Tony van Marken is a Toronto-based professional who has built a seasoned and multifaceted career for himself. As the co-founder and Managing Partner of First Ascent Ventures, Tony van Marken routinely pulls from his extensive experience working in both the public and private markets as an investor, a high-tech entrepreneur, and a management consultant with global experience in Canada, France, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

Before founding First Ascent Partners, Tony van Marken amassed an impressive amount of experience in the industry through his extensive career. He previously worked with Vox Telecom Limited - a leading independent South African telecommunications service provider - as their Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. During his time with Vox, Tony transformed the business from a relatively small-scale provider operating with $10 million in annual revenue into the leading alternative, independent telecom operator in South Africa, which - prior to its privatization - was handling $262 million in annualized revenues.

Previously in his career, Tony van Marken also partnered with XDL Intervest Corporation as a General Partner. Here, at the Canadian venture capital fund, he spearheaded investments within the telecom and software industry. Before working with XDL, Tony served as the President and CEO of Architel Systems Corporation, a leader in global telecommunications software. Throughout his time at the company, from 1994 to 1999, Tony grew revenue from $1 million annually to $70 million annually. He also led the company through its Toronto Stock Exchange IPO in 1996 as well as its NASDAQ listing two years later in 1998. Additionally, Tony worked as a management consultant for Accenture in both South Africa and London.

After completing his matric, Tony van Marken attended the University of Cape Town, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. From there, he attended the University of South Africa, where he received his Bachelor of Commerce degree in Economics and Business Management in 1993. In 1999, Tony van Marken decided to further his education, and he attended Northwestern University at the Kellogg School of Management, where he earned his Executive Education in e-Commerce. He’s also earned his Executive Education through a Director’s Induction Course from the University of the Witwatersrand, and he attended the Oxford Strategic Leadership Program twice, once in 2009 as a student, and once in 2011 as faculty. Additionally, Tony has lectured on Leadership for Oxford Saïd Business School, the Graduate School of Business at the University of Cape Town, and Duke Corporate Executive Education.

Outside of his seasoned career in business, Tony van Marken’s driven and adventurous spirit has led him to mountain climbing, a pastime that sprouted and took over his life. Most notably, Tony has summited all seven of the worlds highest peaks.