Strategic and Financial Advisors to Technology Companies
David W. Rowat is a Partner with Strategic Exits Partners, who helps technology entrepreneurs design and execute optimum exit transactions.
David has been Founder and CEO of a tech start-up and previously been CEO, CFO, and COO of public and private companies, both as a full-time employee and on contract through Strategic Catalysts Inc.
David has managed acquisitions, finance, operations, administration, and marketing, raised public and private financing, and managed Boards as Corporate Secretary.
Full Résumé | Director's Profile
Contact information
dwrowat@stratcat.com
604.240.0061 (direct)
TBF Environmental Technology Inc.
http://www.tbfenvironmental.com/- Develops, manufacturers and markets environmentally friendly petrochemical solvents which contain zero or minimal volatile organic compounds, allowing manufacturers of coatings, adhesives, polymers, etc. to reduce toxic emissions and comply with ever-tightening environmental regulations.
2013-2016. Chief Executive Officer. Co-founded company, oversaw the development and commercialization of six new solvents, secured 2 patents, oversaw development of sales and distribution networks which captured over 30 companies and built a multi-million dollar pipeline including several world wide brands. Built and managed supply networks in South Asia. Raised several rounds of angel financing, and achieved these milestones over 3 years spending $1.5M Cdn in equity and using $800K US in debt.
"David was instrumental in the launch and early commercialization of TBF. He founded the company, raised several rounds of equity and debt, developed the international raw material and blending supply chain, and oversaw the sales to early adopters. His strategic thinking in market positioning, finance, operations, and all other aspects guided the company in its fledgling years. He handed to me a company with all the bases covered. I hope we can work together again in the future." – Mike McLean, CEO
Clevest Solutions Inc.
http://www.clevest.com/- Software company developing, implementing and servicing solutions to simplify Smart Grid deployments for utilities.
2010-2012. Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary. Managed finance, treasury, accounting, legal, acquisitions, MIS and administration functions.Initiated and led strategic review to position company for rapid growth. Led acquisition of highly profitable business unit adding 40% to revenues.
"David brings a wealth of wisdom and experience which is helping me to transition the company from a founder-driven start-up to a professional and rapidly-growing company." – Thomas Ligocki, co-Founder and CEO.
Greenlight Innovation
http://www.greenlightinnovation.com/- Fuel cell testing equipment.
2008. Advised CEO in negotiating spin-out agreement including finance and IP rights, and advised on strategy and marketing. Prepared cashflow model.
"David's advice was invaluable to me in getting Greenlight off the ground. We have asked him to sit on our Board of Advisors." - Ross Bailey, Founder and CEO.
Circon Systems Corporation (now Efficient Building Automation)
http://www.circon.com/- Building energy management.
2007-2008. Performed strategic analysis predicting significant shifts in building energy management industry in response to climate change. Interviewed industry players, researched extensively and drafted business plan.
"David's leadership in thoroughly analyzing the imminent change in our industry allowed Circon to position itself as a first mover in the trend to energy management. It is a major step forward."– John Diack, former CEO.
INETCO Systems Limited
http://www.inetco.com/- Business transaction intelligence.
2006-2007. Drove 6-month strategic planning process to unlock new markets for INETCO. Led 9-member business planning team, built business cases for entry into multiple enterprise markets, and performed all primary and secondary market research.
"David's involvement in all aspects of the business plan allowed us to make the progress we required without sacrificing other, also very important, company activities. We are very pleased with his contribution." - Bijan Sanii, CEO.
Questor Industries Inc. (acquired by Xebec)
http://www.xebecinc.com/- Developer and manufacturer of gas separation and purification systems.
1996-1998. Wrote business plan and negotiated a $5 million equity financing in 3 stages involving two venture capital investors and a multi-billion dollar strategic partner. Served as part-time CFO through transition to fully-functional company.
"David's experience and dogged determination over many months was critical in completing this complex venture financing and strategic partnership. David spared no effort." - Carl Hunter, co-Founder.
Simba Technologies Inc.
http://www.simba.com/- Developer of intelligent middleware software products.
2008. Interim Chief Operating Officer. Managed all operational aspects of a 50-person software development company other than sales and development, including human resources, finance, accounting, operations of company-owned building, legal, contracts, and administration.
"Dave handled an amazing number of things for Simba in the short time he was with us. I am sorry that economic circumstances forced us to part company." - Amyn Rajan, CEO.
1996. Closed $4.5 million private treasury and secondary financing with six sellers and twelve buyers.
"Dave's attentive management of a complex financing let me focus my time on promoting Simba to prospective investors, and on running the business." - Mike Satterfield, former CEO
PCS Wireless, Inc.
- Developer and manufacturer of personal communication systems infrastructure.
1997. Wrote strategic analysis to prepare company for major shift in business focus.
1993. Wrote business plan to launch this spinout from Nexus Engineering in personal communication services network hardware.
Nexus Group of Companies (acquired by Scientific Atlanta)
- Designed, manufactured and marketed cable TV headend products, and held interests in other electronic manufacturing start-ups.
1991: Raised three offers totalling $4.3 million in subordinated debt financing.
1990: Arranged $2 million follow-on equity financing.
1988: Wrote business plan which resulted in a $2.5 million equity financing for a spinout company.
1987: Wrote business plan which resulted in a $2 million equity financing.
1988-1990: Raised $3 million in 10 separate government funding programs.
"Dave is very smart, organized and tenacious. He has tremendous output and consistently produces fast, professional results. We continue to collaborate successfully on many assignments." - Dr. J. Basil Peters, co-Founder and former CEO.