Bootup Labs' Danny Robinson to take over BCIC
The BC Innovation Council (BCIC) announced this morning that they have found a replacement for outgoing CEO Dean Rockwell and they didn't have to look far.
Danny Robinson has stepped down as Managing Director of Bootup Labs and is the new Chief Executive Officer of the BCIC. Considering BCIC's mandate, Robinson may be the perfect fit to take BCIC into the future.
“Danny brings over 15 years of experience to BCIC and has a proven track record of successfully working with early-stage technology companies,” said Chair of BCIC Greg Aasen. “Danny will be a great asset to our organization and will ensure that BCIC continues to play a leading role in promoting the development of entrepreneurs and the commercialization of technology in British Columbia.”
Robinson has been Vancouver's biggest cheerleader when it comes to making BC the best place to start a tech company in the world.
Along with his wife, Maura Rodgers, he was co-founder of the Bootup Entrepreneurial Society, a non-profit, community and mentor-driven organization that was formed to inspire entrepreneurship in Vancouver and help Internet startups take their idea from concept to commercialization.
The biggest adjustment for Robinson will no doubt be working for an organization that is completely transparent. As an example, BCIC posts all the Corporate Publications online - everything from their Shareholder's Letter of Expectations with their provincial funding partner to Statement of Executive Compensation.
Robinson's hire will have some people in the local startup ecosystem wondering whether Vancouver needs a standalone incubator/accelerator in the TechStars mold to replace Bootup Labs. Considering Robinson's trouble raising money for Bootup's full cohort in 2010 and what some believe is an impending accelerator implosion, maybe the timing of his move to BCIC is perfect.
"This is a tremendous opportunity to work with some of the best and brightest minds to create more tech startups in BC,” said Robinson. “In partnership with industry, academia, government and the dedicated team at BCIC, I am committed to ensuring our province continues to capitalize on the tremendous potential of our high tech companies.”
Look out for Robinson in a starring role in tomorrow night's Term Sheet Theatre at the Vancity Theatre in Vancouver.
Update: Robinson has updated the Bootup Labs' blog with Bootup Labs complete - Next Stop BCIC.
