Top 50 Hardware 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.

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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

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 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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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Our goal is to build the region's entrepreneurial community, to make the region the best place to start a business and to facilitate access to investment opportunities for qualified investors.

Systematic Pre-Seed Startup Capital

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.

Invest in our experienceGrowthWorks* offers you more: more accountability, more experience and more proven know-how to make the most of your investment.A principled approach to adding valueOver the last 20 years, we've built GrowthWorks into one of Canada's venture capital management companies. We've done that by managingfunds that rigorously follow core principles: structure strategic investments in growth-oriented companies, value portfolio assets conservatively, build vital industry connections and minimize risk through diversification. It's a simple formula that delivers powerful results.Regional know-how. National ReachAt GrowthWorks, we offer regionally based retail venture capital funds (RVCs) right across Canada.GrowthWorks specializes in the management of and growth of regionally based venture capital funds. The funds under management include the following RVCs: Working Opportunity Fund, GrowthWorks Commercialization Fund and GrowthWorks Atlantic Venture Fund.Partners in performanceWe have specialized teams in each of our core sectors to identify and structure investments in potential winners. These skilled teams also help create success by helping the companies that GrowthWorks managed funds invest in to grow with strategic management support and advice. This way, the companies get guidance from experienced leaders. In turn, the funds’ investors know that these companies receive direction to help them thrive.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Canada's leading nationwide pre-seed venture fund.

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.

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.

Fonds Innovexport is an Investing Service that provides in targeting international markets to forge the Quebec of tomorrow.

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.

At Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), they fund Canadian cleantech projects and coach the companies that lead them as they move their ground-breaking technologies to market.SDTC’s support of cleantech translates into jobs, growth, and export opportunities for Canadian companies, as well as economic, environmental and healthbenefits for all Canadians. They are independent but don’t work alone. A big part of their role is building and sustaining networks of partners and stakeholders from private industry, academia and governments, at home and abroad. They operate at arm’s length and receive funding from the Government of Canada.

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.

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.

Mistral Venture Partners is a seed-stage venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology companies. The firm invests in startups that solve critical business problems, regardless of the business model– enterprise software, B2B SaaS, marketplaces, etc. It also partners with founders who value experience, commitment, and the higheststandards of integrity and respect.

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.

BDC Capital can customize a financing plan to meet the needs of you and your business, whether your need is $100,000 or $5 million.

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.

GreenSky Ventures is a Toronto-based firm that makes investments in early-stage Canadian technology companies.GreenSky Ventures seeks early-stage B2B technology companies in Canada, emphasizing protectable IP and experienced management. It makes investments in early-stage technology companies through its affiliated venture capital funds, GreenSkyAccelerator Fund I, II and III. Their principals bring a unique combination of experience in technology, law, and finance to high-growth potential companies and dedicated entrepreneurs.GreenSky Capital was founded in Toronto, Ontario in 2010 by Geoff Simonett and Michael T. R. List.

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.

Built by founders, for founders. Garage Capital helps best-in-class companies jump from garage to growth.

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

Intel Capital invests in innovative startups targeting cloud and AI infrastructure, edge, 5G, autonomy, cybersecurity, client & gaming, enterprise applications, silicon design and manufacturing, and a wide range of other disruptive technologies. Since 1991, Intel Capital has invested US$12.9 billion in more than 1,582 companies worldwide.Intel Capital has adopted the Diversity Term Sheet Rider.

The Golden Triangle Angelnet is a not-for-profit corporation operating under the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation's Angel Network Program. It is a members-only organization comprised of Angel investors seeking investment opportunities in promising, early-stage businesses. In addition to the financial support, as part of theirall-encompassing commitment to assist the companies they invest in, its Angels often provide valuable mentorship and access to strong relationship capital networks to their investee companies. It is this priceless assistance that aids in the facilitation of learning, networking, and growth.

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

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

We can help you meet the capital-intensive needs of scaling and achieve timely growth. We offer more flexible equity financing and commercial loans.

Yaletown Partners specializes in investing in software, data, and device technologies. It invests in technology companies that improve industry and enterprise productivity and sustainability, to help accelerate their growth, shorten exit timeframes, and accomplish strong exit premiums.With offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Montréal, and a growingpresence in Toronto, Yaletown is led by a national team that contributes almost 100 years of technology-industry experience and a network of extensive industry relationships.

We invest in founders who are driven to push the limits of what is possible

ScaleUP Ventures is a venture capital firm that supports creative entrepreneurs and assists with investments. It is focused on early-stage venture capital with a preference for Business-to-Business opportunities. The firm was founded in 2016 and is based in Toronto, Ontario.

Vanedge Capital is a venture capital firm which invests in the enterprise software, cloud infrastructure, security, digital media and cloud computing sectors. The firm targets companies that are post-revenue with a fast-growing user base and have demonstrated product market fit.

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.

FJ Labs is a stage-agnostic investment firm that focuses on marketplaces and consumer facing startups.

Ecofuel is a venture capital fund specialized in cleantech startups. Ecofuel Fund invests smart money in startups that develop and commercializes clean technologies.

Somel Investments

Espresso Capital empowers companies in technology, healthcare, and other high-growth verticals with innovative venture debt and growth financing solutions.