A Venture Development Bank™️

Def: nurtures early-stage ventures for long-term success. Leading a process to manage risk and diligently prepare companies, a Venture Development Bank fosters alignment between the company and its capital providers, heightening the chance of a successful outcome.

OUR WHY

Success favours the most diligently prepared.

We saw a gap in the market for start-ups and early-stage companies. These companies often have great potential to realize their vision but struggle to access and communicate with investors. Our programs provide a structured approach with hands-on support and guidance for founders, allowing them to focus on running their business. Meanwhile, investors benefit from our thorough vetting process, giving them confidence in any venture featured on our site.

Front view of two business people working at a computer in office

19

ventures have completed FlightPlan™

15

ventures have proceeded to a capital raise

$136

million in total funds raised for Tailwind clients since 2022

91%

of ventures selected for a capital raise have successfully secured funding

Our Crew

Darren Engels

Darren Engels, CPA CA, CFA

Chief Engagement Officer

Dreamer, Leader & Adventure Seeker
Darren has over 20 years of business development, strategy, financial and investment experience in a variety of industries and technologies, with a focus on early-stage growth companies. Prior to starting Tailwind in 2018, he worked for a prominent investment bank, where he gained significant knowledge and connections that are now being utilized with Tailwind’s client companies. He holds a Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Darren finds happiness on two wheels, and while being a professional cyclist is no longer in the cards, he does hope to complete many bike adventures across the world with his two daughters.
Spencer Gunning

Spencer Gunning, CBV

Vice President

Captain of Scaling Strategy
Spencer brings extensive background in banking, corporate development, and investor relations to provide value to Tailwind’s portfolio companies, with a strong foundation in financial analysis, deal structuring, and strategic planning. Before coming to Tailwind, Spencer spearheaded corporate development and investor relations initiatives for a TSX-listed company and worked at a reputable Western Canadian bank in both leveraged debt finance and investment banking roles. Holding a Chartered Business Valuator designation, Spencer provides a distinct perspective on business valuation for Tailwind's companies. Outside of work, Spencer finds himself hitting the links, tending the hockey net, or organizing games of spikeball with friends at Prince's Island Park.
Jenny McLean

Jenny McLean

Chief Marketing Officer

Andrea Engels

Human Resources

Crew & Culture Champion
Andrea takes care of our growing Tailwind crew, ensuring that Tailwind is the best place to work. When not supporting our thriving crew, Andrea is a dedicated Mom, managing a busy household of two active teenage daughters and two dogs with her husband, Darren. Andrea is clearly the person who keeps it all together, for which Darren is forever grateful. Andrea loves home design, cooking and spending time in sunny vacation spots with her family.
Harry Evans

Harry Evans

Associate

Master of Finance & Farming
With a background in finance and a strong interest in agriculture and experiencing cultures around the world, Harry brings a passionate outlook on new technology and emerging sectors. Harry is responsible for working closely with management teams, using his personal and technical skillset to instil a comprehensive level of preparation in companies before seeking external capital. Harry envisions himself as an extravagant world traveller, having sampled some of the finest foods and beverages across Europe before joining Tailwind. Harry has big goals of shooting under par and owning an F1 team in the near future.
Raj Chitroda

Raj Chitroda

Associate

Vibe Checker for Venture Deals
Raj is a fourth-year Bachelor of Commerce student at the Haskayne School of Business, pursuing a major in finance and a minor in data science. Prior to joining Tailwind, he gained experience at Western Canada’s first university-based venture capital fund and at a global venture development organization. Raj leverages his background and passion for business and tech to help Tailwind’s clients prepare for investment and growth. In his spare time, he enjoys NBA basketball, R&B/hip-hop music, films, and reading.
Leyla Khasanova

Leyla Khasanova

Associate

Meet Our Aviators

Our Aviators are a group of experienced entrepreneurs, business executives, venture capitalists, and angel investors who have joined our PaperPlane Projects stream to mentor and guide the next generation of founders.

Neeraj Gupta

Serial Entrepreneur | Investor

Jamie Ha

Executive | CFO | Fintech

Kevin Lo

Executive | Technology | Finance | Investor

Melanie McClare

Entrepreneurial Mindfulness | Start-Up Lover

Martin Molyneaux

Finance | Strategy | Advisor | Investor

Raj Singh

Founder | CEO

A smiling team member, Raj Chitroda, sits in the Tailwind office

Want to join our Crew?

We’re always on the lookout for smart, passionate people. If this is you, send us your resume and we’ll take a look!