Janet Bannister

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Janet is the Managing Partner at Real Ventures, one of Canada’s largest early-stage venture capital firms. Real is a leading source of capital for entrepreneurs who are building the next generation of leading tech companies. Janet has led investments in over a dozen companies and works actively with founders to help them build large, industry-defining companies. As Managing Partner, Janet sets the strategy for the firm, leads investor relationships, and oversees all firm operations.

In addition, Janet is very active in the Canadian tech ecosystem; she is on the Board of Communitech in Waterloo, Vector Institute in Toronto and C100. She is also an active advisor at DMZ, Creative Destruction Lab and the Research Board of the University Health Network.

In 2004, Janet launched Kijiji.ca and grew it to become one of the most visited websites in Canada. Subsequently, she led the Kijiji Global business, launching the site in new countries and accelerating growth in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Janet also spent four years at eBay in Silicon Valley where she helped transform eBay from a Collectibles to a mainstream marketplace.

Janet started her career as a Brand Manager at Procter & Gamble and then joined McKinsey & Co. where she was an Engagement Manager. She also founded and built a successful consulting business and was CEO at a venture-backed start-up prior to joining Real Ventures.

Janet was a varsity long-distance runner and competed internationally in triathlons. Today she balances her active lifestyle with being a wife and mother to her 15-year-old son.