Today, we are proud to share a milestone that transcends McRock, or even the world of venture capital: McRock Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Whitney Rockley, has been appointed by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada as a Member of the Order of Canada, the country’s highest civilian honour.
This recognition places Whitney among a select group of Canadians whose contributions have shaped our nation’s character, advanced its institutions, and opened doors for future generations. Since its creation in 1967, the Order of Canada has recognized trailblazers across science, business, arts, innovation, and public service—individuals who exemplify the Order’s motto “They desire a better country.”
It is difficult to think of a phrase that captures Whitney more perfectly.
A Pioneer Who Rewrote What Leadership Looks Like
Whitney’s journey in venture capital began more than 25 years ago—long before diversity in tech or private capital was a headline, a metric, or a strategy. She carved her career through sheer excellence, resilience, global savvy, and fearless leadership— pioneering paths for the next generation to follow.
In 2012, she co-founded McRock Capital which has grown to over $300 million in assets under management and has become the leading global VC focused on the intersection of industrial sectors and digitization.
In 2017, Whitney became the first woman ever elected Chair of the Canadian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (CVCA) since its inception in 1974. That moment didn’t just break a glass ceiling—it changed the trajectory of an entire industry.
From that position, she led the creation of the CVCA’s first-ever Diversity & Inclusion Taskforce, pushed for transparent industry-wide diversity reporting, and criss-crossed the country speaking to university students—especially women and BIPOC youth—about careers in venture capital. As one reference letter noted, “Without Whitney, the rapid change in mindset and the shape of our industry would not be where it is today.”
Her leadership set the standard for what inclusive investing could look like in Canada, inspiring the next generation of decision-makers, fund builders, and founders.
Changing Lives, Not Just Systems
Whitney’s impact is not only structural—it is deeply personal.
One of her team members described arriving in Canada as a new immigrant, with no network, no family, and no foothold. Whitney not only offered her a job at McRock, she offered belonging, mentorship, and a path to build a life and a career in a new country.
“What Whitney gave me was not just a job—it was the beginning of a new life.”
Stories like this are not rare; they are the Whitney pattern.
Her leadership is built on compassion, integrity, and the belief that talent comes from everywhere—and deserves a fair chance.
This is the kind of leadership Canada honours with the Order of Canada: leadership that builds people, not just companies.
From All of Us at McRock
Whitney, we are honoured to stand beside you as you receive one of the country’s most prestigious distinctions. This is a moment that reflects your character, your conviction, your impact, and the many lives you’ve lifted along the way.
Canada is better because of your work.