Ventureland: Charting Brenda Irwin’s remarkable journey from science teacher to tech investor

Chance encounters with extraordinary individuals and frequent trips through uncharted social territory make for an unexpected professional adventure.

Brenda Irwin, the founder and general partner at the Relentless Venture Fund, was leaving her Kitsilano home one day when she stepped awkwardly on her stairs, stumbled, and snapped her foot. She was in excruciating pain and was pretty sure—but not 100 per cent sure—that she had broken a bone. With a meeting scheduled in the financial district shortly, s…