Early Stage Advisor

EARLY STAGE ADVISOR 

We are seeking an experienced entrepreneur to join Invest Ottawa's talented team of Advisors. This Early-Stage Advisor will assist early-stage startups  (primarily those in the IO Ignition and IO Flex programs) in building the foundations of their business.

Our Companies

The IO Ignition companies are at the earliest stage of building their business. They are generally first-time founders that are eager to learn and join the startup community. The stage of product can range from an idea scribbled on a napkin to a fully functioning prototype. Similarly, some founders will have never spoken to a customer while others are making early sales. They rarely have a team of employees, so the founder must learn how to prioritize competing demands while setting the foundations for success.

Our companies are seeking the ultimate generalist, who can share their experiences (the good and the bad) from their entrepreneurship journey and help our founders make informed business decisions. They are looking for advice on validating the problem they have identified, getting substantial customer feedback, building a tech product, accessing early funding, hiring their first employees and building an online presence. They want to be held accountable with actionable takeaways to push their vision forward.

Our Advisors

Our Advisors are independent contractors typically with their own thriving consulting practices. They are available between 15-20 hours per month and paid the standard advisor rate of $150/hour. Please note that these hours are not guaranteed and will depend on client demand each month, which will enable you to participate in meetings with Invest Ottawa team members, and to attend key events.

Reporting to Invest Ottawa's Director, Venture Programs, the Early-Stage Advisor will support clients by:

• Providing direct one-on-one advisory to founders of early-stage tech startups
• Assess a client's candidacy for the IO Ignition, and if not ready, suggest next steps to improve
• Report on client feedback and trends to help enhance our programs and services
• Log hours spent advising companies and document their meeting notes in Microsoft Dynamics
• Be called upon to participate in round table groups or to facilitate small group workshops on specific topics
• Facilitate introductions or connections between our client companies and to our sponsors when appropriate for the company's benefit
• Suggest tools and resources to clients depending on their stage and needs

We would love to hear from you if you:

• Previously founded and ran a successful tech or tech-enabled startup or was a early member of a successful tech or tech-enabled startup
• Are familiar with the first steps in starting a company and validating the problem through customer discovery, lean startup and initial growth strategies
• Have demonstrated experience as a leader, advisor and/or mentor
• Ability to quickly assess companies challenges and provide appropriate, on the spot guidance
• Strong emotional intelligence with the ability to build trusting relationships, and strong communication skills (especially as a great listener)
• Are passionate about seeing founders succeed but are willing to have difficult conversations to help the founder grow
• Are predominantly located in the Ottawa region and can attend in-person meetings and events at times
• Bilingualism (English and French) is an asset

When applying, please highlight a list of early-stage firms you have worked with previously in advising formally or informally as an advisor or consultant.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards, we know that diversity, equity, inclusion and creating an environment of belonging are critical success factors for globally competitive organizations and are required to drive sustainable wealth creation and prosperity across our region. We strive to create inclusive systems and cultures and infuse diversity into our programs, operations and governance. As an equal opportunity employer that doesn't simply accept difference but celebrates, support and thrives because of it, we invite all qualified candidates to apply and especially encourage applications from those who identify as members of underrepresented groups.

Invest Ottawa is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds who are inspired by our mission to shape Ottawa's economic future.

Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards are determined to provide a barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you require accommodation during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact to request specialized accommodation. Do know, all information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Join us in driving Ottawa's leadership in innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth