TACTICO TEAM

RICK NESS

Managing Partner

“If you don't know where you're going, you'll end up somewhere else.” - Yogi Berra

Rick Ness is a serial entrepreneur. Since 1995 he has been instrumental in leading 18 businesses from start up or under-performing to success. These companies have included start-ups, large private equity deals, and turn arounds. Currently Rick is a board member with three Tactico portfolio companies. Previously he served as President and CEO of numerous businesses in Finance, Fintech and E-education. He is a former member of the Quebec district counsel of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada and a former member of the board of the Investment Industry Association of Canada. Rick is a fellow of the Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies at McGill University and a member of the Young Presidents Organization.

PHILIPPE LEROUX

Partner & Legal Counsel

“It is difficult to say what is impossible, for the dream of yesterday is the hope of today and the reality of tomorrow” - Robert Goddard

Philippe Leroux is a business lawyer specializing in technology and private equity. With 20 years of experience in the legal and financial services industries, Philippe provides support in structuring, negotiating and managing our private equity investments and portfolio company co-investments. Philippe also helps to oversee our portfolio companies by providing management guidance on day-today legal and regulatory issues. He is focused on establishing a sound risk-management framework and practical solutions that position our portfolio companies for growth and profitability. Philippe started his career in a private practice law firm and joined a Montreal-based broker-dealer IIROC member in 2003, where he assumed the day-to-day responsibilities for Canadian legal matters. He has significant experience advising fintech executives and senior management in regards to strategic and regulatory concerns. He represented IIROC members on various industry committees for over a decade. He is a graduate of the University de Montréal and HEC Montreal.

Liam Cheung

Director of VC Investments

"Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat" - Sun Tzu

MARIA KOTSOROS

Financial Controller

"Life is like accounting, everything must be balanced" - unknown

Maria Kotsoros is a financial controller, responsible for the overall management of Tactico since its inception in 2007. Her career began in the relocation division of Canada Trust in 1991 and since then has worked in the financial industry overseeing financial reporting, financial forecasting, financial analysis, capital commitment and treasury. Maria additionally oversees the financial management of Tactex Asset Management Inc, Pointus Partners and Mylo Financial Technologies, all of which are Tactico investments. Maria graduated from McGill University in 1987 with a B.Sc.

TAHNYA BALOUKAS

Chief Operating Officer

"An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest." - Benjamin Franklin

Tahnya Baloukas is a venture capital analyst, responsible for sourcing investment opportunities and exercising sound due diligence. Tahnya has held a consultative role for Canada’s largest securities clearinghouse, capturing information technology and analytics. Previously, she acted as a compliance analyst for Mylo Financial Technologies, responsible for ensuring that activities adhere to guidelines established by various regulatory authorities. Tahnya has also worked as a research analyst for Tactex Asset Management where she performed valuations for the Tactex F1 Private Equity Fund. She is a graduate from John Molson School of Business.

ELLIS STEINBERG

Head of Business Development

"I don't believe in psychology, I believe in good moves." - Bobby Fischer

Ellis is a business development executive with 15+ years’ experience developing and managing investor relations and raising capital in Canada. Prior to Tactico, Ellis founded a Montreal-based hedge fund where, as partner, he successfully raised several millions in capital. Ellis started his career at Dundee Wealth Management and helped the firm raise upwards of $15M in assets from private clients before transitioning to TD Private Wealth, quickly becoming a driving force behind fundraising and an instrumental part of the teams at both institutions. Ellis holds a BA in Honours Psychology from Concordia University.

ADAM NIKOLAUS

Business Development Associate

“Our best evidence of what people truly feel and believe comes less from their words than from their deeds.” - Robert Cialdini

Adam is a business development associate, responsible for generating and maintaining strong relationships with current and future clients. Prior to Tactico, Adam started his own video production company, where he was accountable for timely completion of assignments, and managing day-to-day operations. Simultaneously, he completed his bachelor’s degree at John Molson School of Business, where he realized the importance of proper communication to build connections with others. Adam is a graduate with a double major in Marketing and Management.