology startups from academic research over the next four years to toadesina@wennovateconsulting.ca.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and encourage applications from all qualified candidates. Wennovate Venture Labs is an equal opportunity employer.
