Our Leadership
Meet some of the team helping us transform Canadian innovation.
Sid Paquette is the Head of RBCx – the technology and innovation arm of RBC dedicated to helping Canadian tech and life sciences companies scale across every stage of their growth journey.
In this role, Sid is responsible for transforming the way Canada’s largest financial institution supports the unique banking, capital and operational needs of innovative tech founders as they bring their bold ideas to life. He leads a highly specialized platform of advisors and technical experts who help companies scale by connecting them to the most relevant advice, ecosystem partners, and financial solutions. As part of his mandate, Sid also has oversight of RBCx’s growing in-house portfolio of companies, which include Dr.Bill, Ownr, Mydoh, and Houseful.
Prior to RBCx, Sid was a Managing Partner of one of the largest Canadian venture capital firms where he led several multi-stage investments in high-growth technology companies. As a serial tech investor and disruptor at heart, he is deeply engaged in the North American tech and innovation ecosystem. He has been an avid supporter of tech entrepreneurs and innovators through his various roles as an investor and board member of several scaling tech companies, including 360insights, Klue, League, and Xanadu.
Sid holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from York University, Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Osgoode Hall Law School, Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Master of Taxation (MTax) from the University of Waterloo.
Tony leads our national technology and innovation banking practice, supporting tech companies of all sizes, across all startup stages. He provides strategic oversight of product and market development, and heads our national relationship management and credit advisory teams.
Prior to RBC, Tony was the Managing Director for Silicon Valley Bank, focused on helping technology companies thrive in Canada’s growing innovation economy. Previously, Tony managed SVB’s Eastern Cleantech practice and worked with technology companies under $100M. Prior to this role, Tony managed SVB’s Southeast Asset Based Lending Group.
Over the course of more than twenty years supporting the tech ecosystem, Tony has provided a variety of financing solutions to technology companies at every stage.
Shikha leads Strategy and Investments at RBCx, driving strategic growth and innovation for RBC businesses and portfolio companies. Shikha and her team identify market opportunities aligned with RBC’s objectives and directs capital into high-potential funds and early-stage tech ventures. Shikha also leads the Crypto and Decentralized Strategy team at RBCx, focused on equipping RBC and building the capabilities necessary to harness the potential of decentralized finance.
Previously, Shikha co-founded Arrive, one of RBC’s pioneering in-house organic ventures. Arrive is a digital platform dedicated to supporting newcomers with the tools and information needed to transition successfully to Canada. Under her leadership, Arrive expanded to three countries, empowered over 200,000 newcomers, and established itself as RBC’s first pre-arrival newcomer service.
With 15+ years in financial services, Shikha excels in digital transformation, strategy development, and program delivery. She holds a BBA and MBA from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. A former Team Canada rhythmic gymnast, Shikha now mentors young athletes.
Jordan is the Interim CEO of Ownr, a comprehensive digital platform designed to streamline a small business owner’s journey across registration, incorporation, and ongoing compliance. Jordan’s experience spans progressive roles in strategic partnerships, product management, and financial services, which has enabled him to effectively position Ownr as a leading tool for 200,000+ Canadian entrepreneurs. Jordan also led the launch RBC’s first commercial insurance agency through Ownr Insurance, helping to democratize access to small business insurance coverage for early stage entrepreneurs.
Jordan holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University, and is driven by developing talent, fostering strategic collaborations, and leveraging technology to deliver exceptional client experiences.
Laverna leads the Operations & Strategic Initiatives team and is responsible for driving strategy development and execution, effective operations, enablement, finances, and risk management for RBCx. She also oversees several RBCx Centres of Expertise, including data, analytics, and customer experience.
With over a decade of experience in Capital Markets, banking product management, regulatory strategy, and operations, Laverna is a proven, results-driven leader delivering business growth, efficiencies, and enhanced client and employee experiences. Through her leadership, her teams have achieved workforce efficiencies benefiting 4,000+ operations agents and have transformed digital and automation capabilities for investment and credit products. Laverna also played a key role in overseeing the data migration and integration of operational processes for RBC in its acquisition of the former HSBC Bank of Canada.
Prior to joining RBC, Laverna worked at the Ontario Securities Commission and at a national law firm. She holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) from McGill University, as well as a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Queen’s University.
Sandra is a strategic and collaborative senior HR professional with over 25+ years of experience in large Canadian financial institutions. As the Head of HR for RBCx, she leads a team focused on leadership & talent activities, partnering with senior executives to develop workforce strategies and provide talent advice to drive business outcomes.
Sandra joined RBC as part of the HSBC Canada acquisition in 2024. She held progressively senior roles in Human Resources, including most recently as Head of HR for Commercial Banking and Capital Markets for 10 years. She holds a BA in Sociology & Criminology from Carleton University and an Advanced Human Resources Management certificate from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management.
Shane is CEO of Ownr, an RBCx company that makes it easy and affordable for entrepreneurs to incorporate, register and confidently handle ongoing legal compliance. Shane was previously Co-Founder of Founded Technologies, a legal-technology startup that served lawyers and small business owners before it was acquired by RBCx in 2020.Shane joined Ownr as its Chief Operating Officer following the acquisition and played a key role as it grew to serve over 100,000 Canadian entrepreneurs.
Prior to starting a technology company, Shane was a litigation lawyer who appeared at all levels of court in Ontario. He holds law degrees from McGill University, and a master’s degree from the London School of Economics.
David leads the Credit Advisory group within the Banking pillar, responsible for overseeing financing solutions and portfolio management for clients across the tech and innovation ecosystem.
With over 20 years of financing experience, David has held various positions working in venture capital, private debt, the advisory practice of an international accounting firm and M&A for one of Canada’s largest software companies. Prior to joining RBCx, David was a VP in RBC’s Capital Partners group.
David has an Honours BA from Wilfrid Laurier University, an MBA (Finance) from the University of Alberta and is a CMA, CPA.
Nicole is the Head of Platform at RBCx, the technology banking and innovation arm of the Royal Bank of Canada. In this role, Nicole is responsible for creating the overall marketing strategy, and leads a nationwide team of marketing leaders across Canada. Nicole and her team are focused on driving forward the RBCx mission of being a true partner for technology companies from startup to IPO by building meaningful programs and opportunities to connect, inspire and support founders and investors. Nicole also serves as an advisor to late-stage technology clients within the banking practice in addition to the technology companies within the RBCx Ventures portfolio.
Previously, Nicole was the Director of Community at OMERS Ventures, the venture investing arm of the Ontario Municipal Employee Retirement System. She was responsible for the development of the marketing and communications strategy and execution as the firm scaled across North America. Prior to joining OMERS, Nicole spent nearly a decade in digital marketing and communications across a variety of sectors, including technology, media and finance.
Nicole has experience across a wide range of marketing disciplines and strategy, including event management, lead generation, public and investor relations, partnerships, branding and performance. She is an active mentor to women in tech to bolster the next generation of marketing leaders. In her spare time, Nicole likes to play hockey with her friends and family and take road trips on her motorcycle.
Maris holds a Masters Degree in Globalization Studies from McMaster University, and is passionate about advancing system-level change that improves the day-to-day experience of clinicians and contributes to a more sustainable publicly funded healthcare system.
Shohreh Mouri is the VP of Ventures Technology at RBCx, responsible for the technology build, delivery, and operation of all Ventures technology. She also sits on the RBCx Senior Management Team (SMT), providing technology leadership and direction for RBCx’s tech banking practice, including the RBCx Platform.
Prior to this role, Shohreh led the strategic direction, modernization, and implementation of technology for RBC’s Advice Centers. Her work spanned conversational AI for voice and chat, call management, advisor desktop, fraud prevention, voice biometrics, workforce management, and other technologies supporting over 7,500 advisors and more than 70 million interactions per year.
Shohreh is also the co-Lead of RBC’s Women in T&O Employee Resource Group, where she is committed to fostering a supportive environment for womens career advancement and talent retention in technology and operations.
Ray is a Managing Director in RBCx’s Banking practice, leading a highly specialized team across Ontario.
With over 20 years of experience in banking, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his work within Canada’s tech ecosystem—supporting founders, scaling startups, and helping visionary entrepreneurs overcome critical challenges at every stage of growth.
Prior to pursuing a career in banking, Ray spent over six years as a restaurateur, where he developed a deep appreciation for entrepreneurship, operational excellence, and leadership under pressure.
Ray holds a degree in Business from McGill University and is originally from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. He is a proud ecosystem connector, who is driven by bridging people, capital, and opportunities to accelerate innovation and impact. Outside of work, he is a dedicated husband and father to three amazing daughters and draws constant inspiration from his wife Aniseh, whose support makes it all possible. He is also passionate about fitness and health, watching live NFL and UFC events, and is an avid podcast listener who is always looking to learn something new.
Angelique is the CEO of Mydoh, the money management app for kids and teens, empowering Canadian households with real-world money skills.
Angelique has been a member of the Mydoh leadership team for the last four years, most recently serving as the Chief Operating Officer. In this role, she was responsible for optimizing organizational structure, operations, culture and talent strategy which enables Mydoh to scale efficiently and without barriers. She has been an instrumental leader in defining the future vision of Mydoh and gaining strategic alignment with internal and external partners.
Prior to this Angelique was the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Mydoh and Head of Marketing for RBCx’s consumer venture portfolio. Under her leadership, she led the strategy and execution of Mydoh’s go-to-market launch while scaling Arrive to three countries, establishing it as the primary service for newcomers to Canada and RBC. Prior to joining RBCx, Angelique spent over 12 years building companies and brands strategically focused on the youth segment.
Katie is a strategic and versatile senior HR professional with 15+ years of cross-business experience in large Canadian financial institutions. As the Head of HR for RBCx, she leads a team focused on leadership & talent activities, partnering with senior executives to develop workforce strategies and provide talent advice to drive business outcomes.
Prior to joining RBCx, Katie held several senior HR and Marketing roles at RBC and other large corporations. As a runner who is passionate about youth, Katie gives back to the community as the Co-Chair for RBC Race for the Kids, a global initiative that brings communities together to run, walk, and wheel in support of youth charities.
Rebecca co-leads the Banking team’s Credit Advisory group overseeing the portfolio, with a specialized focus on our Life Sciences practice and its strategic product initiatives.Rebecca brings a wealth of credit advisory experience supporting startups and innovators in the highly specialized biotech segment.
Prior to joining RBCx, she worked at SVB Canada in their Life Sciences practice, supporting clients in the Canadian biotech ecosystem with bespoke debt solutions. Her deep ties with the life sciences sector also stems from previous roles in investment research and analysis at a private equity firm specializing in pharmaceutical royalty monetization, along with several Canadian biotech companies developing products for diabetes, endocrine disorders and infectious disease.
Rebecca holds a BSc in pharmacology and toxicology and an MBA from the University of Western Ontario. In her spare time, she volunteers for organizations that support women in STEM across all stages of their career journey.
Karen Starns is the CEO of Houseful (formerly OJO Canada), a powerful real estate platform helping more Canadians realize their home ownership goals by bringing together insights-based guidance, industry experts, and financial resource support.
Karen is an award-winning technology and real estate industry executive, formerly CMO of proptech startup OJO Labs. Her outstanding track record of building global brands, driving growth, and solving complex business challenges has been shaped by two leadership stints at Amazon, 13 years at Microsoft, and a global role at Pearson.
An active mentor of women and up-and-coming leaders, she is also a board member of the international nonprofit Miracle Foundation. Karen is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, a lecturer at the McCombs School of Business, and a Fast Company Executive board member.
Devon leads a highly specialized team across Western Canada to deliver industry-tailored capital financing, business advice, and solutions that go beyond traditional banking to support the growth of technology and innovation companies.
Devon is an accomplished leader, speaker, board member, and coach. She has over 15 years of experience in financial services and is a passionate connector and mentor within the tech ecosystem.
She was recognized as an Influential Woman in Finance by BCBusiness magazine, and volunteers at the UBC Sauder School of Business, as well as at TechWorks with Junior Achievement.
Alison leads a team of lawyers that support RBCx and RBC’s enterprise digital initiatives. With over 20 years of industry experience, Alison expertly enables her business partners to transform and deliver digital products and services. She also leverages her knowledge of emerging technologies to advise on innovative transaction structures and negotiate complex technology, M&A, and collaboration agreements.
Prior to joining RBC, Alison practiced corporate law at one of Canada’s leading law firms. Alison holds a BA from McMaster University and a LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School.
Lydia oversees the development and growth of our product offerings, including our product strategy, visioning, and execution from concept to delivery. Lydia brings over 25 years of expertise in envisioning, launching, and commercializing transformative product solutions across enterprise SaaS, financial services and consumer tech sectors for companies of all sizes and stages, from startups to Fortune 500.
She has led product strategy, engineering and design teams for brands including PayPal, Checkr Inc. and Adobe. Most recently, Lydia founded a business consulting firm, where she advised and often operated as the interim Chief Product Officer for Enterprise SaaS, consumer tech and financial services clients navigating critical periods of growth and product transformations.
A seasoned and strategic product executive, Lydia’s experience highlights a demonstrated ability to conceive and develop products from inception to market success while crafting long-term strategic plans that align internal and external stakeholders, driving revenue growth and scalability. She believes product innovation results from harmonizing technology, design, and business while focusing intensely on the client.
Lydia holds an MBA from Pepperdine University, a degree in Graphic Communications Management from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) and completed an Executive Education program from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Sarah is the CEO of Dr.Bill, a healthtech startup that makes billing easier for physicians. Sarah originally joined Dr.Bill as their Chief Operating Officer, and scaled the business to $1B+ in billings.
Previously, Sarah held a series of fintech roles at RBC across Canada and the U.S. in areas including innovation strategy, business development, product management, and M&A.
Sarah resides in Vancouver, and is a named inventor on three patents in the security and payments space.
Anne leads the Life Sciences practice at RBCx within the Banking pillar, overseeing a highly specialized team nationwide. Anne brings over 25 years of experience in life sciences and capital markets, with 15 years of consulting experience for pharma and biotech companies.An active member of the Canadian life sciences community, Anne sits on the boards of Life Sciences Ontario and the Ontario Biotech Innovation Organization, along with being a regular panelist and contributor to podcasts and various publications. She also offers coaching and advice to early-stage founders, reinforcing her passion for nurturing the ecosystem and enabling the next generation of changemakers to push their next breakthrough forward. In 2021, Anne was recognized with the LSO Volunteer of the Year award for her work in connecting founders with experienced executives.
Anne holds a BSc from McGill University, an MA in leadership at the University of Guelph, and became a CFA Charterholder in 2001.