Top 50 Manufacturing Startup Investors in Canada in November 2024

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Value-added investors for innovative entrepreneurs.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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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.

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.

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.

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.

EnerTech Capital works hand-in-hand with pioneers and innovators daring to change the world. For 25 years EnerTech’s fundamental focus has been investing and partnering with innovative companies driving informational impact across the energy landscape; with a focus on Mobility, Industry 4.0, and Connected Customer. Since its founding in 1996,EnerTech has made 74 investments and has managed over $500 million in capital commitments. EnerTech works with investors and stakeholders from corporates with growing innovation programs to seasoned investors seeking differentiated opportunities for strategic capital deployment or tailored solutions. EnerTech partners with companies across all stages of enterprise value creation from late development and seed through commercialization and growth. While investment activities are predominantly focused in North America, EnerTech partners with teams globally on an opportunistic basis.

Economic Development of Canada is providing assistance to enterprises and communities.

Sherbrooke Innopole is the economic development organization of the City of Sherbrooke which serves the industrial and tertiary-engine sectors. We provide free support to entrepreneurs in the industrial and technological sectors in Sherbrooke towards success.

SaskWorks Venture Fund is a Saskatchewan-based retail mutual fund that invests in privately-held small and medium-sized businesses owned or primarily operated in Saskatchewan. As a labour-sponsored venture capital corporation (LSVCC), investments in SaskWorks are eligible to receive a tax credit equal to 35% in addition to their RRSP tax deferral.Since its inception, the Fund has provided a unique opportunity for Saskatchewan residents to keep their investment dollars at home, helping to grow local companies and creating jobs in their province.

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.

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.

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

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

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

OMERS Ventures Home Page.

Desjardins-Innovatech is a Canadian venture capital company that funds innovative businesses in diverse sectors across Quebec.

Innovate Calgary is a central innovation hub at the University of Calgary. See our programs and fundings and learn more about our innovation hubs here.

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

Momenta is the leading Industrial Impact® venture capital firm, accelerating industrial innovators across energy, manufacturing, smart spaces, and the supply chain. For over a decade, our team of deep industry operators has helped scale industry leaders and innovators to improve critical industries, the environment, and people's quality oflife. PitchBook has ranked Momenta as one of the ten best-performing venture capital firms for 2023 in its prestigious Global Manager Performance Score League Tables, and the firm is the only European-headquartered VC to secure a Top 10 spot on the list.

Shell Ventures invests in companies to speed up development and deployment of new technologies which complement our business.

ArcTern Ventures is a venture capital fund that provides early-stage capital to cleantech companies.The privately-backed venture capital fund provides early-stage capital to companies developing breakthrough ideas in the cleantech sector. The Fund has developed a unique early-stage investment model through its partnership with MaRS, one of thelargest innovation centers in the world.

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

Invest in transformational technologies that can achieve large scale solutions globally.

We're the next generation of pension fund managers. Discover how we spot opportunities on the edge and act with agility to execute complex investment.

Natural Resources Canada is a company of resources and information about the protection of natural land and water.

Maximizing growth in naturally-derived products, technologies and services

We acquire high quality and mission-critical software businesses with great people.

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.

Brian Craig is a Principal of Adventure Capital, a privately held venture capital firm based in Calgary.Brian has had operating roles in many high-tech companies in Calgary and is the former CEO of Solium Capital Inc., a publicly traded financial services firm based in Calgary. Brian has experience leading several successful start-ups and is aco-founder and director of privately held FX Energy, a Calgary-based oil and gas firm.Brian is an investor and serves on the Board of several early-stage companies - public, private, energy and technology. He is a passionate architect of emerging businesses with the knowledge, experience and patience to help guide these fragile companies through their early life experiences. The clarity to succeed, the drive to win and the discipline to execute are all common attributes of the companies Brian associates with.Brian is an engineer with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of New Brunswick (Fredericton).