Derek Van der Plaat, CFA

Executive summary

Derek van der Plaat is a Managing Director in BDO's Toronto office, with over 20 years of professional experience providing mergers and acquisition (M&A), and capital raising services to Canadian Technology, Media and Telecom companies.

Prior to joining BDO Transaction Advisory Services, Derek advised private technology companies in investment banking roles with CIBC World Markets and Ernst & Young (EY). Derek has worked in the software, hardware, telecom, media, mobile, IT solutions, cleantech, fintech, BPO, consulting, staffing, and education & training sectors and has extensive experience in cross-border transactions with both financial and strategic counterparties.

Derek has both technology company advisory as well as operating experience, having guided start-ups and early stage SaaS and digital media companies in the roles of CEO, CFO and Board Member. Derek founded and led one of the first companies to provide cloud hosted retail solutions in Canada. The company, called Puretracks, sold music online in association with the recording industry and leading distribution partners such as TELUS, MSN and AOL. Puretracks secured growth capital from strategic investors including Universal Music, Entertainment One and Standard Broadcasting and was ultimately sold to a national carrier.

Professional designations and education

BA Economics from McGill University
MBA, Concordia University