Alberta Enterprise appoints Kristina Williams as President and CEO

EDMONTON, Sept. 23, 2014 /CNW/ - Alberta Enterprise Corporation today announced that it has appointed Interim Managing Director, Kristina Williams, as President and CEO. Williams has been with the company for five years and has an extensive background in the technology industry.

Alberta Enterprise, created by the Government of Alberta in 2008, is a key component of the Province's goal of building a more sustainable, diversified technology industry in Alberta, one where home-grown innovation is encouraged and technology entrepreneurs have greater access to venture capital.

To date, Alberta Enterprise has committed $90 million for investment to seven venture capital (VC) funds and the Accelerate Fund. By investing strategically, Alberta Enterprise has leveraged the $90 million into more than $765 million and forged connections with hundreds of other limited partners, portfolio companies and VC firms. Investments have been made in numerous innovation industries including communications technologies, clean and energy tech, and agriculture and food. The Alberta Enterprise VC funds and their syndicate partners have invested over $220 million in Alberta technology ventures.  Alberta Enterprise's investments in funds have generated more than three times the capital back into Alberta companies.

"We are very pleased to have appointed Kristina Williams to the position of President and CEO for Alberta Enterprise," commented Paul Haggis, Chair of the Board of Directors. "Her deep knowledge in the financing, legal and marketing of technology ventures and her expertise within the venture capital sector in the province are a great asset for the organization."

Prior to joining Alberta Enterprise Williams worked for numerous technology companies where her responsibilities spanned the spectrum of legal, regulatory, international and new business development, corporate strategic planning, intellectual property management, and marketing and sales. Kristina holds an MBA from the University of Alberta, a Master of Laws from the University of Uppsala, and accreditation for the Venture Capital Executive Program from the University of California, Berkeley - Walter A. Haas School of Business. Furthermore, in 2010, Kristina was named one of Edmonton's Top 40 under 40.

Said Williams, "I am honoured to be appointed to my new position at Alberta Enterprise by the Board and look forward to continuing to foster the growth of a local venture capital community and their investments into innovation and technology in the province of Alberta, creating jobs and contributing to diversifying Alberta's economy."

About Alberta Enterprise: www.alberta-enterprise.ca 

Alberta Enterprise promotes the development of Alberta's venture capital industry by investing in venture capital funds that finance early stage technology companies. Launched with a $100 million investment from the Government of Alberta, Alberta Enterprise focuses on funds that have a strong commitment to Alberta – including a full-time presence in the province.  

In addition to capital, the organization also supports Alberta's venture capital ecosystem by connecting investors, entrepreneurs, and experience technology investors who share our passion for building a bright, innovative Alberta.

SOURCE: Alberta Enterprise Corporation

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