Dr. Lesley Esford

Lesley Esford is an experienced Life Sciences professional with a diverse background related to company innovation, commercialization, securing finance, and scientific research and development. She has been a champion of entrepreneurs in guiding their journey to help accelerate growth. Lesley has worked with well over 100 new companies, first in her role as an advisor with NRC-IRAP and subsequently in leadership positions, including her own consulting firm. She has been involved with several organizations including Accel-RX, New Ventures BC, Coast Capital Venture Connection, focused on supporting company growth and entrepreneurship. She is the past President and CEO of LifeSciences BC, championing the life sciences sector.

She has worked with numerous entrepreneurs developing drugs, medical devices, and diagnostics addressing a wide array of medical diseases at every stage of the innovation process, from concept to commercialization. Through her work in both the public and private sectors, she has an extensive professional network and a comprehensive understanding of the Canadian innovation path as well as the global investment community.

Lesley has degrees in both Business Administration (Hons. B.Admin.) and Science (B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.).  She is a Kauffman Fellow, a Silicon Valley-based international leadership program for venture capitalists and innovators of all kinds. Living on a farm in Langley, she recently started her own new venture, a science-based company developing a series of nutritional supplements for horses and riders.