Invest Ottawa
Michelle Younes is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in venture programs and international trade. As the Director of Venture Programs at Invest Ottawa since July 2015, Michelle oversees the IO Venture Path portfolio, supporting over 400 tech companies and leading the development of new programs based on client feedback. Previously, as a Senior Manager of Venture Acceleration, Michelle designed and implemented milestone-based programs and restructured the internal team for alignment with new initiatives. Earlier experience includes serving as a Trade Commissioner in Palo Alto with Global Affairs Canada, where Michelle led a business delegation that facilitated multiple deals in the autonomous vehicle sector. Michelle holds a Professional Certificate in Management Skills from Carleton University and a Bachelor of Social Science in International Economics & Development from the University of Ottawa.
Invest Ottawa
Invest Ottawa delivers economic development programs and initiatives that increase entrepreneurial momentum, wealth and jobs in the city of Ottawa. In addition to small business training and foreign business and investment attraction, Invest Ottawa’s Venture Path portfolio includes several programs that support tech entrepreneurs from ideation toscale. The IO Accelerator is designed for growth-stage startups. Once a firm has early market traction, the Accelerator provides support on finding product-market fit, securing funding, advice on building out major business disciplines, and access to specialized peer groups and timely market intelligence.