Judges (Semi-Finals)

Adam Lorant

Adam Lorant is a Partner with Magellan Angel Partners where he invests in and mentors high tech startups. He is also CEO In Residence with the Centre for Growth at the BC Technology Industry Association, coaching early stage high tech companies.

He was co-founder and VP Marketing/Product Management for PolarBlue Systems Inc which designed and built an innovative data storage service. Prior to that, Adam was a co-founder and VP Marketing for OctigaBay Systems Corporation which designed and manufactured high performance computer hardware and software. OctigaBay was acquired by Cray Inc. in 2004. Prior to OctigaBay, Adam was a co-founder of Abatis Systems and VP of Product Management and Marketing. Abatis designed and built a family of internet services hardware and software products. Abatis was sold to Redback Networks in 2000 in one of the largest private acquisitions in Canadian history. He was responsible for the strategic direction of Abatis marketing, product development and channel development programs. Prior to Abatis, Adam was with Newbridge Networks for seven years and five years with Northern Telecom Canada.

Throughout his entrepreneurial career, Adam has helped generate well over a billion dollars for investors. Adam holds a master’s degree in business administration from the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario and a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Toronto. In 2000 Adam was honored with Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 award.

Bob de Wit

Bob de Wit is a Vancouver based investor, mentor, director and consultant to growth-stage technology companies. He expresses his passion for entrepreneurship as an active judge and past director of the New Ventures BC Competition, Director of GreenAngel Energy Corp, and as an active member of the VANTEC angel network and the WUTIF angel fund. Annually, he mentors or reviews the best of the new technology ventures coming out of British Columbia each year. As a frequent speaker on entrepreneurship, Bob draws upon his executive experience in corporate development (M&A strategy and execution), corporate finance (raising equity capital) and competitive market intelligence to audiences ranging from entrepreneurial CEOs, angel investors to graduate students. Holding degrees in marketing (BBA) and economics (MA) from Simon Fraser University, Bob has built his fifteen year career around starting or nurturing technology start-ups. In addition to working for companies, he has consulted to Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia and the University of California at Los Angeles where he has worked with university faculty members to develop effective technology commercialization strategies. Bob is happily married and is the proud father of one daughter. His personal interests include playing golf, recreational running and following professional sports, particularly hockey.

Lydia Johnson

Inspiring Purpose, Igniting Passion

After 32 years in banking, in roles from the teller line to the executive table, Lydia launched her consulting business, focusing on the financial services industry. She shares her experiences as a coach, trainer, presenter, and facilitator for a variety of business needs and covering a variety of topics.

Before her corporate departure in banking, and after 25 years with Vancity Credit Union, Lydia was VP Sales & Service. In addition to her banking background, Lydia has been both a key note speaker as well as a conference presenter, over many years within Canada, the U.S., and internationally. Lydia combined her years of learning & experience and launched her first book… The Jalapeno Handshake, Strategies to Heat Up Your Business Relationships. She believes if you’re not on the edge, you’re taking up too much space!