Top 50 Automotive Startup Investors in Canada in December 2024

BDC Venture Capital is a major venture capital investor in Canada, active at every stage of the company's development cycle, from seed through expansion, with a focus on technology-based businesses that have high growth potential and that are positioned to become dominant players in their markets. The company helps create and develop strongCanadian businesses through financing, consulting services and securitization, with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises.BDC Venture Capital has been involved in venture capital since 1975 and has to date invested in more than 400 companies involved in the areas of Life Sciences, Telecommunications, Information Technology and Advanced Technologies.

The Ontario Centres of Excellence invests in projects and people to accelerate industry R&D to impact the Ontario economy through the commercialization of leading edge research.OCE invests in- Industry-Academic collaborative research- Commercialization of academic research through licensing and spin off companies- Early stage seedfinancing of start-ups- Skills development for high quality personnelThe Ontario Centres of Excellence is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1987. Core funding is provided by the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation

Director of Investments Every half-year, the Canadian Venture Capital Association (CVCA) reports on the status of venture capital investment in Canada, and the 2021-H1 edition is impressive.

Real Ventures is an early-stage venture firm focused on serving daring entrepreneurs with the ambition to create successful, global companies. Since 2007, Real Ventures has dedicated itself to building the Canadian startup ecosystem on the belief that people, not money, build game-changing companies. Real Ventures provides stage-specific guidance,mentorship, and access to networks and resources to fast-track founders’ personal and company growth. Real Ventures manages $325 million across five funds and its active portfolio of 100+ companies is currently valued at $10 billion. www.realventures.com

Since its creation in 1996, Fondaction has been based on the belief that it is not only possible to do things differently in the financial and business world, it is a necessity.Fondaction helps Québecers prepare for retirement by offering affordable retirement savings to everyone. The savings collected are invested in companies across Québec.This way, Fondaction helps create and maintain quality jobs, contributing to a stronger, more equitable and greener economy.Created in 1996, Fondaction is a labour-sponsored fund with assets in excess of one billion dollars collected as retirement savings from more than 131,000 shareholders. Fondaction's direct investments and those made through investment funds support the development of more than 1 050 SMEs in different lines of business, in large part involved in various components of the social economy.Fondaction has always been resolutely committed to socially responsible finance, from the moment it was created. The principles of sustainable development are integrated in everything it does. Whether investing in businesses directly or in capital markets, Fondaction always applies the principles of responsible investment to the money entrusted by its savers.Fondaction was one of the first institutions in Québec to make accountability reports an obligation in an effort to improve its practices and contribute to moving sustainable development forward in Québec. It produced its first report on sustainable development in 2006 in accordance with the international standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the highest standards of precision and transparency in economic, social and environmental accountability.In 2010 and 2012, Fondaction remained at the forefront with its 3rd and 4th sustainable development reports, having them reviewed by an independent firm and achieving an application level of A+ from the GRI. Fondaction is the only financial institution in Québec to achieve this level.In 2014, Fondaction tabled its 5th sustainable development report, produced in accordance with the latest GRI guidelines, the G4. Fondaction also opted for Comprehensive compliance, becoming the 1st financial institution in North America and the 9th in the world to voluntarily adhere to these requirements.

We support environmental resiliency through profitable investment. We provide capital and talent to accelerate the growth of early-stage climate tech ventures catalyzing the transition from finite to infinite sources of energy, food, water & products.

The mission at Build Ventures is to help founders build companies. Period. They provide early stage capital to emerging, game-changing Atlantic Canadian technology companies. Their team has deep operational and investment experience. The startup journey can be challenging, but they know what it takes and they are here to help.They’re based inHalifax, Nova Scotia, and are focused on companies in Atlantic Canada. They like to invest after your seed round. Ideally, you have begun to build a great team, have a product solving a meaningful problem and are working in what is – or one day will become -- a huge market.

Brightspark Ventures invests in early stage Canadian software companies.Brightspark has been investing in the Canadian VC industry since 1999. Over the last 20 years, the company has refined its focus to the point where it choose what it believes to be the best early-stage opportunities in the market. The company's goal is to findexceptional startups, and work closely with these companies as they grow to achieve stellar returns.We have structured our investments to allow individual accredited investors to invest with us. We have found that individual investors share the same goals as us when investing: they too want to invest in startups with CEOs that are focused on creating massive returns.This model also benefits our portfolio companies, who appreciate having a network of investors they don’t necessarily have to "manage". By leading the investment and actively working as the gatekeeper for the company, Brightspark ensures that the company can grow to its full potential without being distracted or becoming unfocused. This model attracts some of the best companies in Canada.

Pallasite Ventures is an agile venture capital firm providing early-stage financing for high-growth companies across a variety of industries.

WUTIF Capital (VCC) Inc. is a novel angel fund that co-invests with angel investors in promising new technology ventures in British Columbia. WUTIF was formed in mid-2003 and made its first investments in late 2004.

Working with Ontario talent to develop World Class Companies Learn More

Fonds de solidarité FTQ is a private equity and venture capital firm specializing in investments in start-ups, early venture, mergers, business acquisitions, management buyouts, market development project or a buyout, financing for new programs, organic growth and cash flow, growth and expansion financings, development capital, business succession,financial restructuring, business transition financing, family and non-family buyout, consolidations, turnaround, and leveraged management buyouts. It also invests in new markets, product and business line developments, market diversification, interim financings, new product marketing, additional working capital, purchase of tangible and intangible assets, equipment modernization, equipment purchases or upgrades, and integrator projects. The firm has regional funds that do not invest in retail, real estate, farming, biotechnology, and financial services. Fonds de solidarité FTQ invests in small and medium-sized businesses. It typically invests in export projects, forest products, productivity improvement, natural resources, aerospace, agri-food, wood, pulp and paper, chemicals, construction and construction materials, printing, transportation equipment and automobiles, transportation services, furniture and fixtures, combinatorial chemistry and other lead generating technologies, mining and exploration, social economy, textiles, plastics, life sciences, business services, telecommunications, distribution and consumer goods, environment, equipment and machinery, financial services, information and communication technology, metal products, recreational tourism, and culture sectors. Within the culture sector, Fonds de solidarité FTQ seeks to invest in pre-production and creative projects, production projects, infrastructures and services, post-production projects, distribution, and broadcasting and multiplatform broadcasting. Within the environment sector, it invests in waste management and energy conversion for residual waste; air treatment and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; processes to reduce industrial energy and water consumption; water treatment; and soil rehabilitation and decontamination (metals and organic compounds). Within the life sciences sector, Fonds de solidarité FTQ focuses on services for the biopharmaceutical industry; nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals; diagnostics and medical supplies and equipment; biopharmaceuticals and generic drugs; biotechnology, and animal health. Within the tourism sector, it focuses on urban tourism, nature tourism, resort type tourism, and local tourism for Quebecers, and in the textiles sector it invests in companies engaged in development and production of specialty textiles as well as development of industrial applications for the construction, transportation, health and safety, and work apparel industries. Fonds de solidarité FTQ prefers to invest in Quebec and in companies impacting the Québec economy. It focuses on investing in the following regions- Abitibi –Témiscamingue, Bas Saint Laurent, Chaudière-Appalaches, Côte-Nord, Estrie, Gaspésie Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Lanaudière, Laurentides, Laval, Mauricie - Centre-du-Québec, Montérégie, Nord-du-Québec, Outaouais, and Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean. Fonds de solidarité FTQ seeks to invest in projects of $3 million or more and also provides loans of up to $ 2 million. It invests in companies in business succession sector having minimum capitalization of $500,000 and EBITDA of over $35.5 million in case of majority interest; equipment and machinery sector with average investment in excess of $3 million; environment sector with funding needs of more than $500000; financial services sector having net assets between $20 million and $50 million in equity; metal products sector having annual sales of over $5 million and financing needs of at least $2 million; and printing sector having investment needs of over $1 million. In the information technology sector, Fonds de solidarité FTQ seeks to invest $2 million as initial investments while total investments can be more than $10 million. It invests in the form of equity financing (common or preferred shares) and unsecured debt requiring no collateral (debenture). Fonds de solidarité FTQ can take both a minority interest including an equity stake of up to 49 percent as well a majority interest in its portfolio companies in case of business succession financing. It seeks a minority stake for the portfolio companies in the equipment and machinery sector. It typically holds its investments for a period of five to ten years in case of equity financing and for more than ten years in case of business succession financing. Fonds de solidarité FTQ began operation on June 23, 1983. It has its headquarters in Montreal in Canada with additional offices in the same city and Quebec in the same country.

BrandProject is an early-stage venture capital fund that invests in consumer products, services, and technology companies. Based in Toronto and New York City, we are typically the first venture money and are often the sole investor in a round.BrandProject has invested in and helped build innovative new brands including Daily Harvest, Freshly,Ritual, Persona, Chefs Plate, Clutch, Gainful, Atolla, Pet Plate, Awake Chocolate, Coveteur, Surf Easy, and Hello Products..Find out more at www.brandproject.com

OMERS Ventures Home Page.

Founded in 2013, Round13 Capital is a leading venture and growth equity investment platform based in Toronto, Canada. The firm invests in high-potential companies across a range of sectors, with a focus on supporting their growth and development over the long term. Round13's team of experienced investors and operators bring a wealth ofexpertise and insight to every investment, helping portfolio companies to realize their full potential. With a commitment to building an enduring 100-year firm, Round13 is dedicated to creating long-term value for its investors and the companies it supports. For more information, please visit www.round13.com.

IBI Group is a global architecture, engineering, planning, and technology firm defining the cities of tomorrow.

We are BDC, the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs. We support small and medium-sized businesses in all industries and at every stage of growth with money and advice. We are the Business Development Bank of Canada.

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency works to create opportunities for economic growth in Atlantic Canada by helping businesses become more competitive, innovative and productive, by working with diverse communities to develop and diversify local economies, and by championing the strengths of Atlantic Canada. Together, with Atlantic Canadians,we are building a stronger economy.

FedDev Ontario aids the southern Ontario economy by supporting innovation, commercialization, business growth, productivity, and communities.

FundersClub focuses on Seed and early stage investments. Investments include Coinbase, Instacart, Flexport, Le Tote, Teespring, Memebox, GitLab.FundersClub is the world's first online venture capital platform. Backed by Y Combinator, First Round Capital, Spark Capital, Intel Capital, Draper, Andreessen Horowitz, Felicis Ventures, and more;FundersClub Inc. was founded in 2012 and is based in the United States.

SV Angel is a San Francisco-based venture fund. Their experience spans helping companies like Airbnb, Coinbase, Databricks, DoorDash, Faire, Flexport, GitHub, Notion, Pinterest, Snap, Square, and Stripe Scale. Over the last 30 years of investing, their core values of trust, loyalty, and integrity along with a founder-first approach have driven ourstrategy. They are a service organization, investing in founders who share these values. They support entrepreneurs in building lasting companies by assisting at key inflection points and leveraging networks to help them propel their businesses forward.

Nikita Bier

Banana Capital is a technology investment firm that invests globally across all sectors and from pre-seed to pre-IPO.

Our Venture Capital Fund provides New Brunswick start-ups with the seed investment they need to rapidly grow and delivery their products to customers.

S28 Capital is a venture fund based in San Francisco, run by operators and entrepreneurs who are helping the next generation of founders build their companies.

Innovacorp is an early-stage venture capital firm that helps knowledge-based startups commercialize their technologies in the global marketplace. It invests in early stage Nova Scotia entrepreneurs, combining venture capital with business mentoring and incubation facilities. Innovacorp was established in 1995 and based in Halifax, Canada.

M12 are a venture capital fund, by Microsoft. Our investment teams are based globally to support your business from start up funding to Series C investment.

Export Development Canada (EDC) is a Crown corporation dedicated to assisting Canadian businesses of all sizes in achieving global success. It provides them with the tools they need to grow their business with confidence, including trade knowledge, financial solutions, equity, insurance, and connections.

Radical Ventures invests in the future of how we live, work and play, partnering with founders who understand the transformational power of AI.

10x Group is a group of serial entrepreneurs and founders investing in founders of digital start-ups in Europe and Silicon Valley.

The Canada Media Fund (CMF) fosters, develops, finances and promotes the production of Canadian content and applications for all audiovisual media platforms.

Stéphane St-Hilaire is chief executive officer and president of ADESA.As chief executive officer and president, St-Hilaire directs the development and implementation of the company’s overall strategy and growth objectives, and is responsible for ADESA’s North American operations.St-Hilaire joined ADESA Canada in 1998 as chief financialofficer. From there, he quickly moved into other senior positions throughout the organization. In 1999, St-Hilaire became ADESA Montreal’s general manager, and was promoted to regional manager in 2000. In 2002, St-Hilaire became regional vice president of Eastern Canada and general manager of ADESA Montreal. In January 2009, St-Hilaire was named chief operating officer for ADESA Canada, and in 2014 he was appointed to his current role as CEO and president of ADESA.Prior to joining ADESA, St-Hilaire worked as a senior accountant at Ernst & Young and the controller at AIT Corporation.St-Hilaire has earned a number of professional awards including: the Ford Motor Company Award, the ADESA Canada Auction of the Year Award and the ADESA Customer Service Award. He holds a degree in commerce from Laval University and a degree in administration from Limoilou College. He also earned a chartered accountant certificate from the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Welcome to Automotive Ventures, founded by Steve Greenfield. We offer fundraising, growth strategy and transaction guidance advice to automotive technology entrepreneurs and strategic buyers. We support the success of automotive entrepreneurs, businesses and investors.

GM Ventures combines investing in automotive-related tech startups with General Motors support to drive innovation and advance the future of mobility.

University Growth Fund is the largest education-based private equity fund in the country, giving university students the opportunity to gain real-world experience as they invest alongside top tier investors in many of the best companies in the country.

We support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey and build technology companies that generate a positive impact on society.

We are BDC, the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs. We support small and medium-sized businesses in all industries and at every stage of growth with money and advice. We are the Business Development Bank of Canada.

Ross Finlay, a Co-founder and Director of the First Angel Network Association has been an angel investor since 2000. He has assisted many companies in raising private equity. Mr. Finlay is a recognized facilitator, senior business consulting professional and strategic change consultant who has an extensive background in public, private andnot-for-profit sectors. He has implemented major business changes in a number of organizations and has experience in conducting organizational reviews in the public/private and the not-for-profit sectors. He has extensive business networks throughout Atlantic Canada. He has been Executive Director of a provincial professional association and President of a national consulting company working with scientific, engineering and technical areas. Since his move home to Nova Scotia, Ross has managed his own successful consulting practice. He returned to the corporate world for a time with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and SolutionInc Ltd. – a Halifax based software development company. In 2002 Ross was a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal for outstanding community service through his efforts in numerous charities.

CBGF helps privately-owned Canadian businesses with the capital, talent, and expertise they need to drive growth and realize their potential.

Operating in service of deeptech entrepreneurs.

Since 1999, Andre has been a digital entrepreneur focused on automotive marketing. He has successfully built, grown and sold automotive digital solution companies.Andre currently owns and operates three successful dealerships in Quebec with heavy focus on non-prime.Andre created DecisioningIT to address the problems he identified in hisdealerships for his clients. A problem many dealerships, and businesses, also experience.

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Benjamin Tuff - Managing Partner @ Benjamin David Group

Time Ventures is an investment fund for Marc Benioff. The company looks to invest in theB2B, hospitality, non-financial services, and commercial products and services sectors.

EQT Ventures is a European VC fund with just over €2.3 billion in total capital raised. EQT Ventures I launched in May 2016, with commitments totaling €566 million and a simple mission - to be the kind of VC the team would have liked to have had on their own startup journeys. Recognizing that building and growing a company takes more than justcapital, the EQT Ventures team provides founders with support and advice throughout different stages of growth. EQT Ventures doesn't focus on particular markets or industries, but on bold and ambitious founders who have the grit and determination to build global success stories. EQT Ventures II launched in November 2019, with commitments totaling €660 million. EQT Ventures III launched in 2022, with commitments totaling €1.1 billion, making it the biggest European Venture Capital fund committed to early-stage tech startups. The EQT Ventures team is based across six offices in London, Stockholm, Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, Paris, and San Francisco, taking a locals-with-locals approach and supporting founders on the ground. Motherbrain, EQT Ventures' in-house-developed artificial intelligence (AI) platform, ensures the team has a data-driven approach and has driven more than $100 million in portfolio company investments.

The Houssian Foundation leverages philanthropic giving, impact investing, and movement-building to promote environmental protection, gender justice, and resilient communities.

ChinaEquity is China's private merchant bank engaging in VC, PE, Direct investments as well as investment management. It provides one-stop cross-border VC PE and direct investments to high-tech enterprises throughout the Greater-China Region.The company uniquely positions itself to the booming Chinese technology, media, telecommunications,biotechnology and environmental technology, sports, medicine and the natural resource industries, and aims to equilibrate the demand and the supply in the capital market and provide total solutions to all parties on the capital flow chain.Clear development strategy and innovative business model has helped ChinaEquity to achieve outstanding performances. Its resources and networks extend all over the Silicon Valley, Wall Street, Europe and Greater China. International strategic alliance and partnerships allow the company to be able to cover all stages of investment and financing. Since inception, ChinaEquity has achieved a promising portfolio of investments and has established a high-quality customer base.ChinaEquity fully understands the political, economic and cultural environment in Greater-China, is well experienced in international capital market operations, and familiar with development trend. The company maintains long-term and favorable communications with Chinese governmental bodies, international financial institutions and high-tech enterprises.ChinaEquity was founded in 1999 by Mr. Chao Y. Wang, formerly the Vice President and Beijing Chief Representative of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter. The senior partners and executives joined ChinaEquity from international and domestic renowned financial institutions and high-tech enterprises.

Silicon Valley Bank is the financial partner of the innovation economy; helping individuals and investors in the innovation ecosystem achieve extraordinary outcomes.

FundFire is the leading source of competitive intelligence for the separately managed account industry. Each morning, we deliver a mix of original articles and summaries of the most important industry news to over 80,000 readers which helps investors, managers, and consultants stay abreast of the changes in their industry. Investment managers readFundFire to find out what competitors and prospective clients are doing and thinking. Financial advisors, investment consultants, pension plans, endowments, and foundations rely on FundFire to power their money management IQ. FundFire has sections devoted to major personnel moves in the money management industry.

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