Partnering with entrepreneurs to build world class companies

Born and raised in India, Sagar’s passion for international business led him to pursue graduate studies from Cardiff University in the U.K. After completing his MBA in 2009, Sagar returned to India and began Caravan O Herbs, an agriculture-based company with the vision of combating unethical business practices and unreliable supply chains through corporate social responsibility. Eventually, Caravan O Herbs carved a niche within India, Europe, and the United States. In 2014, Sagar shifted with his family to Canada and shortly after that joined the University of Northern British Columbia’s Research Office, focusing on partnerships and new initiatives. In 2016, Sagar began a career with School District 91 as their first Partnerships Officer. In 2020, Sagar joined YELL Canada as the Director of Programs and Operations for Northern B.C. While promoting and nurturing new strategic alliances, Sagar is committed to exploring new sustainable economic growth models within the remote communities of northern British Columbia.

During his years in Northern B.C., Sagar has initiated several programs that continue to generate substantial funding, drive economic development, and create accessible opportunities for rural communities and youth. Within the last four years, two of his self-initiated projects were showcased by the B.C. Government. Sagar is also fondly referred to as a “Northern Connector” by his network. Sagar is also an Impact Investor who is launching the very first Impact fund in Northern BC, strategic adviser to multiple Startup companies, and a former Executive in Residence for Hub Space in Prince George. In 2018, Sagar was selected as a Top 40 under 40 by the Prince George Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Sagar plays an active role in many boards and organizations throughout British Columbia; Board member of Women’s Enterprise Centre, Advisory board of Our Satya Foundation, Board member of YMCA of Northern BC, Former board member of Innovation Central Society, and former Representative of BC India Business Network.

Praveen has been a principal of Varshney Capital Corp., a Vancouver based merchant banking, venture capital and corporate advisory services firm since 1991.  He’s also a Founding Director of Pyfera Growth Capital & a Founding Director of Humanitas Smart Planet Fund, both with a social impact focus.  Mr. Varshney obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia in 1987 and is a FCPA, FCA.

He has been a Director or Officer of many publicly traded companies over the years including one of Canada’s largest fintech companies, Mogo Inc. (NASDAQ: MOGO & TSX: MOGO) (Co-Founder).  He is also a Co-Founder of NEXE Innovations (TSX.V : NEXE) and of Little Kitchen Academy, and former CFO of Carmanah Technologies which became Canada’s largest solar company, and of The Plastic Bank.  He was also Co-Founder of a predecessor of Mountain Province Diamonds (TSX : MPVD) who’s Gahcho Kue project in September 2016 became the world’s largest new diamond mine since 2003 & De Beers’ (MPVD’s partner) second-largest producer behind its Jwaneng mine in Botswana..

Praveen is a member of the Vancouver Chapter of EO since 1996, Toniic, TiE Vancouver (Founding Director) & Silicon Valley Blockchain Society – Vancouver Chapter (Founding Director).  He’s also on a number of non-profit boards such as the Varshney Family Foundation, Dalai Lama Center for Peace + Education, the Vancouver Foundation & a Founding Member of Instruments Beyond Borders.  He’s also an SVP Vancouver Partner, a Director of Foundations for Change, and on the Advisory Boards of Room to Read Vancouver and The Thomas Edison Innovation Foundation in New Jersey.  He also Co-Founded with his daughter, Jaiya, Down to the Last Straw, a global movement to reduce plastic waste with a major focus on single-use plastic straws.

Praveen is also a past recipient of Business in Vancouver’s 40 Under 40 Awards and the 2020 Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Wendy McDonald Diversity Awards Outstanding Mentor recipient.