Top 25 Women of Influence 2017: Arlene Dickinson

Arlene Dickinson

CEO of Venture Communications and District Ventures

Arlene Dickinson earned her fortune through her marketing agency, Venture Communications, but it is her foray into venture capitalism that is her latest success. A Canadian household name thanks to her role on CBC’s Dragons’ Den, Arlene took a two-year pause from the show to launch District Ventures, a fund and accelerator focused on early-stage food and health businesses. In 2017, the Calgary-based venture fund reached a major milestone, surpassing its $25 million goal in raised capital. Arlene is returning to the Den this fall — with plenty of money to spend.

Who else are we honouring? See the full Women of Influence Top 25 list for 2017.