The Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association has named Benjamin Bergen as its next chief executive officer, marking a significant leadership transition for the national organization representing private capital investors across Canada. Bergen will assume the role on January 5, 2026.
The appointment follows his tenure as president of the Council of Canadian Innovators, where he led a national team supporting the growth and competitiveness of high-performing Canadian companies. His decade of experience working with federal and provincial governments on innovation policy, competitiveness, and regulatory reform has positioned him as a prominent figure in Canada’s investment and innovation ecosystem.
CVCA’s board highlighted the association’s momentum and emphasized Bergen’s policy expertise and ability to collaborate with governments and industry stakeholders. His track record includes serving on Canada’s National AI Task Force and co-founding the Canadian SHIELD Institute, an organization focused on advancing policies to strengthen economic resilience and sovereignty. Bergen has also advised multiple Canadian technology companies and worked closely with founders navigating regulatory, growth, and expansion challenges.
As he prepares to step into the role, Bergen described this period as a pivotal moment for Canada’s investment climate, pointing to the need for stable conditions that allow long-term capital to flow and fuel company growth. CVCA noted that its members deploy long-term capital and play a key role in shaping Canada’s economic landscape by supporting job creation, innovation, and regional development.
The association, founded in 1974, continues to focus on strengthening the investment environment through advocacy, independent market research, and strategic initiatives that support venture and private equity professionals nationwide. Bergen’s appointment reflects CVCA’s objective of expanding its influence in shaping policy and market conditions that impact capital formation and investment activity in Canada.
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“CVCA is in a strong position, built through years of committed leadership and steady progress. Benjamin brings a clear grasp of the policy environment, a sharp understanding of investor priorities, and a national view of what it will take to strengthen Canada’s investment environment, reflecting the realities facing both venture and private equity investors. His ability to work with governments and industry will help carry our momentum forward and strengthen the conditions our members depend on to succeed.”
Jeannette Wiltse, Chair of the CVCA Board of Directors
“CVCA’s members invest with a long-term view, and they need stable conditions to support and grow Canadian companies. Benjamin brings practical experience working with governments and a clear understanding of how capital moves through the market. That perspective will strengthen CVCA’s role in shaping the policy and market conditions that matter most to our members.”
Dino DeLuca, Vice Chair of the CVCA Board of Directors
“Private capital is central to building the companies and industries that drive growth across the country. My work has focused on how policy and market structure shape the conditions for capital to flow, informed by years working with high-growth firms and governments. That experience has reinforced how essential CVCA’s members and the value they create are to Canada’s economic future. CVCA has real momentum and a strong team. My role is to build on that foundation and help improve the environment investors rely on. That progress will require coordinated policy signals and better alignment across the ecosystem. I intend to work closely with governments and partners to support our members to build a more ambitious and resilient Canada.”
Benjamin Bergen, Incoming CEO of the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association
