Karl Theard is the Managing Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada, where he leads highly specialized teams in both regions to address the needs of growth stage founders.
With more than a decade of experience working in the tech banking sector, Karl’s portfolio includes a diverse set of growth stage, mid-market companies across Canada. From financing, to market analytics and investments, he has served as a strategic advisor to founders and operators as they navigate barriers to growth within Canada’s evolving innovation ecosystem. Prior to RBCx, Karl has held a variety of leadership positions in tech banking. Notably, he was part of the founding team that launched the tech lending practice at BDC to provide specialized support to high-growth companies, which has only deepened his commitment to supporting the innovation economy. At Desjardins Capital, he managed the VC practice alongside multiple business unit leaders, targeting early stage companies as an advisor on specialized financing structures. He was also the first Quebec-based employee at Silicon Valley Bank Canada, where he established business operations in a new market.
Outside of work, Karl is an avid globe trotter.
Karl holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting from HEC Montréal.