George Damian is a seasoned strategist working at the intersection of creative and technical fields to help founders better understand, articulate and launch their ideas. Having worked on some of the world's largest industrial projects as an energy industry executive with BP across North America and the Middle East, George pivoted into the start-up world in 2017, first as a business coach and later as co-founder of a direct-to-consumer wellness brand.

As Founder of boutique consultancy press PLAY, George serves as a strategic advisor to a host of deep tech founders, helping them go from startup to scaleup by helping them communicate their core value proposition, raise capital, and build scalable operations. As an MBA instructor, George has developed novel programming in the areas of innovation, new venture finance, and early-stage investing, catalyzing the ambitions of hundreds of students across Canada in the process. As an investor George seeks to champion under-represented founders by providing them with the counsel and connections necessary to achieve tremendous impact. His focus areas include women founders, new Canadians, and those pivoting into technology from traditional industries.