JJ MacLean

Principal

2020 - Current

Side Door Ventures is a global venture capital firm backing audacious founders building tomorrow’s life-changing companies. The Future Starts at the Fringe. We take a generalist approach and invest in companies across software, life sciences, space, deep tech, blockchain, logistics, gaming, media, security, food, and financial services that aim to transform industries and improve lives.

Ambassador

2015

Sandbox (Thousand Network from 2014-2016) is an eclectic community of nomads, entrepreneurs, journalists, academics, politicians, artists, and indomitable misfits from over 100 countries. Together we seek to develop our authentic selves, form meaningful relationships, discover resources to live fulfilling lives, and to lead significant impact on the world around us. Our mission is to create a home for young and diverse pioneers to accelerate the change they wish to have in the world.

Board Treasurer

2022 - 2023

Podcast Host

2020

Cohort 7 Member

2023 - 2023

Aide - National Leader's Tour

2015 - 2019

Planning and organizing events for the Justin Trudeau - Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada during the 2015 federal election. I'll be helping again during the 2019 campaign and worked on events in BC during the intervening years. Along with the rest of the team I planned and executed large-scale rallies, national policy announcements and media availabilities. Additionally I helped organize tours for candidates, caucus members, as well as former prime ministers & cabinet members during their visits to British Columbia.

Cofounder

2014 - 2018

Mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness. It’s a critical foundation that enables an individual to realize their full potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and contribute to their community. Working with the Mental Health unit at BC Children’s Hospital (BCCH) we produced two large scale events in Vancouver’s Stanley Park featuring the World’s Largest Sandbox. The sandbox functioned as a community space where people could come out, have fun, and learn more about mental health in an engaging and non-intimidating fashion.