WHO WE ARE

VERGE Capital is the result of community-led collaboration and the contributions of countless partners, volunteers, and funders.

OUR HISTORY

A number of early supporters of VERGE Capital smiling and posing for a group photo in front of a wall with planning notes on chart paper

In 2013, a number of individuals and organizations from the London, Ontario region came together to imagine a different kind of economy. VERGE Capital is the result of their vision, dedication, and collaborative spirit.

VERGE Capital is now a social finance program of Pillar Nonprofit Network in collaboration with Libro Credit Union, London Community Foundation, Sisters of St. Joseph, and SVX.

A number of early VERGE Capital supporters posing in front of banners for Pillar Nonprofit Network, London Community Foundation, and United Way London Middlesex

OUR TEAM

STAFF

Mariam Waliji (she/her)
Pillar Nonprofit Network

Filsan Farah (she/her)
SVX


BOARD OF DIRECTORS

As a program of Pillar Nonprofit Network, VERGE Capital is accountable to and governed by Pillar’s Board of Directors.

Our Breakthrough Fund has an additional governance structure – a Trustee co-owned by Pillar and SVX, with a Board of Directors that is comprised of two representatives from each partner, and a local community member:

 

Dr. Janice Byrne
Assistant Professor in Entrepreneurship, Ivey Business School

Joseph Santarelli – Treasurer
Senior Advisor, Business Development, Mitacs Inc.
Pillar Nonprofit Network Board of Directors

Adam Spence – Secretary
CEO and Ultimate Designated Person (UDP), SVX

Ameeta Vijay, CPA – Chair
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer, SVX

Wendy Arnott
Master Trainer, Senior Consultant, Crucial Learning (formerly VitalSmarts)
Pillar Nonprofit Network Board of Directors

 

VOLUNTEERS

Our work would not be possible without the 30+ dedicated volunteers who generously contribute their time and talents to supporting our loan review and due diligence process. We also collaborate with the student-led London Social Value Fund and volunteer members of London Community Foundation’s social finance committee on joint due diligence.

We believe that involving diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and professional expertise results in better decisions and a more equitable process.

OUR PARTNERS

We are also a proud member of the pan-Canadian Table of Impact Investment Practitioners, the Ontario-based Catalyst: Community Finance Initiative, and Inclusive Economy London & Region closer to home.