Shirley Speakman

Shirley holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Waterloo, an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University, and ICD.d from the University of Toronto. Shirley Speakman was recognized as one of the Canada’s 'Clean16' and one of Canada’s 'Inspiring Fifty'.

Shirley has had a decades long career in venture capital in Canada.  She is recognized both nationally and internationally fo her leadership in climate invesmting.  Her experiences spans start ups to IPO and she now leads BDC's Climate and Sustainability venture capital funds; a $1.2B platform based on accelerating the scale up of Canadian entrepreneurs that solve meaningful problems.  Prior to her venture capital career she worked in investment banking and has had a strategic role in the formation of four seed funds created by the Royal Bank of Canada.  

As a member of Class 26, Shirley is serving her fellowship at Cycle Capital under the mentorship of Andree-Lise Methot.