Charles Chang is a born entrepreneur with a passion for innovation, active living and mentoring. Prior to starting Lyra Growth Partners in September 2015, Charles was the President and Founder of Vega.

Started from scratch from his basement in 2004 and financed by his life savings, a second mortgage on his house and four credit cards, Charles led Vega to become an iconic lifestyle brand of clean, plant–based nutritional products sold in over 20,000 stores across North America.

Honouring a triple bottom line approach to business and recognizing people were the company’s greatest source of competitive advantage, Vega and Charles have received many accolades and awards, including: Profit 100 Fastest Growing Companies, Best Workplaces, BIV 40 Under 40, Canada’s Best Managed Companies and E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year.

In August 2015, Vega was sold to White Wave Foods for US$550 million cash. Charles is proud that corporate headquarters will remain in Vancouver, all Vega’s employees have been retained and Vega’s executive management team continue to run the company.

As one door closes, another opens and so Lyra was born: The constellation in which Vega was its brightest star seeks fresh, young stars looking to shine brighter and reach further.

Charles lives in Vancouver, BC and is an active member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO), an avid mountain biker, skier and Whistlerite wannabe.