The Carlu
The Carlu
The Automotive Building at Exhibition Grounds
Canada's largest program for middle-market dealmakers, features pre-scheduled meetings hosted by Investment Banks and M&A Advisory firms wi...
The Automotive Building at Exhibition Grounds
The Automotive Building at Exhibition Grounds
The 23rd edition of CAPITAL CONNECTION, hosted by ACG Toronto, returns on November 18th. As the longest running national conference serving...
The Automotive Building at Exhibition Grounds
The Automotive Building at Exhibition Grounds, Ballroom
The 23rd edition of CAPITAL CONNECTION, hosted by ACG Toronto, returns on November 18th. As the longest running national conference serving ...
The Automotive Building at Exhibition Grounds, Ballroom
The Automotive Building at Exhibition Grounds
Join ACG for a closing reception at The Automotive Building at Exhibition Place
The Automotive Building at Exhibition Grounds
Capital Connection Overview as of Oct 15 2025 (pdf)
DownloadAdam joined ONCAP in 2010 and leads its investing efforts within the Services vertical, including serving on the boards of tech-enabled service businesses Data Driven Holdings, Wyse Meter Solutions and Edvisor, and education businesses Right at School and the International Language Academy of Canada. In addition, he chairs the investment
Adam joined ONCAP in 2010 and leads its investing efforts within the Services vertical, including serving on the boards of tech-enabled service businesses Data Driven Holdings, Wyse Meter Solutions and Edvisor, and education businesses Right at School and the International Language Academy of Canada. In addition, he chairs the investment committee and is active in fundraising with limited partners.
Prior to joining ONCAP, Adam worked in equity capital markets as well as mergers and acquisitions at UBS.
Andrew Walton is the President & Managing Partner of Ironbridge Equity Partners, a Toronto based private equity firm. Ironbridge focuses on Canadian head-officed businesses in traditional industries including manufacturing, distribution and services. He has over 30 years of experience in private equity investing, portfolio company leaders
Andrew Walton is the President & Managing Partner of Ironbridge Equity Partners, a Toronto based private equity firm. Ironbridge focuses on Canadian head-officed businesses in traditional industries including manufacturing, distribution and services. He has over 30 years of experience in private equity investing, portfolio company leadership as a CEO and CFO, and corporate advisory. Andrew is a Chartered Accountant (SAICA), holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and Accounting Honours from the University of Cape Town.
Mr. Ensminger-Law is a managing director and portfolio manager in the New York office. His responsibilities include sourcing and underwriting specialty finance and asset-based investments in the U.S. Prior to joining PIMCO in 2018, he was an analyst at Claren Road with a focus on structured credit and specialty finance investments. Mr. En
Mr. Ensminger-Law is a managing director and portfolio manager in the New York office. His responsibilities include sourcing and underwriting specialty finance and asset-based investments in the U.S. Prior to joining PIMCO in 2018, he was an analyst at Claren Road with a focus on structured credit and specialty finance investments. Mr. Ensminger-Law previously worked at Citigroup in the U.S. and Asia, focusing on structured finance, securitized products, and credit derivatives. He began his career at MMC, where he worked in a variety of roles focused on structured insurance and reinsurance transactions.
Benjamin is a member of the CIBC economic team that is responsible for analyzing macro-economic developments and their implications for fixed income, equity, foreign exchange and commodities markets. He also acts in an advisory capacity to bank officers on issues related to wealth management, household/corporate credit and risk.
Cameron Vernest is the Managing Partner at Spearhead Corp Dev, a buy-side advisory firm based in Toronto. Spearhead is the preferred partner of some of the most seasoned PE investors and strategic acquirers looking to supercharge their top-of-funnel deal flow. Cameron brings over a decade of experience from Shopify, TradeGecko, and BlackB
Cameron Vernest is the Managing Partner at Spearhead Corp Dev, a buy-side advisory firm based in Toronto. Spearhead is the preferred partner of some of the most seasoned PE investors and strategic acquirers looking to supercharge their top-of-funnel deal flow. Cameron brings over a decade of experience from Shopify, TradeGecko, and BlackBerry, where he led international expansion and strategic initiatives across emerging and developed markets.
Chi Lee is a member of the CIBC Asset Management Global Fixed Income team and is responsible for managing the firm’s private credit platform.
Mr. Lee started his career with CIBC in Leveraged Finance in 2013 where he was responsible for the origination, execution and management of a portfolio of leveraged loans. Prior to that, he has held
Chi Lee is a member of the CIBC Asset Management Global Fixed Income team and is responsible for managing the firm’s private credit platform.
Mr. Lee started his career with CIBC in Leveraged Finance in 2013 where he was responsible for the origination, execution and management of a portfolio of leveraged loans. Prior to that, he has held roles in Deloitte’s Transaction Advisory group and E&Y’s Assurance practice, and was also a former Managing Director, Sponsor Finance in another large Canadian financial institution.
Mr. Lee holds a BBA degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. He is also a Chartered Professional Accountant, Chartered Accountant, and Chartered Business Valuator.
Colin leads Leo Berwick’s Infrastructure and Energy Financial Advisory practice, which focuses on financial due diligence, financial modelling and integration & separation services specifically tailored to infrastructure and energy investors. Colin has more than 20 years of experience advising institutional and corporate clients on invest
Colin leads Leo Berwick’s Infrastructure and Energy Financial Advisory practice, which focuses on financial due diligence, financial modelling and integration & separation services specifically tailored to infrastructure and energy investors. Colin has more than 20 years of experience advising institutional and corporate clients on investments in infrastructure and energy assets throughout the Americas in a financial due diligence, commercial due diligence, modelling and lead financial advisory role.
Edgar Vergara is a Senior Director, Corporate Credit at La Caisse. In his role, he is responsible for originating, executing, and managing private credit investments in the U.S. and Canada. He also contributes to the Private Debt portfolio strategy.
Before joining La Caisse in 2024, Mr. Vergara spent 11 years at RBC Capital Markets, where
Edgar Vergara is a Senior Director, Corporate Credit at La Caisse. In his role, he is responsible for originating, executing, and managing private credit investments in the U.S. and Canada. He also contributes to the Private Debt portfolio strategy.
Before joining La Caisse in 2024, Mr. Vergara spent 11 years at RBC Capital Markets, where he oversaw the Canadian High Yield Debt Capital Markets platform and team, originating and structuring public and private debt for corporate clients. Previously, he worked as a Portfolio Manager at Stanton Asset Management, where he was responsible for North American high yield bonds and Canadian convertible debentures.
An experienced finance professional with strong financial analysis and credit structuring skills built over a ~20 year career across advisory, merchant banking and senior lending. Broad experience, having spent time in roles accountable for deal origination, relationship management, deal structuring, portfolio management, and strategic ov
An experienced finance professional with strong financial analysis and credit structuring skills built over a ~20 year career across advisory, merchant banking and senior lending. Broad experience, having spent time in roles accountable for deal origination, relationship management, deal structuring, portfolio management, and strategic oversight. A proven team leader with a demonstrated ability to drive revenue and develop talent.
Jared is co-head of Northleaf’s infrastructure investment program and a member of the Executive Committee. Jared oversees all aspects of Northleaf’s infrastructure investment activities, including transaction origination and execution, investor relations and business development, and is a member of the Infrastructure Investment Committee.
Jared is co-head of Northleaf’s infrastructure investment program and a member of the Executive Committee. Jared oversees all aspects of Northleaf’s infrastructure investment activities, including transaction origination and execution, investor relations and business development, and is a member of the Infrastructure Investment Committee. Jared leads Northleaf’s infrastructure investment activities in North America and acts as the Asset Manager for a number of Northleaf’s infrastructure investments, serving as a director on several asset-level boards.
As Managing Director, Group Head of Private Equity, Jennifer is responsible for the management and expansion of the firm’s private equity funds, as well as investor relations, team leadership and development, strategic planning, and operations. She is a member of the Fengate Executive and Investment Committees.
Prior to joining Fengate in
As Managing Director, Group Head of Private Equity, Jennifer is responsible for the management and expansion of the firm’s private equity funds, as well as investor relations, team leadership and development, strategic planning, and operations. She is a member of the Fengate Executive and Investment Committees.
Prior to joining Fengate in 2023, Jennifer was with CPP Investments for almost twelve years, most recently acting as Managing Director, Private Equity, leading coverage in the consumer sector. Prior to CPP Investments, Jennifer worked as a management consultant at the Boston Consulting Group where she advised a broad range of clients with a focus on financial institutions and consumer companies.
Jessica Rowe Bald is Managing Partner of RB Capital Family Office, where she leads strategic acquisitions in the development and construction industries. She has served on the Advisory Board of the Building Industry and Land Development (BILD) Association, reflecting her leadership in the sector. With more than 15 years of experience in t
Jessica Rowe Bald is Managing Partner of RB Capital Family Office, where she leads strategic acquisitions in the development and construction industries. She has served on the Advisory Board of the Building Industry and Land Development (BILD) Association, reflecting her leadership in the sector. With more than 15 years of experience in the built environment and energy sectors, Jessica has driven companies through growth stages and successful exits, including leading a renewable-energy utility recognized by The Globe and Mail as Canada’s fastest-growing company in 2023.
A proud Anishinaabe kwe from Treaty 3, Jody was born and raised in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, and is a proud member of Couchiching First Nation.
Jody Anderson is the Vice President of Partnerships, Strategy & Public Affairs at the First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA), where she plays a transformative role in advancing Indigenous-led econo
A proud Anishinaabe kwe from Treaty 3, Jody was born and raised in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, and is a proud member of Couchiching First Nation.
Jody Anderson is the Vice President of Partnerships, Strategy & Public Affairs at the First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA), where she plays a transformative role in advancing Indigenous-led economic growth across Canada. Her leadership reflects FNFA’s bold vision to accelerate community-driven development through strategic, investment-ready partnerships rooted in reconciliation and shared prosperity
Jon Shell is Chair of Social Capital Partners (SCP). SCP is an independently funded non-profit founded in 2001, whose mission is to build a more resilient economy through broad-based ownership and quality employment. SCP has led the advocacy for Employee Ownership Trusts in Canada and led the financing of the sale of Taylor Guitars to i
Jon Shell is Chair of Social Capital Partners (SCP). SCP is an independently funded non-profit founded in 2001, whose mission is to build a more resilient economy through broad-based ownership and quality employment. SCP has led the advocacy for Employee Ownership Trusts in Canada and led the financing of the sale of Taylor Guitars to its 1,400 workers in the US. Jon was co-founder and a member of the steering committee of the Canadian Employee Ownership Coalition and is a Board member of Employee Ownership Canada and the Canadian Anti-Monopoly Project. He co-founded Save Small Business in 2020 to fight for commercial rent relief in Canada during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Jon and Bill Young started The Ownership Fund in 2020 to invest in promising, scalable start-ups working on a broader distribution of ownership in the economy.
Kristine Robinson is a Director on the Private Capital Solutions team at PJT Park Hill and founder of Women in Private Capital Canada (“WPCC”). Prior to PJT, Kristine was an Investor Relations Manager at Coller Capital, focusing on secondaries fundraising. Before Coller, Kristine spent the majority of her career at Lazard, where she sat o
Kristine Robinson is a Director on the Private Capital Solutions team at PJT Park Hill and founder of Women in Private Capital Canada (“WPCC”). Prior to PJT, Kristine was an Investor Relations Manager at Coller Capital, focusing on secondaries fundraising. Before Coller, Kristine spent the majority of her career at Lazard, where she sat on both the Industrials M&A and Private Capital Advisory teams, ultimately specializing in secondary market transactions. Kristine holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Queen’s University and a Masters of Applied Economics from Johns Hopkins University.
Michael Hollend is a Partner at TorQuest, having joined in 2009. Prior to joining TorQuest, Michael was a Partner in the Venture Capital Funds of EdgeStone Capital Partners. Earlier in his career, Michael was with Goodmans LLP, where he established the Venture Group.
Outside TorQuest, Michael is a Director of Circle of Care, a Toronto-bas
Michael Hollend is a Partner at TorQuest, having joined in 2009. Prior to joining TorQuest, Michael was a Partner in the Venture Capital Funds of EdgeStone Capital Partners. Earlier in his career, Michael was with Goodmans LLP, where he established the Venture Group.
Outside TorQuest, Michael is a Director of Circle of Care, a Toronto-based not-for-profit community homecare organization. Michael previously served as a Director of the Canadian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association.
Mike is responsible for managing Cohere’s new investment development and evaluation initiatives for platforms and existing portfolio companies. He joined Cohere at its inception and has well over a decade of experience working with growth stage companies in multiple roles including transaction execution, operations, and business developme
Mike is responsible for managing Cohere’s new investment development and evaluation initiatives for platforms and existing portfolio companies. He joined Cohere at its inception and has well over a decade of experience working with growth stage companies in multiple roles including transaction execution, operations, and business development.
Prior to joining Cohere, Mike was Vice President of Operations at Shields Health Solutions where he focused on strategic growth, business development, and day-to-day operations serving the company’s health system customers
Mustafa Humayun is a Partner at Sagard Holdings and the Portfolio Manager of its Private Credit business. Prior to this role, he led CPPIB’s energy credit team in North America as well as its Latin American credit investment platform. Before that, Mustafa was an investment professional in the Special Situations Group at Goldman, Sachs & C
Mustafa Humayun is a Partner at Sagard Holdings and the Portfolio Manager of its Private Credit business. Prior to this role, he led CPPIB’s energy credit team in North America as well as its Latin American credit investment platform. Before that, Mustafa was an investment professional in the Special Situations Group at Goldman, Sachs & Co in New York. He is an experienced board member and is passionate about bringing this experience to non-profits. He is active with his alma mater at Queen's University where he is a member of its EDII task-force. He is a past recipient of Canada's Top 40 under 40 award.
Steve leads Leo Berwick’s Canadian M&A tax practice. Prior to joining Leo Berwick, Steven was a senior M&A tax partner at a Canadian Big 4 firm where he worked for over 30 years. He has advised a wide array of private equity and infrastructure clients on a number of transactions including acquisitions, divestitures, financings, and restru
Steve leads Leo Berwick’s Canadian M&A tax practice. Prior to joining Leo Berwick, Steven was a senior M&A tax partner at a Canadian Big 4 firm where he worked for over 30 years. He has advised a wide array of private equity and infrastructure clients on a number of transactions including acquisitions, divestitures, financings, and restructurings including. Steve’s infrastructure and infra-adjacent M&A tax advisory experience includes Fengate’s investment in eStruxture Data Centres, CVC DIF’s acquisition of Carma, Reliance Home Comfort’s acquisition of the water heater rental business of Just Energy, a pension fund investment in Highway 407, Corsair's acquisition of Vantage Airports, and a private equity bid for the Billy Bishop Airport Terminal.
Stuart Randell is the Director of Indigenous Equity Opportunities for MNP. Stuart brings extensive experience in financial advisory, having led numerous high-value transactions and strategic initiatives. His expertise includes business valuation, financial modeling, and investment strategy. At MNP, Stuart leverages his deep knowledge and
Stuart Randell is the Director of Indigenous Equity Opportunities for MNP. Stuart brings extensive experience in financial advisory, having led numerous high-value transactions and strategic initiatives. His expertise includes business valuation, financial modeling, and investment strategy. At MNP, Stuart leverages his deep knowledge and experience to provide tailored financial advisory services to First Nations, helping them achieve their financial goals and navigate complex financial landscapes.
Thomas is Managing Director of AltEx Capital. Thomas comes to AltEx most
recently from Scotiabank, where he was a Director of Private Equity. He has
over 15 years of experience in capital markets and investing, with a
particular focus on private equity investments.
Tori Buffery is a Principal, Secondary Private Equity, at Neuberger Berman. Prior to joining Neuberger in September 2025, Tori led a dedicated secondaries strategy at Nicola Wealth, where she focused on GP-led secondary transactions. Prior to joining Nicola, Tori was a partner at Morningside Capital and led the firm’s single asset second
Tori Buffery is a Principal, Secondary Private Equity, at Neuberger Berman. Prior to joining Neuberger in September 2025, Tori led a dedicated secondaries strategy at Nicola Wealth, where she focused on GP-led secondary transactions. Prior to joining Nicola, Tori was a partner at Morningside Capital and led the firm’s single asset secondaries strategy. Prior to joining Morningside, Tori worked in the funds, secondaries and co-investments team at the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board in Toronto and London, UK. In 2025, Tori was named as a “Top 25 in ’25 Women in Private Funds on the Move” by Kayo Conference Series, and in 2023, she was named as a “Woman of Influence in Private Markets” by Private Equity International.
Edward (“Ward”) Young is a Senior Managing Director in Blackstone Strategic Partners. Mr. Young serves as the Chief Investment Officer of Blackstone GP Stakes, focusing on the acquisition of minority ownership interests in private-market alternative asset management firms.
Before joining Blackstone in 2019, Mr. Young spent more than 12 y
Edward (“Ward”) Young is a Senior Managing Director in Blackstone Strategic Partners. Mr. Young serves as the Chief Investment Officer of Blackstone GP Stakes, focusing on the acquisition of minority ownership interests in private-market alternative asset management firms.
Before joining Blackstone in 2019, Mr. Young spent more than 12 years at The Carlyle Group, where he focused on investments in the Infrastructure and Power sectors. Before joining Carlyle, he began his career at UBS Investment Bank.
Mr. Young received an A.B. in History and Political Science from Brown University, where he graduated magna cum laude with high honors and an MBA from Columbia Business School.
Download the comprehensive profiles of the esteemed 2025 Capital Connection Speakers.
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