Toronto-based Relay Ventures has made new additions to its team as it looks to expand its expertise.
Spiros Michalakis, professor of quantum physics at Caltech, has joined Relay as professor-in-residence. Michalakis will work closely with Relay’s portfolio companies and advise Relay on its academic outreach strategy as it looks to connect with founders at California universities.
Jessica Tsoong, co-founder of WiFiSLAM, will join as entrepreneur-in-residence. Tsoong, which was funded by Relay, was acquired by Apple in 2013, and Tsoong later joined the iOS location team at Apple and spent the last year in corporate development on Apple’s M&A integration team. Working out of the Menlo Park office, Tsoong will be responsible for deal sourcing, investments, and advising portfolio companies on product management and strategy.
Kady Srinivasan, global head of digital marketing at Dropbox, has joined Relay as a venture advisor. Srinivasan will advising portfolio companies, hosting CEO workshop dinners, coaching founders, and strategizing with Relay partners. Srinivasan is also expected to leverage her marketing experience to help portfolio companies acquire and retain their customer base.
Relay associate Jake Cassaday was also promoted to associate partner. “Venture capital remains a people business first and foremost,” Relay co-founders John Albright and Kevin Talbot said in a joint statement. “As a firm, our objective is to surround ourselves with the best and brightest entrepreneurs, advisors, and team members to support the founders we invest in. Spiros, Jessica, Kady, and Jake are truly among the best and brightest.”
Last year, Relay Ventures raised a $200 million and added a Calgary-based partner to expand its western Canada presence.
