IDG Investment Club #3 2019

Transform VC, is a founder centric, Silicon Valley fund. Founded by Raed A. Masri, a serial Canadian founder & YPO’er (with two 20x outcomes and 3 failures). Transform VC's investing track record is 85% IRR and 10x MOIC.In Canada, Raed founded SkySurf, the exclusive operator responsible for inflight internet across Canada exiting to GoGo Inflight, the world’s largest inflight wi-fi provider. In America, Raed became a Silicon Valley insider, as a VC and institutional LP in San Francisco having evaluated 300+ funds and 600+ startups and invested in 11 funds and 14 startups.

Thomas is a biotechnology engineer born in Paris and completed his Masters in engineering at Polytech School Studies in Marseille. Thomas has published an article in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics and is a leading voice in biotechnology engineering. Previously Thomas worked at Sartorius Stedim Biotech in the Department of Engineering Production. He then worked in the Czech Republic for one of the largest producers of microalgae in Europe at the Algatech Centre. Thomas commenced at Life Cykel in 2016, focussing on the process optimisation of medicinal mushrooms production from coffee waste and the application of mushroom biotechnology to produce high margin products to solve global issues, leading to the filing of four patents. One of those being the process extraction technology of specific strains of medicinal mushrooms to improve animal health and solve antimicrobial resistance in the farming industry.

Key is creating a world where people can own and thrive. Key buys entire pre-construction condo developments, delivers a community/tech-centric living experience and allows residents to become homeowners for only $25k. Key offers the benefits of ownership – an equity investment and secure tenancy – with all the freedoms of renting. Key is acquiring a $2B pipeline of multi-residential projects including its flagship location which will be an over 700-unit high-rise in the heart of Toronto.

Todd founded MIH/Vertical Companies in 2014, which was one of the first, and now largest, vertically integrated companies in the legal cannabis industry. He built a world class executive team of entrepreneurs and business leaders from the alcohol, agriculture, CPG, distribution, entertainment, food, healthcare, and medical industries. For over four decades, Todd has constructed multiple successful businesses employing thousands of people. He has founded, run and sold a series of successful health care ventures most recently Advantage Health Surgical Centers, All State Medical Inc, Mediscore, and Sleep Services. Todd has been an active member and leader of Young President’s Organization (YPO). He taught classes at the 2008 YPO Global Leadership Conference (GLC) in Sydney, Australia then elevated to chair the Summit at the 2012 GLC in Singapore. In 2013, Todd learned about the cannabis industry at a YPO event. This was the spark that inspired him to build yet another company from the ground up. Todd has also contributed time and effort to his community by serving on the board of directors for the Ventura County Council of The Boy Scouts of America, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Big Brothers and the Sherman Oaks Grossman Burn Center.

Mr. Small is the founder of SANTÉ Realty Investments. Prior to starting SANTÉ Realty Investments, he founded, ran and sold a property management company in the U.S. Mr. Small raised millions in growth capital, systematized the business, and sold it for a profit. During his tenure at this company, he oversaw the property management for 10,000 residential units valued at over $2.5 billion. His educational background includes an MBA from Thunderbird International School of Management where he graduated with honors and a Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University. Mr. Small’s professional accomplishments also include the “Top 35 Under 35″ Arizona Republic Entrepreneurial Award and the “Top 40 Under 40″ Phoenix Business Journal Leadership Award. He currently resides in Tempe, Arizona with his wife and 3 children. Mr Small speaks fluent French.

Niall Phelan has over 20 years experience in FMCG including the last 13 years in alcoholic beverages. He previously worked on start ups and business transformation projects for Molson Coors, Nestle and Brewdog internationally, Niall brings a wealth of global experience to the Province Brands team. Niall exited his own brewing business through a private equity raise in 2016. Niall has a Higher Qualifications in Marketing from DTU (Dublin) and Post Graduate Diplomas in Business, Leadership, Sustainability and Organisational Design from University of Cumbria and Robert Kennedy College (Switzerland). This is Niall's 4th start up, following 3 Business turnaround projects. His previous roles range from Sales, Commercial and Marketing to CEO and he has worked on International Brands for Red Bull, Molson Coors and Nestle. Niall has held Board Positions in Molson Coors (stg£1bn T/0) , Nestle (stg£1bn T/O) , Richmond Marketing (€100m T/O) , Rye River Brewing (€10m T/O) and Primeline (€300m T/O)

Mr. Shetty joined FURA in January 2017 as President and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining FURA, Mr. Shetty was the group chief operating officer and board member of Gemfields Plc. He was instrumental in leading Gemfields to become the world’s largest colour gemstone company from 2009 to 2016. Mr Shetty played a vital role in developing the world’s largest producing emerald mine in Zambia and the greenfield ruby project in Mozambique, which is believed to be the largest ruby deposit in the world. Previously, Mr. Shetty gained valuable experience in the fields of start-ups, mergers and acquisitions, business turnaround, project management, strategy and finance during his tenure with a private equity firm and a manufacturing company. Mr. Shetty graduated from Mumbai University and is a qualified chartered accountant.