Hamza Ghernati

Redefined IBS's business model and commercial strategy (CRO/CDMO vs. asset-led growth via licensing, JVs, and co-development), originating and executing deals with biopharma and biotech partners across the antibody platform.

Led capital raising strategy and investor roadshow, targeting GPs/LPs across Canada, U.S., and MENA, and managed comprehensive data rooms, DDQs, cap tables, financial projections, and SPV/JV structuring.

Designed and led public affairs strategy as a registered lobbyist, building coalitions, representing the company in industry consultations, and securing non-dilutive financing from government programs and institutional partners.

Produced competitive intelligence on capital raises, grant awards, scientific developments, and market dynamics to directly inform investor positioning, commercial strategy, and fundraising narratives.

Led LvlUp's Canadian and Quebec dealflow pipeline by sourcing and screening 20+ early-stage startups (pre-seed to Series A) across AI, HealthTech, Fintech, CleanTech, and DeepTech, referring venture-ready companies to 20+ VC, venture debt, and CVC funds.

Evaluated startups by producing comprehensive investment memos covering the full analytical framework: founder-market fit, business model, unit economics, market sizing, competitive landscape, technology assessment, GTM strategy, traction, and risk factors.

Positioned LvlUp as a primary access point to the Canadian and Quebec startup ecosystem, bridging early-stage founders to U.S. institutional investors and expanding the fund's geographic sourcing capabilities.

Processed transactions (contributions, redemptions, transfers) across registered and non-registered accounts for a 500+ household book of business, ensuring operational compliance with Desjardins via Fundserv and Equisoft.

Led the brokerage transition from Desjardins Independent Network to Harbourfront Wealth ($21B AUM), conducting due diligence, managing full CRM migration and client file transfer to Harbourfront's platform, and negotiating the sale price of the book.

Produced quarterly investor reports and market research on Quebec's VC and PE industry by analyzing 1,200+ investments, covering startup capital raises and fund formation, in collaboration with the CVCA, using advanced Excel and Power BI.

Contributed to ecosystem strategy and participated in working groups with key partners on Quebec's private capital funding chain, presenting research findings to industry stakeholders and government officials to directly inform public policy discussions on early-stage capital formation.

Acted as strategic advisor to international companies entering or expanding in Greater Montreal, co-building business plans and supporting M&A operations; led FDI projects totaling $650M+ (2022) and $440M+ (2023) in life sciences and health technologies, managing a portfolio of 150+ international biotech and biopharma companies.

Generated systematic deal flow by building relationships with VCs, PEs, investment banks, incubators, governments, and industry associations globally, conducting company-level investment analysis using Pitchbook, Bloomberg, and databases to identify and prioritize high-potential FDI candidates.

Served as the reference expert on FDI for local, provincial, and federal governments, contributing to public policy development and orchestrating high-level agendas for international companies, investors, and economic delegations.

Built Excel financial and economic models to quantify FDI project value by evaluating 3-year capex, opex, and hiring projections; structured investment proposals using economic databases and government programs (SR&ED, tax credits) to strengthen business plans and funding eligibility.

Led the end-to-end commercial strategy of an early-stage AI startup, redefining the business model, value proposition, and go-to-market positioning, and identified and structured non-dilutive and debt funding opportunities.

Developed a replicable framework for translating complex AI and machine learning capabilities into investor-ready pitch materials and stakeholder proposals, bridging technical depth and commercial clarity across investor, client, and institutional audiences.