Next AI
Julie van Kessel CGA, CPA, has extensive experience in finance and operations, currently serving as the Director of Finance and Operations at NEXT Canada since November 2021. Julie's responsibilities encompass finance, HR, office management, and corporate governance, where a pivotal role involves managing key committees. Previous roles include VP Finance & CFO at Black Card Books, where reorganization and stability during COVID recovery were key achievements, and Freelance Financial Manager, delivering significant improvements in cash forecasting and revenue identification. Early career experiences span various positions within finance, contributing to operational efficiency, cost management, and financial reporting in organizations such as Fuego Digital Media, the Toronto International Film Festival Group, and IBM Global Services. Julie holds a CPA designation from CPA Canada, along with a CGA from the Certified General Accountants Association, and a diploma in Business Administration from Fanshawe College.
Next AI
Delivered in Montréal and Toronto, NextAI is an accelerator and founder development program for early or idea stage AI-enabled startups. NextAI is for exceptional teams and individuals from around the world who are commercializing AI research and want to build global companies.NextAI is a global innovation hub for artificial intelligence relatedventure creation and technology commercialization. We identify talented teams and individuals with ambitious ideas and leverage Canada’s leadership position in AI to provide them with the capital, mentorship, education and network to disrupt industries.NextAI teams have access to up to $200,000 in capital, world-renowned faculty and scientists, a network of Canada’s top business leaders and entrepreneurs, and access to cutting edge AI tools.