Nicole Verkindt

Nicole Verkindt is a highly accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and CEO known for her significant contributions to the Canadian business landscape. With a strong background in business education and a myriad of leadership roles, Nicole has scaled impressive heights of success and recognition.

Nicole's professional journey includes remarkable accolades such as being named StartUp Canada's 2019 Woman Entrepreneur Ambassador of the Year and 2017 Woman Entrepreneur of the Year. She has showcased her business acumen as a Dragon on CBC's 'Next Gen Den' and as one of Adweek's 2018 'Toronto Brand Stars', solidifying her presence as a prominent figure in the industry.

As an active investor in early-stage tech companies featured on Gimlet Media's 'The Pitch', Nicole's keen eye for innovation and potential has propelled numerous startups to success. Her insights extend to the media realm as well, with regular appearances as a commentator on CBC's Tech panel, sharing her expertise and industry knowledge with a broad audience.

Nicole Verkindt's influence transcends the entrepreneurial sphere as she holds pivotal positions on various boards, including the Canadian Crown Corporation, Canadian Commercial Corporation, and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. In addition, she is a distinguished Next Gen member of the Canadian Business Council, comprised of the country's top 100 business CEOs, underscoring her strategic thinking and leadership capabilities at the highest levels of Canadian commerce.

In terms of education, Nicole pursued studies in World Issues at Neuchatel Junior College and attained an HBA in Business from The University of Western Ontario at the Richard Ivey School of Business. This solid foundation has undoubtedly contributed to her exceptional career trajectory and success in the business world.

Throughout her career, Nicole has been associated with several key organizations, serving as the CEO of BUGGY.CA. Her past roles include Director on the Board of Directors at Canadian Commercial Corporation, Founder & CEO at OMX, and leadership positions in esteemed entities like GMA Corp., Tiburon, and GlassFrog, among others. Nicole's multifaceted experience reflects her versatility and proficiency in navigating diverse business landscapes.