Our Story
From real estate roots to PropTech pioneers.
Our leadership embraces the idea that technology is profoundly changing the real estate world. This idea was instilled by founding partner, Sanders Lee, who came to Canada in 1991 and has grown his real estate company, Hopewell®, into a major industry player. Mr. Lee has been a keen observer of the PropTech revolution, and understands that traditional real estate businesses are facing new threats on a daily basis. Our mission is to take these threats and turn them into opportunities. As investors, we look to back high quality teams building great businesses. As a potential early adopter, Hopewell® looks to incorporate tools and technologies from across the PropTech ecosystem that can improve its businesses.
With an experienced venture capital team at the helm, and deep domain expertise at the core, GroundBreak Ventures™ is positioned to lead the technological transformation of how we live and work.
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
principal
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 10 years of experience helping businesses and their processes achieve operational excellence, and has spent the last 5 years focusing on building and mentoring emerging technology ventures that are shaping the built environment.
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.