Conference Speakers

Paul is the founder and CEO of Axxcelus Capital Advisory.  Axxcelus provides capital services to facilitate major asset ownership for Indigenous communities.  In 2020 the Axxcelus team were the primary architects in structuring, negotiating, and financing the transaction that saw 6 First Nations acquire significant ownership in the $1.5 billion Cascade Power Project.  Axxcelus is currently working with Indigenous communities on acquiring equity ownership in power generation, energy transportation, and renewable energy.   Axxcelus has recently announced the structuring of two Indigenous syndicates for major Carbon Capture and Sequestration projects and is working on Carbon Capture opportunities in three provinces.

 With an extensive background in investment banking and capital markets, Paul has been a principal in over $2.0 billion of transactions in energy, construction, and financial services, over his 30-year career. Career highlights include building and successfully selling 2 upstream oil and gas companies, founding partner of a mid-market mezzanine fund, co-founder of Canada’s first national equity-based shared ownership real-estate company, and most recently CEO of Backwoods Energy Services. Under his leadership, he was able to have the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation achieve 100% ownership while realizing an annual growth rate of 111% over 7 years transforming Backwoods into one of the largest, community owned Indigenous companies in Canada.

Paul believes in the restorative power of capitalism to maximize value to all stakeholders and rights holders. He speaks frequently on issues of responsible energy, energy transition, Indigenous business, and purpose. He is regularly featured in national media like the Globe and Mail, the National Post, BNN Bloomberg, and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.