Women in Tech: Janet Bannister
Janet Bannister is a trailblazer in the Canadian venture capital scene, renowned for her strategic vision and unwavering commitment to supporting founders. As the founder of Staircase Ventures, she has revolutionized the investment landscape with an innovative VC model designed to empower entrepreneurs and drive unparalleled growth.
With a distinguished background spanning both corporate leadership and entrepreneurial endeavors, Janet brings a wealth of experience to her role. After earning her degree from the prestigious Ivey Business School, she embarked on a remarkable journey that saw her rise through the ranks at Procter & Gamble and McKinsey, honing her skills as a brand manager and management consultant, respectively. However, it was her pivotal move to Silicon Valley in the late 1990s that ignited her passion for technology and entrepreneurship.
During her tenure at eBay, she played a pivotal role in transforming the e-commerce giant's platform, spearheading initiatives that propelled non-collectibles categories to unprecedented growth. Her success at eBay was a testament to her strategic acumen and ability to drive innovation in dynamic environments.
In 2004, Janet returned to Canada with a mission to make a lasting impact on the country's tech ecosystem. She cemented her legacy by launching Kijiji.ca, a groundbreaking online classifieds platform that quickly became one of Canada's most visited websites. Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to fostering innovation laid the foundation for her transition into the world of venture capital.
For the past decade, Janet has been a driving force in the Canadian VC landscape, investing in early-stage B2B software companies and empowering founders to realize their vision. With the launch of Staircase Ventures, she has set a new standard for investor-founder relationships, prioritizing founder development and well-being as core pillars of her investment philosophy.
At the heart of Staircase Ventures is a robust Founder Development Platform, designed to accelerate founders' personal growth and leadership skills. Through CEO coaching, peer support groups, and access to health and wellness resources, she ensures that founders receive comprehensive support at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. Moreover, by offering founders carry in the Fund, she fosters a sense of community and alignment of interests, where success is shared among all stakeholders.
Janet’s commitment to founders' holistic well-being has garnered widespread recognition and set a precedent for a more compassionate and inclusive approach to venture capital. By prioritizing mental, physical, and emotional health, she is not only driving success on an individual level but also shaping the broader entrepreneurial landscape.
As a champion of the Canadian tech ecosystem, Janet is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of industry leaders and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. Through Staircase Ventures, she continues to redefine the role of venture capital, proving that true success lies in empowering others to reach their full potential.
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