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

18

ventures have completed FlightPlan™

14

ventures have proceeded to a capital raise

$95

million in total funds raised for Tailwind clients since 2022

90%

of ventures selected for a capital raise have successfully secured funding

Our Crew

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.

Mark Jackson, MBA, CFA

Principal

Mission Control to Major Growth
Mark leverages his past investor relations and financial advisory experience as he works with our portfolio companies. He has over 15 years of business, financial and investment experience, working with companies in various industries. He oversees our team as we work with our entrepreneurial partners to achieve their goals. Before joining Tailwind, Mark managed investor relations and business development for a TSX listed company, and prior to that worked at two prominent investment banks in London, England, and Calgary, Canada. Mark received his HBA and MBA degrees from the Ivey School of Business and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. Mark could teach a Masterclass in spreadsheet financial modelling, as well as hitting golf balls out of any sand trap.

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.

Jenna Jackson, CPA, CA

Director, Finance

Balancing Books & Balancing Minds
Jenna has over 15 years of business, accounting, compliance and reporting, problem solving and risk management experience.  Previously, Jenna held various roles in risk management and financial reporting at a Canadian energy infrastructure company. She also worked at Ernst & Young in London, Ontario, where she obtained her Chartered Accountant designation.  Jenna is an active participant and volunteer within the Calgary area community.

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

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

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.

Cole Flemons

Analyst

Solutions & Storytelling Architect
Cole Flemons is a graduate from the University of Calgary with a bachelor’s in business management and applied energy in economics. Prior to joining Tailwind, Cole gained experience at a consulting firm where he led M&A due diligence processes and performed valuation work on potential acquisition targets. Cole leverages his previous business experience with his passion for finance to assist Tailwind’s portfolio companies prepare for investment and growth. Away from work, Cole can be found either on the golf course, in the lineup at Chipotle, or watching the San Francisco 49ers make their quest towards another Super Bowl.

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!