Its mandate is to advise Praxis on how it can best leverage its strengths, while ensuring alignment with the Cure, Care and persons with lived experience (PLEX) initiatives.
Innovation Committee
The Innovation Committee guides the strategic direction of Praxis’ Innovation program activities.
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Nina Vellani, PhD
Co-Funder and Investor at E-Fund; Director, Founder and President at Nelsa Investments (VCC) Inc; Director, Treasurer and Founder at Natalus Life Sciences Capital Ltd.
Dr. Vellani stands as an innovative and dynamic business leader, uniquely blending an entrepreneurial mindset with a robust scientific background. With a proven track record, she has successfully transformed cutting-edge health research technologies into innovative therapies and played a pivotal role in the creation of new companies. As the founder of four Venture Capital Funds, Dr. Vellani has not only demonstrated her expertise as a seasoned investor but has also mentored numerous early-stage companies, guiding them through successful product and portfolio planning while securing essential seed and venture funding.
Her contributions extend beyond financial realms. Dr. Vellani is adept at strategic planning, fostering alliances, and cultivating strategic partnerships. She brings a profound passion to build, mentor, and inspire high-performing collaborations and teams. Her commitment lies in creatively advancing innovative therapies and technologies, steering the creation and acceleration of new companies, all while elevating stakeholder value.
Dr. Vellani possesses a keen ability to expedite business and project goals. This is driven by her in-depth understanding of scientific and operational needs, adept identification of barriers to success, and meticulous monitoring of execution, all while maintaining a strategic overview. Currently serving on the Board of VoxCell Bioinnovation, a leading Canadian 3D Bio-Printing company, she continues to contribute to the forefront of cutting-edge technologies.
Dr. Vellani earned her PhD from the Faculty of Medicine and B.Sc. from the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia. Beyond her professional pursuits, she channels her passion into various Charities/Non-Profit organizations. Dr. Vellani is actively engaged in Fund Raising Events, showcasing her commitment to making a positive impact beyond the boardroom.
Sean Gjos (Advisor)
Entrepreneur, Company Builder, Advisor
Sean Gjos provides fractional executive-level consulting services to emerging healthcare technology companies. Previously, he founded a mental health clinic and was a Partner in a private equity firm, where he helped healthcare service companies navigate the challenges of growth. Sean is also the honorary chairperson for SCORE Fund, a non-profit that assists people paralyzed while participating in sports. Sean earned a B.A. from Brown University, an M.B.A. from UCLA’s Anderson Graduate School of Management, and the ICD.D designation by completing the Institute of Corporate Directors Education Program.
Peter Guo, CPA, CA, CISA, CRISC, ABCP, ICD.D, MBA, BS
Partner, BC Enterprise Risk Services, MNP
Peter Guo leads the Enterprise Risk Services practice in British Columbia. Based in a Vancouver office, Peter provides risk management, consulting and assurance services to private and public organizations.
With 25 years of experience, Peter is comfortable in the boardroom and on the shop floor. He has delivered assignments involving governance, risk management, people, systems and processes, as well as regulatory compliance, enterprise risk, internal audit, IT audit, business process controls, privacy, IT threat and risk assessments and third-party control reports (CSAE 3416, SSAE16).
Prior to joining MNP, Peter was a partner at a Big Four firm, where he led the Systems and Process Assurance and Controls practice in B.C. He has developed and executed methodologies in CEO/CFO certification and project risk management and governance. With risk and controls expertise in large transformational projects, Peter provides clarity, recommendations and practical solutions to executive and board stakeholders in complex IT implementations, business process improvement initiatives, post-merger synergies, operational cost reductions and systems conversions.
A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA), Peter is a designated specialist in IT and IT audit (CITP, CISA). He holds the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP), Associate Business Continuity Professional (ABCP), and certified Board Director (ICD.D) designations.
Clay Horner
Retired Chairman at Woodbine Entertainment Retired Chair, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Clay Horner, a distinguished advisor in mergers and acquisitions, retired from Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP in 2018 after a remarkable career. He earned a national and international reputation for his expertise in guiding senior management and boards of directors of prominent public and private corporations through complex transactions. With extensive experience in cross-border deals, Clay acted on numerous significant transactions in collaboration with U.S. and international law firms and investment banks.
As the lead counsel for the “Wise Persons” committee, he played a pivotal role in recommending an improved securities regulatory system for Canada. Additionally, as a former managing partner of the New York office, he specialized in cross-border acquisitions, divestitures, and financing.
In recent years, Clay has embraced LinkedIn as a platform for sharing his insights, attracting thousands of impressions with his posts on topics ranging from the current state of M&A to leadership qualities and advice for law students and young lawyers.