vina tsai, vt consulting capina asset management, helen siwak, portfolioyvr, vancouver, bc, entrepreneurs, bc business

Vina Tsai: Advancing Inclusive Growth and Strategic Capital Through VT Consulting

Vina Tsai is an entrepreneur and strategic business leader. As the Founder and Principal of VT Consulting Group, she provides expertise in business consulting, strategic development, venture capital, investor relations, and commercial real estate investment support. Under her leadership, the firm has supported over 50 companies globally and advised on more than $10 million in commercial real estate projects.

Vina is also the Co-Founder of Capina Asset Management, a private investment firm focused on sustainable community development, and the Founder of Medusa’s Armour, a fashion brand promoting individuality, creativity, and empowerment.

Her leadership and impact have earned national recognition, including being featured as an “Inspiring Canadian Entrepreneur” by Inspiring Canadians, and named to The NYC Journal’s “50 Under 50” and “Top 30 Personalities Disrupting the Fashion Industry.” She has also been nominated for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards and EY Entrepreneur of the Year.

Beyond business, Vina serves as a Board Director and Director of Business at the Strathcona Community Policing Centre, focusing on public safety, and as an Advisory Board Member at Founders Boost, a pre-accelerator aimed at supporting emerging founders globally. She is actively involved in nonprofit and community initiatives and is passionate about public safety, education, and economic empowerment—bridging strategy, purpose, and impact to create lasting change.

Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a PhD in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, specializing in early childhood education and brain development, while becoming more involved in public policy and political initiatives.

vina tsai, vt consulting capina asset management, helen siwak, portfolioyvr, vancouver, bc, entrepreneurs, bc business

THE BUSINESS.

Founded in Vancouver, BC, VT Consulting Group is a multidisciplinary business consulting firm dedicated to supporting and empowering entrepreneurs and organizations to build, grow, and sustain long-term success. The firm provides expert services in business planning, development and strategy, investor relations, venture capital, and commercial real estate investment support.

Since its inception, VT Consulting Group has supported over 50 companies across diverse industries, helping startups and investors navigate complex challenges and scale strategically. The firm has advised on over $10 million in real estate projects and facilitated venture funding opportunities with a combined valuation exceeding $5 million.

With a mission rooted in innovation and impact, VT Consulting Group bridges the gap between vision and execution. Its approach combines analytical precision with creative strategy, ensuring each client receives tailored, actionable solutions that drive measurable growth.

Through its consulting and mentorship initiatives, the firm is also deeply committed to fostering inclusive entrepreneurship and supporting women and underrepresented founders within Canada’s evolving business landscape.

vina tsai, vt consulting capina asset management, helen siwak, portfolioyvr, vancouver, bc, entrepreneurs, bc business

IN HER WORDS.

“I first recognized my entrepreneurial spirit at a young age while growing up in Taiwan. I was always fascinated by how people created opportunities from limited resources and driven by a desire to help others work more efficiently. Leaving home at seventeen to support myself taught me self-discipline, independence, and the importance of resourcefulness. My first true entrepreneurial experience came while working for a family office in Shanghai, where I witnessed how vision, risk, and timing intersect to create wealth and opportunity. That realization sparked my determination to build something of my own—something rooted in strategy, purpose, and community impact. The desire to create lasting value has guided every pivot in my career and ultimately became the foundation of VT Consulting Group.

The inspiration for my first big idea came from a recurring gap I saw in the market: early-stage businesses with brilliant ideas but little access to structure, funding, or strategic guidance. I began offering freelance consulting to startups that could not afford traditional advisory firms, helping them refine their models and attract investors. Those collaborations often grew into long-term partnerships built on trust and measurable results. When I officially launched VT Consulting Group, I was determined to ensure that every client received tangible, lasting value. Whether developing business plans, structuring investments, or leading market entry initiatives, my focus was always on real outcomes. That results-driven approach became the foundation of our firm’s growth and reputation.

FIRST BUSINESS LESSON

One of my earliest business lessons came during an internship in day trading for an investment bank in Hong Kong. I spent days analyzing charts and patterns, convinced that I had found the perfect strategy. One morning, I made my first significant profit—only to lose nearly fifteen percent of it the next day by overtrading. It was a humbling experience that taught me the importance of emotional control, discipline, and risk management. That moment shaped my business philosophy, reminding me that success is not about quick wins but about consistency, patience, and maintaining perspective under pressure.

EVOLUTION AND GROWTH

My entrepreneurial journey has continued to evolve through every stage. Beginning in the financial industry gave me an analytical foundation; consulting taught me how to scale businesses; and investing showed me how to create long-term value. Starting over in new countries without a network was among my greatest challenges, but I overcame it by rebuilding connections through community involvement, networking, and delivering results. Each challenge reinforced the importance of adaptability and authenticity. Over time, I have learned that entrepreneurship is not linear—it is about navigating uncertainty with courage and transforming each setback into growth.

BUILDING MULTIPLE VENTURES

Throughout my career, I have built and led several ventures, each reflecting a different aspect of my entrepreneurial growth. VT Consulting Group was founded to empower entrepreneurs and organizations with the structure, investor access, and strategic guidance needed to scale. What began as freelance consulting evolved into a full-service advisory firm supporting over fifty businesses internationally, facilitating more than ten million dollars in commercial real estate acquisitions and helping clients boost revenues by an average of thirty percent annually. I also co-founded Capina Asset Management, a private investment firm focused on sustainable community development, bridging finance and social impact through long-term urban projects. In the creative space, I launched Medusa’s Armour—a fashion brand celebrating individuality, confidence, and inclusivity—which reached a valuation of over three hundred thousand dollars within its first four months. Each venture reinforced a single principle: aligning passion with purpose.

vina tsai, vt consulting capina asset management, helen siwak, portfolioyvr, vancouver, bc, entrepreneurs, bc business

SCALING WITH PURPOSE

Scaling VT Consulting Group required both structure and vision. Once I was confident in the firm’s direction, I built standardized frameworks for onboarding, strategic planning, and investment analysis to ensure consistency and efficiency. I diversified our services to include investor relations, venture capital advisory, and real estate investment support, enabling us to serve clients across every growth stage. Building strategic relationships with investors, accelerators, and industry leaders was essential to our expansion. For me, scaling is not just about growth—it is about sustainability. I focus on systems, people, and values that can evolve alongside the business.

SACRIFICE AND BALANCE

Pursuing my dream meant making sacrifices—trading stability for uncertainty and long hours for progress. In the early years, I made difficult financial decisions and often neglected rest and personal time. Over time, I learned that sustainable success requires balance, perspective, and self-care. Those sacrifices taught me resilience and deepened my empathy as a leader. Today, I encourage my team to set boundaries, nurture purpose, and find fulfillment beyond profit.

DEFINING SUCCESS MOMENT

A defining moment in my journey came when I began to see measurable, long-term impact from our work. Watching clients grow, secure funding, and achieve goals we had once only imagined confirmed that what we were building had real value. Receiving national recognition—being featured as an Inspiring Canadian Entrepreneur, included in The NYC Journal’s 50 Under 50, and nominated for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards and EY Entrepreneur of the Year—validated not only the success of VT Consulting Group but also the principles that guide us: integrity, collaboration, and purpose.

POWER OF MENTORSHIP

Mentorship has been instrumental to my success. I have been fortunate to learn from mentors, colleagues, and friends who believed in my potential and challenged me to grow. Their support has shaped my confidence and perspective, reminding me that progress begins with trust. I continue to learn from peers and clients alike, each offering insights that refine my leadership. Giving back through mentorship is now central to my mission. As an Advisory Board Member at Founders Boost, a global pre-accelerator, I mentor emerging entrepreneurs—especially underrepresented founders—helping them access capital, build confidence, and create sustainable businesses.

vina tsai, vt consulting capina asset management, helen siwak, portfolioyvr, vancouver, bc, entrepreneurs, bc business

LEADING WITH PURPOSE

My leadership has evolved from managing every detail myself to empowering others to lead. Early on, I focused on execution, but as the business matured, I realized that true leadership lies in trust, communication, and collaboration. Whenever I enter a new field, I start from the ground up to understand every level of operation. This hands-on approach helps me connect with my team and lead by example. I believe credibility comes from experience, humility, and a willingness to keep learning. Today, my leadership vision focuses on sustainability, inclusivity, and shared success—because when people grow, the business grows with them.

LESSONS AND ADVICE

For those beginning their entrepreneurial journey, my advice is simple: start where you are, stay consistent, and keep evolving. Progress does not come from waiting for perfection but from taking the next step. I wish I had known earlier that failure is not the opposite of success—it is part of it. Every challenge builds strength, strategy, and resilience. My definition of success has evolved beyond financial metrics; it now includes creating opportunities, uplifting others, and building a legacy grounded in integrity and compassion. For me, true fulfillment means being surrounded by people I love, maintaining good health, and giving back to the community.

BUSINESS AT HEART

At its core, VT Consulting Group exists to help entrepreneurs transform ideas into sustainable enterprises. We combine strategic consulting, investor relations, and venture capital advisory under one platform. Our model is built on partnership and purpose—working closely with founders to design strategies, connect with investors, and ensure long-term scalability. Moving forward, I aim to build more strategic partnerships with investors, clients, and collaborators who share our vision of inclusive entrepreneurship. We are also expanding initiatives that support women and underrepresented founders, driving access to funding and economic equity.

FUTURE AND LEGACY

Looking ahead, my vision for 2026 is to see VT Consulting Group continue expanding across industries and geographies while deepening our impact on community development. We plan to strengthen our consulting and investment divisions and create more cross-border opportunities that connect entrepreneurs with capital and mentorship. My hope is to leave a legacy defined by empowerment and accessibility—where success is not dictated by privilege but by purpose, resilience, and shared progress. Ultimately, I want to help shape an ecosystem that values collaboration over competition and uses innovation as a force for good.”

Follow Vina on IG: @tina_tsai

Author Profile

Helen Siwak, Collaborator: This story is created in collaboration between Helen Siwak and the featured subject. As the founder and publisher of Portfolio.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine, Helen works closely with entrepreneurs to share their paths of innovation, resilience, and growth. Each story in this series is co-developed through interviews and first-person insights, blending authentic voices with Helen’s editorial expertise to highlight the remarkable individuals shaping British Columbia’s business landscape.