DVP Capital is led by Derek van der Plaat.  Derek has more than 15 years experience working solely with emerging and mid market companies.  Having advised, as well as operated them, Derek fully understands the importance of a strategic transaction to an entrepreneur.

Derek van der Plaat, MBA, CFA
Principal

Derek began his career as an Associate in the mid-market Mergers & Acquisitions advisory group at the CIBC in 1992.  Over the next eight years he progressed to Director and Managing Director working on a large number of advisory, valuation and financing transactions in the manufacturing, transportation, printing, chemical, engineering, wholesale, telecom and software industries.

In 2000, Derek co-founded Puretracks, a company that became a leading innovator in the digital music space, first in Internet radio and later in digital file based music sales.  In leading the corporate finance and technology strategy, Derek sourced a number of strategic investment rounds, closed one acquisition and managed key relationships with such companies as Microsoft.  As a result, listenership grew 100% per month in 2002 to where the company's broadcast network was ranked fifth largest in North America according to independent sources.  Derek successfully sold his interest in Puretracks to Bell Canada in 2006.

From 2006 to 2010, Derek participated in a number of companies in the mobile content, marketing and video game sectors where he led numerous financings and acquisitions. Derek has also served on the Board of Directors for public and private companies.

Derek earned a B.A. in Economics from McGill University, an M.B.A. from Concordia University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.  Derek is supported by various contract analysts and researchers as necessary.

Advisor and Principal Experience

Derek has advised on acquisition strategies for clients and also completed them as a principal in companies he has led.  As a result he knows firsthand the deal terms that cannot be compromised and the ones where bending in order to close a deal will create a win-win transaction that will position the new entity for productive and cooperative growth.

Deep Technology Sector Knowledge

Derek began focusing on the technology sector in the mid nineties and has led companies in the ecommerce and wireless sectors.  Other areas of experience include software, telecom, transportation, printing, manufacturing, distribution/wholesale and the service sector.  Through its extensive contact network and database of sector participants, DVP Capital can quickly and efficiently find the right target for a business.

Specialized Expertise

Small and mid-sized companies need special attention in order to prepare them for a strategic transaction.  Many private company financial statements are not audited nor are they prepared for third party review.  DVP Capital has the experience to quickly assess the true earnings potential of a business and how its strengths can be a fit with the right buyer.