Launch CEO Ray Walia Recognized in BIV BC500 Most Influential Business Leaders in BC
Ray Walia, CEO of Launch has earned a well-deserved spot among the 500 most influential business leaders in British Columbia 2023, as recognized by Business in Vancouver (BIV).
This exclusive publication delves into the profiles of individuals shaping the business landscape in the province, highlighting the remarkable impact they’ve had on communities, industries, and the overall economy.
With over 25 years of experience in the realms of entertainment and technology and as the founder of Launch.vc, Walia has established a network of innovation labs, investment funds, and accelerators.
The most prominent of them Launch Academy, western Canada’s leading entrepreneurship facility, has played a pivotal role in nurturing over 6,000 entrepreneurs. Impressively, 300 of these startups have collectively raised over $2.5 billion, showcasing the tangible impact of Walia’s leadership in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
His latest venture PlayWize.io is revolutionizing how athletes interact with their data, working with thousands of athletes around the world to give them full visibility and control over their data.
Congratulations to Launch members, alumni, partners, and friends who also made it to the list:
- Jeanette Jackson, Foresight
- Dan Sutton, Tantalus Lab
- Josh Nilson, East Side Games
- Alexander Greenhill, Careteam Technologies
- Hamed Shaahbazi, Well Health Tech
- Dan Burgar, Frontier Collective
- Kathleen Reid, Switchboard
- Sue Paish, Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster
- Handol Kim Variational AI
- Jill Tipping, BC Tech
And many others.
BIV subscribers can explore the profiles online, while hard copies are available for purchase.
Ray Walia’s acknowledgment in the BC500 is not just a personal achievement; it’s a recognition of the collective impact of Launch in shaping the business landscape of British Columbia.
About Ray Walia
Ray Walia, FCPA, FCMA founded Launch Ventures which owns and operates a network of private incubators, innovation labs, and investment funds. The most prominent incubator is Launch Academy, Western Canada’s leading entrepreneurship facility. Ray has invested in over 30+ startups either personally or through his funds and was named Entrepreneur Mentor of the Year for 2014 and 2015, BIV Top Forty Under 40, G20 Young Entrepreneur, BC Tech Person of The Year Finalist 2018, and one of 500 Most Influential Business Leaders in British Columbia for 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Follow him on Twitter here.
