Our Story
From Early PropTech to Housing Innovation at Scale
GroundBreak Ventures™ was founded in 2019 as one of Canada’s early PropTech pioneers — backing entrepreneurs and technologies reshaping how homes and communities are built, financed, and experienced. Based in Toronto and Quebec — with work spanning North America and Europe — our platform combines investment, advisory, and real-world deployment with innovators across the built environment. We partner with leaders across the ecosystem — from consumer brands to homebuilders — including Scott Brothers Global™ and Hopewell. Together, we accelerate the adoption of innovative building solutions that deliver measurable outcomes: faster builds, lower costs, better living. Join Us!
who we are
The Team
“True partnership means a willingness to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty.“ – S. Kaplanis
Scott Kaplanis
Managing Partner
Scott is an active venture investor and capital markets professional having spent more than 15 years evaluating and supporting emerging businesses. He has worked in both origination and asset management and has experience across industries, and throughout the business lifecycle. Scott has worked alongside dozens of entrepreneurs and has provided guidance on areas including company formation, C-suite recruitment, resource planning, M&A assessment and exit evaluation. His partner-oriented approach has earned him the respect of founders. As an entrepreneur and a father, he is well aware of the support needed – both practical and emotional – to create something great.
"If you embrace change, you'll thrive." – S. Lee
Sanders Lee
Partner
Sanders is the Executive Chairman of the Hopewell® Group of Companies, a leading real estate enterprise founded in 1991. He believes first and foremost in empowering people. The idea is to support talented people by providing them with the tools and resources necessary to succeed. This principal has been part of the Hopewell® ethos for decades and has been critical to its success. Sanders is an active member of the Calgary business community and was previously named to Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 list. He is also multi-disciplinary investor, backing entrepreneurs in industries such as healthcare, renewable energy, education, logistics and property technology.
“Future proofing your business is about more than your tech stack” - T. Ashby
Tyler Ashby
pARTNER
Tyler began his career as a mechanical engineer building multi-billion dollar infrastructure and energy projects, and gradually shifted his focus to building businesses. Tyler has 17 years of experience helping businesses and their processes achieve operational excellence, and has spent the last 8 years focusing on building and mentoring emerging technology ventures that are shaping the built environment.
Will Sutter
Director of Housing Innovation and Strategic Initiatives
Will Sutter brings a multidisciplinary background spanning real estate development, private equity, management consulting, and public policy. He was previously a Research Fellow at Google’s Sidewalk Labs, contributing to urban innovation and housing affordability research.
Erin Poeta
Chief of Staff and Quebec Market Lead
Erin Poeta brings over 15 years of experience in consulting, venture building, and operating roles across real estate and construction technology. Before joining GroundBreak Ventures, Erin led commercial strategy at an interior prefab manufacturer. She also co-founded and managed Calgary’s first impact investment fund, deploying capital into Alberta-based entrepreneurs, and she is the owner of CanvasCamp North America—the continent’s first and largest e-commerce venture in the premium glamping and outdoor hospitality space.
Navin Kaminoulu
Corporate Development Partner
Navin Kaminoulu is an entrepreneur and technology leader applying artificial intelligence to transform the construction industry. He co-founded INDUS.AI in 2017, pioneering AI-powered jobsite intelligence and scaling the company through multiple venture rounds before its acquisition by Procore Technologies (NYSE: PCOR) in 2021. Previously, he led hypergrowth at GreenOwl Mobile, culminating in its acquisition by Arcadis IBI Group (TSX: IBG).
Anvay Rai
INVESTMENT ASSOCIATE
Anvay is an investment professional with experience across venture capital, operations, and business development.
He began his career in the healthcare and manufacturing industries, holding roles in business development and operations at a venture-backed healthtech startup, and at India’s first publicly listed B-Corp, where he led process improvement initiatives.
Advisors
Hopewell Capital Supporting Network
Jason Kraatz
Director
Jason has over 13 years experience with Hopewell®, playing a key role in setting and executing the strategic vision of the Group. As a Director of the Residential, Commercial, and Last Mile Logistics businesses, Jason is instrumental in moving the Hopewell® vision forward.
Mike Vollman
Legal Advisor
Mike has been General Counsel to the Hopewell® Group of Companies since 2013. At Hopewell®, Mike has spent the past 15 years leveraging his experience as a residential and commercial real estate practitioner to provide strategic legal guidance to all of Hopewell®’s various operating divisions.
Lawrence Fan
Venture Partner
Lawrence is a Director of Hopewell® and was the President and Founder of Sabal Homes, the original residential building arm of Hopewell®. Larry has more than 20 years of experience in homebuilding and is active in supporting innovation and modernization within all business units.
Supported by Hopewell®
GroundBreak Ventures™ is supported by Hopewell®, a multi-faceted real estate organization with extensive industry networks and deep domain expertise in residential and commercial development, homebuilding, property management and logistics. Hopewell® has embraced innovation throughout its business units and believes technology is a key differentiator in its approach with all stakeholders.