Propel Mourns the Passing of Visionary Entrepreneur and Co-Founder Gerry Pond

SAINT JOHN, N.B. - July 10, 2026 - The Propel team joins founders, alumni, partners and the broader Atlantic Canadian technology community in mourning the passing of Gerry Pond, one of the region's most influential technology leaders and the visionary co-founder of Propel.

For more than four decades, Gerry dedicated his life to building Atlantic Canada's innovation economy and he helped shape one of Canada's most vibrant technology ecosystems. His leadership earned numerous honours, including appointment to the Order of Canada and the Order of New Brunswick, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to entrepreneurship, innovation and economic development.

In 2002 when Gerry helped establish Propel, he envisioned a movement beyond an accelerator, where he believed Atlantic Canada could build globally competitive technology companies by investing first and foremost in exceptional founders. He understood that lasting companies are built by resilient, ambitious leaders - and that by developing those leaders, the entire innovation ecosystem would grow stronger. We are proud that over the years Propel has carried on Gerry’s tremendous legacy, supporting thousands of entrepreneurs and hundreds of technology companies across Atlantic Canada, strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in which Gerry was so deeply committed.

"Gerry will always be the father of Propel," said Barry Bisson, Board Chair, Propel.

"Gerry founded what would become the region's pan-Atlantic technology accelerator, built on a simple but powerful belief: when technology founders become exceptional leaders and master sales, they build exceptional companies. Those companies create jobs, attract investment, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

That philosophy continues to define Propel today. Every founder we support, every company that scales, and every entrepreneur who chooses to build from Atlantic Canada carries forward the legacy Gerry envisioned from the beginning. We are deeply honoured to continue building upon the foundation he created and to ensure his vision lives on through the next generation of Atlantic Canadian innovators."

Beyond the impressive portfolio of companies he helped build, Gerry's greatest legacy is the culture of entrepreneurship he inspired. He challenged founders to think globally while building from Atlantic Canada, championed mentorship as a responsibility of successful entrepreneurs, and believed deeply that innovation could transform the region's economy for generations to come.

Elaine McKinnon, Chief Financial Officer at Propel, who worked alongside Gerry for several decades and considered him a mentor, colleague, and dear friend, reflected on the profound impact he had on those around him.

"Gerry had a remarkable gift for making people believe they could accomplish more than they imagined and he wasn’t afraid to push people outside their comfort zone to find success. He understood the challenges of being an entrepreneur and was incredibly generous with his time, his advice, and his encouragement to help others succeed. He built a strong network of entrepreneurs who share his passion for innovation and many have gone on to mentor and inspire countless others. Gerry’s legacy will continue to define our ecosystem for years to come."

The Propel Board of Directors, leadership team, staff, alumni, founders and partners extend our heartfelt condolences to Gerry's family, friends, and everyone privileged to have known him. We are profoundly grateful for Gerry's leadership, his friendship, and the enduring legacy he leaves behind. His vision will continue to inspire the work we do and the founders we are privileged to support.

About Propel

Propel is Atlantic Canada's technology accelerator, dedicated to helping innovative founders from across the region build companies that scale. Through founder development, expert coaching, mentorship, and strategic partnerships, Propel equips entrepreneurs to become exceptional leaders capable of building scalable, globally competitive ventures that strengthen Atlantic Canada's innovation economy.

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