Janet Bannister

Janet Bannister is a highly accomplished venture capitalist and entrepreneur with a proven track record in building and scaling technology companies. She founded Kijiji.ca, transforming it into one of Canada's most visited websites, and played a key role in eBay's expansion into a mainstream marketplace. Her current endeavor, Staircase Ventures, reflects her commitment to nurturing the Canadian tech ecosystem by providing comprehensive support to early-stage founders beyond just capital. staircaseventures+6

Known for her empathetic and supportive approach to venture capital, Janet Bannister differentiates Staircase Ventures by offering founders not only investment but also executive coaching, financial advisory, and even childcare support. This 'caring and sharing' model aims to create a competitive advantage, attracting top Canadian software startups and fostering their success through holistic support. theglobeandmail

Beyond her entrepreneurial and investment roles, Bannister is deeply involved in the Canadian tech ecosystem. She is the Co-Chair of C100, serves on the Boards of Communitech, Vector Institute, Ivey Business School, and LEAP (a social venture accelerator), and mentors at the Creative Destruction Lab. Her commitment extends to philanthropy as a former Honorary Co-Chair of the Princess Margaret Ride to Conquer Cancer. staircaseventures+3

Janet's career began with foundational experiences in brand management at Procter & Gamble and strategic consulting at McKinsey & Company. This diverse background, combined with her experience at eBay, founding Kijiji, and leading Real Ventures, has equipped her with a unique blend of operational, strategic, and investment expertise that she leverages to guide early-stage companies. staircaseventures+5

An accomplished athlete, Janet was a varsity long-distance runner and Canada's National Triathlon Champion, competing internationally. This background highlights her discipline, determination, and ability to excel under pressure, qualities that likely translate into her professional success and leadership style. staircaseventures+3