As 2020 approaches its last few months, Genesis, Memorial University’s Innovation Hub for high-growth, technology ventures, warmly welcomes two experienced new additions to its board of directors.

On September 30th, the Board of Regents at Memorial University appointed Valerie Fox and Karl Smith to the board of directors of Genesis Group Inc.

Valerie Fox is the co-founder and former Executive Director of the Digital Media Zone (DMZ), Ryerson University’s world-leading incubator for technology startups in Canada. She was responsible for executing its development and growth, as well as facilitating the growth of the Zone Experience Model, which is being sought by numerous universities around the world. The DMZ is one of the most talked about tech incubators in Canada, attracting and fostering the growth of over 190 companies with over 1900 associated jobs in just 5 years. It’s been ranked #1 university business incubator in North America and #3 in the World. Valerie Fox has since transitioned from her role as DMZ’s Executive Director to entrepreneur, launching The Pivotal Point, which brings the magic of the hugely successful DMZ incubator and Zone experience at Ryerson University to other academic institutions, corporations and regions that are looking to move into enable communities to thrive the digital age.

“It’s a special honour to join the Genesis Board” remarked Fox. “Genesis has already done so much for the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and I’m thrilled to be welcomed into supporting their plans for the future.”

Karl Smith (MUN B.Comm 81’) is well-known in the local Newfoundland & Labrador business community, having spent a massively successful 30-year career with Fortis, most prominently in the role of Chief Financial Officer. Thanks in large part to his contributions, Fortis grew from a small group of under ten employees to the largest investor-owned gas and electric distribution utility company in Canada and now among the top 15 in North America, with $1 billion in adjusted net earnings in 2017. After concluding his time with Fortis in 2018, Karl continues to be committed to numerous community initiatives, including MUN’s Faculty of Business Advisory Board, Junior Achievement, and Young Adult Cancer Canada. He is also enthusiastic about helping local startups and small business thrive.

“I am very excited and enthused to join the Board of Genesis” said Smith. “It has been an exciting few years for the Centre and I sense that there is so much opportunity ahead. Genesis is such an important part of the startup community in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Smith and Fox join a highly experienced board at Genesis, representing a unique cross-section of industry, academia and not-for-profit talent. The board helps to set the strategic direction for the Genesis team and has played a pivotal role in the expansion of the organization and the growth of its client base.

“The board of directors at Genesis is thrilled to have Valerie and Karl join. Their experience and guidance at the board table will go a long way in helping Genesis achieve its mission of helping to build amazing technology companies in Newfoundland and Labrador. “

About Genesis

Genesis, established in 1997, exists to help build amazing companies. Genesis clients and graduates have raised more than $615 million in private investment, generate more than $200 million in annual revenues and have created more than 2000 jobs. Genesis alumni are among some of the top companies in Canada, including Verafin, Rutter, Mysa, Virtual Marine and Genoa Design. To learn more about Genesis and its innovative programming, visit https://www.genesiscentre.ca/.

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For more information, please contact Annagray Campbell, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Genesis, at acampbell@genesiscentre.ca.