About Kanata Advisors

Our mission is to enable the sustainable transformation of the global economy through technology and innovation.

Addressing global sustainability and climate challenges through digital solutions requires a profound understanding of finance, sustainability and technology.

By leveraging its deep expertise in these three areas, Kanata Advisors works closely with sustainability and climate-focused startups, equipping them with the knowledge and strategies needed to succeed in the market and generate a lasting positive impact.

Kanata aids in building and commercializing successful data-driven ESG solutions to enable asset managers, asset owners, and businesses effectively manage their sustainability challenges and impacts. Through our expert guidance, we aim to shape a new generation of responsible and resilient companies that drive innovation, growth, and global change.

Our Team

Nawar Alsaadi

FOUNDER & CEO

Nawar brings more than 20 years of investment experience to his role as a seasoned sustainable investment professional and thought leader. Throughout his extensive career, Nawar has occupied various senior ESG-related positions, including Chief Impact Officer at ScopeFour Capital, Senior Portfolio Manager for ESG Investing at Canada Post Pension Plan, and Director of ESG Insights at the ethical investment firm NEI Investments, in addition to other executive and advisory roles.

Nawar stands among the select group of ESG professionals who hold both the CFA ESG Investing certification and the CFA Climate Investing certification. Furthermore, he possesses the Sustainable Investment Professional Certification (SIPC) from Concordia University and the FSA Credential from the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). Nawar holds a BBA in International Business from Schiller International University (Paris) and a Master of Business Administration from the Questrom School of Business at Boston University.

Nawar is also a published author of five books. In addition, he actively contributes to numerous sustainable finance publications, podcasts, and ESG-related investment events and conferences.

Giedre (Gigi) Alsaadi

PROJECT COORDINATOR

Gigi is a team expert in sustainable strategy, climate change policy and environmental solutions, specializing in technology and natural resources. Across her roles in consulting, investment management, and gold mining, Gigi steers organizations through the intricacies of environmental sustainability, assisting in shaping strategies that optimize the triple bottom line.

Gigi holds a HBSc in Environmental Studies and Environmental Biology at the University of Toronto, accompanied by certifications in Business Fundamentals and Sustainable Pathways. She is also a candidate for obtaining the LEED® Green Associate credential. Gigi’s multidisciplinary academic background is further fortified by her current role as a research assistant at the University of Toronto.

In addition to her professional experiences, Gigi is an active advocate for sustainable practices through volunteer work with prominent initiatives such as The Energy Network and The UofT Trash Team. 

Our Values

  • Making a Difference

    "The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better." (Robert F. Kennedy)

    We believe in the power of technology to be a force for good.

    We will always challenge ourselves to do more and to do better.

    Many small steps can make a big difference.

  • Purpose & Passion

    “He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.” (Friedrich Nietzsche)

    We are driven by passion and guided by purpose.

    We work together to build something larger than ourselves.

    Perpetual passion stems from perpetual growth and learning.

  • Ceaseless Innovation

    “What is now proved was once only imagined.” (William Blake)

    If it hasn’t been built - we will build it.

    If it hasn’t been done - we will attempt it.

    We will learn from our failures and build upon our success.



  • Honesty & Integrity

    “If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything” (Gordon A. Eadie)

    We pledge to be honest and transparent.

    We will always do the right thing, even if it’s the harder path to take.

    We will do what we say and we will say what we will do.


  • Diversity of Ideas

    “Strength lies in differences, not in similarities” (Stephen R. Covey)

    We will embrace a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion..

    We will always be open to new ideas, thoughts, and opinions.

    We share the same goals, but we will debate all paths.

  • Freedom & Authenticity

    “Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.” (Mahatma Gandhi)

    We believe many individuals make a whole.

    What we think and what we do are one and the same.

    We accept each other for who we are.


  • Having Fun

    “Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand.” (Mark Twain)

    We are serious people, but we don’t always take ourselves seriously.

    We face adversity with a smile and good spirit.

    We celebrate our wins to our hearts’ content.