Founder & Managing Director, EDI

Martin Soltys is a Canadian entrepreneur and the founder of Entertainment Development Institute (EDI), a multidisciplinary platform focused on strategic investments across entertainment, real estate development, and professional sports.

With a background that spans both creative and commercial disciplines, Martin holds degrees from Western University’s Ivey Business School and UCLA’s School of Theater, Film & Television. This unique combination of business acumen and storytelling expertise has positioned him to lead EDI with a balanced perspective—grounded in strategy, yet driven by vision.

Since its inception, EDI has grown from a passion project into a development and capital investment group recognized for its ability to identify opportunities that blend cultural relevance with long-term value creation. EDI’s portfolio spans large-scale real estate developments, entertainment districts, and sports franchises—each project carefully selected for its ability to spark economic growth, community engagement, and brand equity.

With a strategic focus on bringing to life projects that carry distinctive character, or transformative potential, Martin is driven by a mission to reshape communities for the better. His leadership centres on creating places and platforms that not only generate strong returns, but leave a lasting, positive imprint on the people and cities they serve.

Vice President, EDI | Development & Real Estate Advisor, Engel & Völkers

Tita Cool is a real estate professional and strategic operator with a diverse background in corporate management, real estate development, and investment. As Vice President at Entertainment Development Institute (EDI), Tita plays a central role in sourcing, structuring, and executing opportunities across entertainment, real estate, and sports—bringing her business instincts and proven market experience to a fast-growing platform.

Her career began in corporate management, where she supported the successful launch of Sephora’s Western Canadian expansion in 2008. That experience gave her an early understanding of the grit, ingenuity, and adaptability required to navigate complex markets like Vancouver. Today, she brings that same drive to both her real estate and investment work.

Tita is also proud to be a trusted Development and Real Estate Advisor, and runs the Development Division at Engel & Völkers. With extensive experience across residential, commercial, and development projects, she has worked alongside seasoned developers on land acquisitions, large-scale builds, and new community launches. Her multifaceted expertise in consulting, land sourcing, design, marketing, and sales has helped her lead projects from concept to sold-out success—earning her a spot in the prestigious Medallion Club.

At EDI, Tita leverages her strong negotiation skills, financial insight, and relationship-driven approach to help shape projects that leave a lasting impact—whether it’s in a growing neighbourhood, a global sports arena, or a new entertainment venture.

Director of Marketing, Sponsorship Management & PR, EDI

Tim Thom is a seasoned veteran of the sports and entertainment industry, bringing over 15 years of experience working with both active and retired athletes across major global leagues—including Boxing, MMA, NBA, NFL, CFL, NHL, La Liga, MLS, and the PGA.

Tim began his career on the brand side, where he honed his ability to develop and execute high-impact strategies that deliver real results. His approach has always been rooted in building partnerships that are not only performance-driven, but also grounded in mutual respect and a shared vision. He believes the strongest collaborations come from aligning values, culture, and long-term goals.

With a deep background in mergers and acquisitions, talent management, sponsorships, and investment strategy, Tim offers a rare combination of insight and influence—guiding both talent and brands through opportunities that span sport, media, and lifestyle.

As Executive Producer of the television series Prizefighter, Tim has further demonstrated his versatility and leadership in the entertainment space, overseeing content that bridges sport and storytelling with broad audience appeal.

At EDI, Tim leads talent and brand partnerships with a clear vision: to attract top-tier athletes, entertainers, and global brands to Vancouver and beyond, helping shape the city into a hub for authentic, world-class collaboration. His goal is to not only elevate EDI’s portfolio, but to foster lasting, culturally resonant partnerships that redefine what’s possible at the intersection of sport, entertainment, and development.

Capital Investments and Business Development, EDI

Milad Mehrabi is an entrepreneur and business development executive with a strong background in private equity, capital raising, and strategic growth ventures spanning real estate, hospitality, wellness, and entertainment. Known for his ability to connect investors, developers, and brands, he leads projects that merge financial performance with cultural and community impact.

A former U18 Vancouver Whitecaps and UBC varsity soccer player, Milad’s lifelong passion for sports, athletics, and entertainment continues to shape his entrepreneurial vision. The teamwork, discipline, and creativity developed through high-level sport translate directly into his leadership style, uniting people, ideas, and resources to build ventures that inspire connection and deliver long-term value.

Driven by a belief that business should both perform and contribute, Milad continues to expand his network and portfolio, developing ventures that elevate industries while strengthening the communities around them.

Academy Manager Soccer, EDI Canada Sports Capital

With a lifelong passion for soccer deeply rooted in his Portuguese heritage, Danny brings a rare combination of soccer intelligence, cultural awareness, and entrepreneurial drive to this organization. Having grown up immersed in soccer and athletics and studying global leagues to recognizing emerging talent he offers an exceptional understanding of both player potential and team dynamics.

Danny is a highly motivated and experienced Academy Manager to lead our Academy programme and play a vital role in developing the next generation of professional footballers. Reporting directly to EDI’s Managing Director, Danny is responsible for the development of EDI’s Soccer Academy Performance Plan and for building relationships across the soccer and education sectors in both men’s and women’s soccer in Canada.

As Academy Manager, EDI Canada Sports Capital, Danny’s role is to ensure all activity is aligned with EDI’s soccer philosophy and long-term vision.  He provides strategic, operational and cultural leadership across all phases of the Academy, and will oversee staff development, manage the coaching curriculum and player pathways, and represent the Academy within the wider football community.  

Executive Producer, Media & Content Development, EDI

James Weyman brings over 30 years of experience in the creative industries to his role at EDI, where he will lead production on EDI’s first soccer docu-series and an all-access, behind the scenes look at Canada’s most exciting professional soccer team and the real life drama of its owners, executives, and athletes.

As President of Barn 12 Inc., a Toronto based media production and consulting firm, James develops world-class content for multiple platforms and provides strategic consulting to support business growth for SMEs, corporate, and institutional clients.

Previously, James served as Manager of Industry Initiatives at the Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC), where he designed and managed innovative funding and export programs across film, television, music, publishing, and digital media overseeing an annual investment portfolio exceeding $20 million.

With extensive expertise in creative business development, funding strategies, and international partnerships, James offers proven leadership in production management, branding, and growth strategy across the entertainment and media sectors.