Top 50 Food and Beverage Startup Investors in Canada in January 2025

Venture capital funding for Canadian entrepreneurs. District Ventures Capital is led by Arlene Dickinson and invests in innovative food & health sector companies.

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.

Desjardins Capital makes it easy to grow your business with financial and strategic support. Investment capital and venture capital can help you meet your business goals.

InvestEco invests in innovative companies in the Food & Agriculture Sector. Learn More about our process, people, and companies.

Value-added investors for innovative entrepreneurs.

SOSV is a global, deep tech venture capital firm that operates the HAX and IndieBio startup development programs focused on human and planetary health. SOSV invests $500,000 in startups at their inception as they onboard either HAX or IndieBio for a 4-6 month period designed to accelerate the raise of their next institutional round. SOSV joins thelater rounds of HAX and IndieBio graduates. HAX, based in a 35,000 sq ft facility in Newark, NJ, is equipped with machine tools, 3D printers, chemical, electrical and mechanical engineering labs, as well as on-staff engineering and design experts. SOSV's IndieBio has locations in NYC and San Francisco, both of which offer extensive services and facilities to founders including on-site BSL-2 labs, well equipped lab benches and hoods, and advanced lab equipment, such as chromatography equipment.

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.

Btomorrow Ventures (BTV) is the corporate venturing unit of BAT. BAT is building A Better Tomorrow by reducing the health impact of its business by transforming into a truly consumer-centric multi-category CPG company. We are dedicated to partnering with ambitious and passionate entrepreneurs to realise their vision by providing a platform toenhance innovation and accelerate growth.

Golden Ventures is a leading seed-stage venture capital fund, based in Toronto and investing across North America. We back bold teams and their transformative ideas.

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.

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

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.

Maximizing growth in naturally-derived products, technologies and services

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.

Marketplace, Digital Health, SaaS

We view founders as partners. We bring capital, networks, and experience, and our founders bring expertise, teams, and dreams.

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.

Globalive fuels innovation by partnering with visionary entrepreneurs. Join our venture studio or explore funding opportunities.

The E-Fund (VANTEC Entrepreneurs Fund VCC Inc.) was established in 2011 to invest in promising new ventures in British Columbia in a wide range of industry sectors. They are focused on co-investing with other angel investors and early-stage venture capital firms in seed-stage companies with high growth opportunities.The E-Fund involvesspecific investors in the investment due diligence process depending on their industry experience and knowledge and their particular technical expertise. It is their goal to become the ‘Go-to Braintrust’ for active and in-depth angel investing.

Renewal Funds is a mission venture capital firm. We add value for entrepreneurs through capital, networks, and expertise. We aim for above market returns for our partners while catalyzing social and environmental change.Building upon our experience investing in successful high-impact businesses, Renewal Funds focuses on underfunded sectorsof organic food and environmental innovation; sectors critical to a sustainable economy where we can support meaningful shifts in consumer behaviour. Renewal Funds supports passionate, experienced, change-agent entrepreneurs, whose business we can help grow with our capital, networks and expertise.For updates, please visit us online at renewalfunds.com

Matchstick is an early stage venture fund in the North and Rockies. We invest where innovative ideas, huge markets and, most importantly, diverse founders strike. We are honored to support "underdog" founders who will stop at nothing to succeed. Matchstick exists to act as a catalyst for our founders, our partners, and our startup communities.

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.

Innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty. Together, we bring progress to life by combining the essential, the desirable, and the sustainable.

Easily access government information and services.

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

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.

Accelerate Fund supports the growth of early-stage Alberta technology companies with a multi million dollar fund that combines co-investment from angel investors.

Cycle Capital is a pioneer in Canadian Cleantech venture capital fund management investing in companies at the development and commercialization stages in North America. Founded in 2009 by Andrée-Lise Méthot, Founder and Managing Partner, Cycle Capital’s Platform has become an important venture capital investor of the Cleantech industry with its 3funds totaling $230M Assets Under Management (AUM). Cycle Capital is looking to invests in promising ventures that are not capital intensive and/or that can benefit from the leverage brought by Cycle Capital extensive network of investors, strategic partners and advisors.In addition to its core investments, Cycle Capital targets companies with high growth potential – especially those with strong intellectual property, leading edge technologies and with exceptional management talent that would benefit from the firm’s network of strategic industrial partners and expert advisors. With its core investment and business expertise, Cycle Capital plays an active role adding meaningful and tangible value to its portfolio companies at all stages of their life.

VA Angels, one of Canada’s leading angel investment groups, has member locations in Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna and Winnipeg. Since 2003 they have done 57 deals worth $28.5 million and are one of the most active angel groups in Canada.

AgFunder invests in impactful companies that can positively transform the world's food system. Founded in 2013, AgFunder manages a portfolio of over 50 companies across four funds from offices in Silicon Valley and Singapore. Through its media platform AFN, it has built a global ecosystem of over 90,000 subscribers.

Canada's leading nationwide pre-seed venture fund.

Hedgewood is an investment firm active in venture capital, internet businesses, real estate, specialty finance, asset management, and private equity.

Over the past two decades, GFC have backed over five hundred entrepreneurs worldwide, e.g. Facebook, LinkedIn, Slack, and Away Travel.

Avrio Capital is a venture capital and private equity investment firm specializing in commercialization to growth-stage companies with a focus on later-stage, early stage, mid venture, middle market, and emerging growth businesses. It also provides mezzanine financing. Avrio Capital prefers to invest in food technology, advanced agriculture,industrial bioproducts, and nutraceutical ingredients and innovative companies that provide solutions to global challenges in the areas of health, wellness and sustainability. It invests in companies based in Canada and North America. Avrio Capital seeks to invest between CAD $1 million $0.77 million to CAD $10 million $7.70 million, with significant capital reserved for subsequent financing rounds over the life of the portfolio company. It seeks to invest in companies with sales value between CAD $1 million $0.77 million and CAD $20 million $15.40 million. Avrio Capital prefers to take an active role in each investment it makes. It began operation in 2006, with its headquarters in Alberta in Canada and additional offices in Ontario and Quebec therein.

The Government of Canada is making it easier for Canadians to find and access government information and services online through its central website, Canada.ca. The website is the single entry point for all government information and services available online and is accessible using any device with an Internet connection, including tablets ormobile phones. Its portal shows how government works, its priorities, laws, finances, transparency, digital government, and policies.

Rhapsody Venture Partners specializes in bringing to market breakthrough science innovation in industrial sciences (non-life science). The firm was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.

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.

Golden Opportunities Fund Inc. is Saskatchewan's first Provincial Labour-sponsored Investment Fund which was launched in 1999 and is registered as a Labour-sponsored Investment Fund Corporation under The Labour-sponsored Venture Capital Corporations Act (Saskatchewan). Saskatchewan residents who purchase Shares of the Fund receive a 15%Federal tax credit and a 20% Provincial tax credit for a total of 35% in tax credits to a maximum contribution of $5,000 annually. Investments are also 100% RRSP eligible.With the capital raised, the Fund makes investments in Saskatchewan companies, or other entities that carry on business in Saskatchewan, that have less than 500 employees at the time of investment and that pay at least 25% of all their wages and salaries to Saskatchewan employees (as per current regulation which may be amended from time to time). The objective of the Fund is to realize long-term capital appreciation of its investments in eligible businesses. Potential investments are evaluated according to, among other things: stage of development; size; quality of management; the market potential of the products or services sold or distributed; the profit potential of eligible business; and the opportunity for realization by the Fund of its investments.

Accomplice is a venture firm and contemporary family office. We have been part of the origin story of AngelList, Carbon Black, Coinlist, Currencycloud, DraftKings, FalconX, FLOW, Freshbooks, Integral Ad Science, Hopper, HQO, Luna, Near, Orchard, Patreon, PillPack, Plastiq, Recorded Future, SecurityScorecard, Skillz, Veracode, Work Human, WHOOP, Zoopla, and more. We are also founders behind Accomplice Blockchain and the Spearhead operator-angel movement.

Green Acre Capital is a private investment fund dedicated exclusively to the Canadian medical and recreational cannabis industry. The fund invests in sectors across the cannabis value chain including production, research, consumer products and retail.

Inventages Venture Capital Investment Inc is an investment arm of Nestle SA specializing in PIPES, seed, early, mid, and late venture investments. The firm seeks to invest in middle market and mature companies. It provides mezzanine and bridge financing. The firm seeks to invest in health care, life sciences, cosmeceuticals, pharmaceuticals,enabling technologies and services, and diagnostic and medical devices. Within the pharmaceutical sector, it typically invests in small molecules, proteins, antibodies, vaccines, phytopharmaceuticals, natural compounds, botanicals, antibiotics, and therapeutics. Within the diagnostic sector, it focuses on genetic materials, biomarkers, pathological markers, genetic profiles, protein profiles, pharmacogenomics, food and environmental safety, genetically modified organism detection and trading, medical monitoring, diagnostic and analytical tools, and quality control. Within enabling technologies and services it primarily invests in novel packaging, process and production technologies, supply chain management, innovative materials and resources, delivery systems for active compounds, encapsulation and prevention, food services, extraction and fractionation of biological materials, consumer relation management, green biotechnology, smell and taste modifying technologies, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, screen and characterization technologies, chemical and biological engineering, and innovative preventive and therapeutic concepts. It also invests in companies involved in the prevention of medical foods, nutraceuticals, cosmoceuticals, nutrition, innovative food, functional food, dietary and food supplements, oral and skin care, immune modulation and stimulation, and health and disease management.

Tom Williams

Feeding the world one investment at a time

Proud to be 100% invested in Canadian agriculture and food.

Napier Park Global Capital is an independent alternative asset management firm with a core focus on alternative credit and structured equity investments that manages approximately $6.7 billion. The firm manages a diversified product mix including hedge funds, bespoke client separate accounts, private investments and CLOs for large, sophisticatedinstitutional investors.Financial Partners seeks to provide primary, secondary and special situations capital to financial services businesses and companies servicing financial institutions. The strategy provides equity, debt or hybrid capital for event, special situation, or growth, acquisition or recapitalization financings.

Mike Fata is the Founder at Manitoba Harvest. He attended Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

Here at Math Venture Partners, we partner with founding teams to take their vision further and grow with greater certainty.

Celtic House Venture Partners is an independent Canadian investment firm.Since 1994, Celtic House has been one of Canada’s most active investors in technology and innovation. Capitalizing on the deep domain expertise of its partners, Celtic House has consistently provided superior financial returns to its investors. Celtic House has collaboratedwith management teams and repeat entrepreneurs to develop technology companies from the inception phase through to exit, generating 25 initial public offerings and successful acquisitions.Celtic House has collaborated with management teams and repeat entrepreneurs to develop technology companies from the inception phase through to exit, generating 25 initial public offerings and successful acquisitions.From offices in Toronto and Ottawa, Celtic House manages in excess of $425 million across three funds. Celtic House is currently making new investments out of Celtic House Venture Partners Fund IV, which closed in 2012.

Working with Ontario talent to develop World Class Companies Learn More

We have over two decades of experience in the venture capital space investing in Silicon Valley companies.