For Claire Dixon, entrepreneurship feels a little like coming home. After an international career spanning strategy consulting, aerospace, and medtech, she co-founded Neuraura, a neurotech startup focused on women’s health. Today, she balances her role as CEO with another passion: helping other founders succeed.
As part of the Expert Advisor Program, Claire works closely with early-stage startups, especially highly technical teams. With more than 25 years of leadership and investment experience, she brings a unique ability to translate technical complexity into viable, scalable businesses. “My sweet spot is working with technical founders and helping them bridge the gap between strong science and real-world impact,” she explains.
Her approach to advising is rooted in empathy. Having navigated the challenges of being a founder herself, Claire knows how overwhelming the journey can be. She emphasizes that advice should always be contextual: “I’m committed to giving my opinion and perspective, but I recognize that every founder’s situation is different. That flexibility makes the relationship stronger.”
Beyond strategy, Claire’s expertise in funding and investor readiness has been invaluable for startups in deep tech sectors where capital is essential. Drawing on her experience across corporate M&A, venture capital, and angel investment, she helps founders understand what it takes to reach the next milestone and secure funding.
Recently named one of the Top 200 Trailblazing Leaders in Women’s Health and FemTech, Claire remains motivated by the bigger picture. “Large organizations struggle to innovate, so the big solutions to climate and health challenges will come from startups. It’s an honour to give them a boost and help them along the way.”
Her advice to entrepreneurs just starting out? Build your peer network and don’t be afraid to ask for help. “Often your peers are your greatest source of knowledge. They’ve faced similar challenges and can help you spot patterns and solutions.”
For Claire, giving back isn’t separate from being an entrepreneur, it’s part of it. “I’ve benefited so much from this community,” she says. “Being an Expert Advisor is my way of ensuring the rising tide lifts all boats.”
Learn more about the Expert Advisor Program.
Access to the Expert Advisor Program is included with your Innovate Calgary hub membership. Interested in becoming a member? Download the Membership Brochure.