Welcome to CentreStone Ventures

CentreStone Ventures is a life sciences focused private venture capital fund investing primarily in companies developing early stage therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics and new drug delivery methods.

Companies that interest CentreStone develop products for large markets with unmet clinical needs.  They have technologies based on solid intellectual property, a combination of entrepreneurial and technical expertise, and the potential to become leaders in their markets.

Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, CentreStone is strategically located at the geographic centre of North America. This central location provides CentreStone ready access to investment opportunities from leading research centres across the continent, with a specific focus on opportunities in Western Canada and the U.S. Midwest. In addition to providing capital, CentreStone actively partners with scientific entrepreneurs providing the structure, support and guidance required to establish a strong foundation for commercial development.

Dr. Albert D. Friesen

Albert D. Friesen holds a Ph.D. in Protein Chemistry from the University of Manitoba. As the first full time employee and President of the Winnipeg Rh Institute he oversaw the development and initial pharmaceutical approval of WinRho. Dr. Friesen has also been instrumental in founding several health industry companies including Novopharm Biotech Inc. (now Viventia Biotech Inc.), Genesys Pharma Inc., Miraculins, Diamedica and Medicure Inc. Dr. Friesen’s notable achievements include the establishment of several GMP production facilities for the production of human pharmaceuticals. He has also managed and initiated the research and clinical development of numerous pharmaceutical candidates, including more than 15 INDs and 2 successful NDAs. Dr. Friesen is a founder of the Industrial Biotechnology Association of Canada (IBAC) and past Chairman of its Board of Directors. He has also been a member of the Industrial Advisory Committee to the Biotechnology Research Institute in Montreal. Dr. Friesen has an extensive network within the international biotechnology and corporate finance communities.

Mr. Marcus Enns

Mr. Enns obtained his Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) degree from the University of Manitoba. He joined Genesys Venture Inc. (GVI) in 2000 and is currently Vice President, Corporate Affairs. In this capacity he oversees treasury activities and contract administration and plays a major role in both private and public fundraising activities involving GVI’s client companies. Mr. Enns has hold an executive position with two TSX Venture Exchange listed companies, Miraculins Inc. and Kane Biotech Inc. and was involved with bringing both companies public in 2002 and 2003 respectively. Mr. Enns also sits on the Board of the Rosenort Credit Union.

Mr. James Kinley, CA

Mr. Kinley is responsible for the financial operations of GVI and its client companies, including the financial reporting and continuous disclosure reposting requirements for publicly traded companies.  Previously, Mr. Kinley was Manager, Financial Reporting at Manitoba Telecom Services Ltd. (MTS).  His responsibilities included the review and distribution of external quarterly and annual financial statements, internal financial statements and board reporting packages.  He was also significantly involved in the conversion from Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).  Mr. Kinley has extensive experience working with publically traded entities, having provided financial reporting services for a number of stock exchange listed real estate investment trusts (REITs) from 2006 to 2008.  Prior to this time he was an Audit Senior at Ernst & Young, LLP.  Mr Kinley is a Chartered Accountant and holds a B.Comm (Honours) degree from the I.H. Asper School of Business (University of Manitoba).

CentreStone Ventures

7-1250 Waverley Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
R3T 6C6
Ph: 204-453-1230
Fax: 204-453-1293