Newsroom > Meet Filip Stoj: Director, Early Stage, Banking
Meet Filip Stoj: Director, Early Stage, Banking
Making Moves is a series that puts the spotlight on the people who drive our practice and our programs at RBCx. From ecosystem connectors to sector specialists, our people are integral to how we make moves in the tech and innovation ecosystem. Reach out to learn more.
If I had to describe my role at RBCx…
I lead the early-stage banking team, where we focus on advising, mentoring, supporting and providing cornerstone banking products and resources to early stage (i.e. pre-Series A) tech startups across Canada, as they embark on their journey through top accelerators and incubators to their first institutional venture capital (VC) equity raise.
If I had to describe myself in three words, they would be…
inquisitive, humorous, empathetic
If I had to summarize my career in three sentences…
I started my career as a CPA/CA at a public practice accounting firm, been a two-time startup co-founder, worked in private equity, as well as specialized lending (asset-based lending and leveraged finance). However, I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of finance and startups, having worked in venture debt financing for VC-backed early and growth stage tech startups. A pivotal role for me was advising early-stage startups at a large Canadian innovation hub that touches 1000+ startups across Canada, as it represented the shift from traditional finance to a greater focus on the startup ecosystem.
I made the move to RBCx because…
The RBCx platform is top-tier in the Canadian innovation ecosystem, and I’m very excited to continue building on that and being a part of RBCx’s commitment to backing Canada’s most promising tech startups.
I connect with the broader tech and innovation community by…
I volunteer with Junior Achievement of Central Ontario as a Company Program advisor, advising and mentoring a team of Toronto-area high school students each year that are interested in entrepreneurship and preparing them to build and launch a new startup company in 6 months.
People can always ask me about…
Reviewing startup pitch-decks or business models, general career advice, and working through tough decisions by seeing both sides.
If I had to recommend a podcast, book or show to binge, it would be…
Silicon Valley, a TV series originally on HBO – it’s six seasons (2014 – 2019) of comedy gold about a misfit group of startup co-founders and the broader tech industry in Silicon Valley. Also, I would always recommend the Simpsons – it’s a classic, and still makes me laugh after 30+ seasons.
When I’m in the wild, you can find me…
Playing with my 2.5 year-old daughter, and exploring her favourite playgrounds in the neighbourhood.