Wils Théagène

Professional Overview

Wils Théagène is an eminent finance leader with a prolific 30-year tenure in investment management, private equity, and venture capital. Renowned for spearheading value-driven investing initiatives, Mr.Théagène’s astute acumen in fund management is marked by an unwavering commitment to fostering diversity, driving inclusion, and advancing clean technology innovations.

Career Experience

As a visionary in finance, Mr. Théagène has established a legacy of strategic fund creation and leadership. He is the architect behind the $250 million Equity 253 fund, an initiative of the second-largest pension fund in Canada, commanding over 400 billion dollars in assets. This fund, a beacon for value-driven investing, was launched to amplify the presence and success of underrepresented entrepreneurs and fund managers, catalyzing change post the tragic events of 2020. His pioneering efforts in this domain affirm his dedication to enriching the investment landscape with diversity and ethical governance.

Beyond the realm of fund management, Mr. Théagène is the co-founder of Straccel, where he has leveraged his expertise to navigate and excel in mid-market mergers, acquisitions, and the burgeoning clean technology sector. His career is punctuated with strategic roles that have significantly influenced the trajectory of clean technology investments and industrial sector growth on a global scale.

Education

Mr. Théagène holds a Master's in Applied Finance from Université du Québec à Montréal, complemented by a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering from Polytechnique Montréal, and a Diploma in Management from McGill University. His strategic financial outlook is further refined by a Graduate Certificate in Corporate Governance from the Collège des Administrateurs de Sociétés (Directors College) at Université Laval, endorsing his expertise in stewarding ethical and sustainable business practices.

Board Memberships and Community Involvement

A stalwart in cultivating entrepreneurial ecosystems, Mr. Théagène contributes his insights and leadership as a Director on the Board of Filaction, a strategic fund focused on sustainable investments in Quebec SMEs. His influence has been instrumental in propelling economic vitality across regions, uplifting diverse business initiatives, and strengthening the socio-economic fabric of Quebec.

At Venture for Canada, Mr. Théagène champions the entrepreneurial spirit of Canadian youth, fostering a culture of innovation and leadership. His involvement ensures the provision of essential real-world experience, networking, and mentorship, thus bridging the academic-to-professional transition for future trailblazers.

Mr. Théagène's directorial roles extend to an impressive portfolio of SMEs and venture-backed companies, including Unito, ApplyBoard, Sama, e2Ip, Nautilus Plus, and others, where his strategic guidance has been pivotal to their scaling and success.