Lauren Ledwell is an Atlantic Canada-based leader with a proven track record in business transformation, venture capital, and innovation strategy. Lauren currently serves as Principal at Sandpiper Ventures, where she leads Seed and Series A investments focused on inclusive, high-growth technology companies across Canada.

Lauren has a breadth of cross-sector experience — spanning early-stage startups to global multinationals. Lauren recently was CEO of software company DiscoveryGarden, leading a turnaround and restructure during Covid. Her previous roles include a global leadership role in driving digital customer experience at Manulife, corporate strategy and digital innovation at RBC, and commercial operations at Maple Leaf Foods. Her breadth spans product innovation, P&L management, and new market expansion.

An advocate for Canada’s innovation economy, Lauren co-founded the Atlantic chapter of Women’s Equity Lab and is a mentor with Creative Destruction Lab, FORA, and Junior Achievement. She also serves as Chair of the Board for the PEI IT Alliance, recently unveiling The Foundry, a new tech hub in PEI.

Lauren holds an MBA from the Rotman School of Management, with executive education from Ivey and BI Norwegian Business School. She is a graduate of the Innovation Governance Program and brings practical governance experience as both a CEO and non-profit board director.