Top 50 Rising Stars 2021 continued (in alphabetical order by CVC unit): Jay Crone and Jonathan Wolkin, directors, Telus Ventures
Jay Crone and Jon Wolkin are directors at Telus Ventures, Canada-based telecommunications firm Telus’s corporate venture capital (CVC) unit that invests in consumer and enterprise-focused startups, covering software-as-a-service, health technology and internet-of-things technologies.
Rich Osborn, managing partner for Telus Ventures, said of Crone: “Jay works closely with our portfolio companies to ensure that they continue to grow and succeed, acting as a board observer for Hummingbird Technologies, Acorn Biolabs, Taulia and GenXys.
“Since joining Telus Ventures, Jay has honed his skills and knowledge to advance the growth of our health and agriculture business units, source investments in best-in-class innovations and provide strategic guidance to our portfolio companies.”
Crone added: “I am excited to be able to plant seeds in nascent markets that have the potential for exponential growth and to leverage next-gen technologies and partnerships to drive competitive advantages for Telus.
“I am privileged to learn from a wide range of talented subject matter experts from across Telus’s business lines to gain insight into new technologies and market opportunities.”
Regarding Wolkin, Osborn commented: “With nine years of experience in investment and corporate finance, Jon’s skills and experience are clear not only in his ability to identify investments, but in the support that he brings to our portfolio companies on a day-to-day basis, including as an active board observer for League, Beacon and SecureKey.
“Jon was also responsible for leading the Living Labs project for Telus, where the company invested in and acquired a chain of corporate and employee health clinics across Canada. His relationship skills and strategic outlook were key to developing an investment strategy and leading cross-functional teams involved in our acquisition of Medisys and Right Health-Akira.”
Concerning his corporate venturing career, Wolkin said: “CVC presented a unique opportunity to support entrepreneurs in building their businesses by leveraging relationships, market knowledge and commercial capabilities. In Canada, this is a differentiated approach and one in which Telus has established a solid foundation.”
