Desjardins Group, established in 1900, is a cooperative financial group based in Montreal, Canada. It offers a wide range of financial services to individuals and businesses, including personal banking, credit and loans, investments, insurance, and wealth management. Through its subsidiary, Desjardins Capital, the group provides venture capital and development capital to businesses and cooperatives across various sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and agriculture. Desjardins Capital invests in startups, early-stage, and mature companies, typically providing equity or debt financing ranging from $0.09 million to $20 million for periods of 3 to 10 years. The group also offers corporate financing, debt capital markets, and equity capital markets services through its Desjardins Securities division.
Vice President of Growth, Acquisition and Development
Jean-Philippe Bujold
Investment Manager
Jean-Philippe Coiteux
Investment Manager
Philippe Collerette
Director of Development
Boris Collignon
Vice President, Strategy, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships
Guy Cormier
President and CEO
Claude Delâge
Senior Investment Manager
Sylvain Fontaine
Investment Manager
Nicolas Gravel
Vice President, Venture Capital
Michel Leclerc
Vice President, Subordinated Debt
Roland Leger
Associate Vice President
Caroline Poissant
Investment Director
Marie-Andrée Roy-Turgeon
Investment Manager
John-Patrick Saker
Investment Manager
Marc Villeneuve
Vice President, Development and Outreach
Jean-Marc Wassef
Senior Investment Manager
Past deals in Manufacturing
Laserax
Debt Financing in 2024
Laserax Inc. is a manufacturer of laser systems tailored for industrial applications, established in 2010 and based in Québec, Canada. The company specializes in laser marking, cutting, welding, and cleaning solutions, providing both standard and custom laser machines for various sectors including automotive, primary metals, and other manufacturing industries. Laserax's products enhance traceability and efficiency by allowing high-speed marking and processing of moving parts without compromising quality. Additionally, the company offers laser process development, safety services, and on-site support to ensure optimal performance and reliability of its systems.
Laserax
Series C in 2024
Laserax Inc. is a manufacturer of laser systems tailored for industrial applications, established in 2010 and based in Québec, Canada. The company specializes in laser marking, cutting, welding, and cleaning solutions, providing both standard and custom laser machines for various sectors including automotive, primary metals, and other manufacturing industries. Laserax's products enhance traceability and efficiency by allowing high-speed marking and processing of moving parts without compromising quality. Additionally, the company offers laser process development, safety services, and on-site support to ensure optimal performance and reliability of its systems.
EnWave
Post in 2024
EnWave Corporation is an industrial technology company based in Delta, Canada, specializing in vacuum-microwave machinery for the dehydration of food, cannabis, and biomaterials. The company designs, constructs, markets, licenses, and sells its machinery, which includes innovative platforms like nutraREV and quantaREV, aimed at dehydrating a variety of products such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, ready-to-eat meals, and pharmaceuticals. EnWave also offers specialized platforms, including powderREV for the pharmaceutical sector and freezeREV for biomaterials. Additionally, the company produces and sells various cheese flavors through its subsidiary, NutraDried Food Company, which uses EnWave's technology to manufacture dehydrated food products. EnWave markets its equipment and products through direct relationships, brokers, distributors, retailers, and online platforms, including its own store and Amazon. Founded in 1999, EnWave is focused on creating a new industry standard for dehydration technology that offers faster, cost-effective, and higher-quality results compared to traditional methods.
LSL Pharma Group
Post in 2024
LSL Pharma Group is a manufacturing company that innovates and manufactures life sciences products. Formed to integrate the operations of its Canadian subsidiaries, each boasting over two decades of expertise, LSL Pharma Group excels as a niche manufacturer in the life science industry. The company offers turnkey formulation, development and manufacturing services.
UgoWork
Debt Financing in 2024
UgoWork is a manufacturing company focused on producing lithium-ion batteries and energy systems tailored for industrial applications, particularly in the material handling sector. The company addresses the operational challenges faced by forklifts, which are used extensively across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, retail, manufacturing, and logistics. By replacing traditional lead-acid batteries with advanced lithium-ion solutions, UgoWork enhances efficiency and performance while offering universal charging capabilities for diverse battery models. This innovation allows fleet managers to optimize their operations and supports a broader transition towards sustainable energy practices. Committed to reducing the carbon footprint of supply chains, UgoWork aims to promote intelligent resource management and operational efficiency within the industrial landscape.
Manac
Post in 2024
Manac is a manufacturer and designer of aluminum semi-trailers, catering to various sectors including transportation, construction, energy, mining, forestry, and agriculture. The company offers a diverse range of products, including vans, flatbeds, and specialized trailers such as dumps, low beds, grain hoppers, chassis, and trailers for chips and logging. With a focus on the heavy trailer industry, Manac positions itself as a key player in providing durable and efficient solutions for road transport and related applications.
Relocalize
Seed Round in 2023
Relocalize is decarbonizing and hyperlocalizing food & beverage manufacturing with distributed networks of fully autonomous hyperlocal micro-factories. RELO micro-factories produce fresher, greener, and more affordable packaged foods and beverages. They co-locate food production, packaging, and distribution in close proximity to distribution centers to achieve localized fulfillment. By eliminating unnecessary upstream trucking from production plants to retailers, the RELO system effectively reduces greenhouse gas emissions, operating costs, and supply chain risks. Transporting products made primarily of water on trucks comes at a huge economic and environmental cost. 20% of the GHG footprint of food comes from transportation according to Nature Sustainability, much of it from middle mile trucking. While the majority focuses on replacing their traditional trucking fleets with electric vehicles, we are questioning the fundamental design of centralized food supply chains by pioneering a distributed, hyper-local food production system, with the aim of completely eliminating trucks and the chain. Recently, Relocalize made a groundbreaking achievement, launching the world's first autonomous food & beverage micro-factory in collaboration with Southeastern Grocers in Florida. The RELO system produces packaged ice hyper-locally on-demand, effectively eliminating 100% of upstream logistics and transportation. The result is fresher, better and more affordable ice with an impressive 90% reduction in transportation carbon emissions.
Brilliant Matters
Seed Round in 2023
Brilliant Matters is a developer and manufacturer focused on providing advanced materials for printed electronics. Founded by material scientists, the company addresses the demand for a reliable supply of next-generation organic semiconductors. Utilizing innovative chemical processes, Brilliant Matters specializes in creating proprietary materials that support the production of organic solar cells, photodetectors, thin-film transistors, and electrochromic devices. Their commitment to developing environmentally friendly solutions positions them as a valuable partner for manufacturers in the electronics sector.
Rcm Modulaire
Private Equity Round in 2023
Rcm Modulaire is engaged in the designs and manufactures quality modular buildings.
UgoWork
Series B in 2022
UgoWork is a manufacturing company focused on producing lithium-ion batteries and energy systems tailored for industrial applications, particularly in the material handling sector. The company addresses the operational challenges faced by forklifts, which are used extensively across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, retail, manufacturing, and logistics. By replacing traditional lead-acid batteries with advanced lithium-ion solutions, UgoWork enhances efficiency and performance while offering universal charging capabilities for diverse battery models. This innovation allows fleet managers to optimize their operations and supports a broader transition towards sustainable energy practices. Committed to reducing the carbon footprint of supply chains, UgoWork aims to promote intelligent resource management and operational efficiency within the industrial landscape.
Groupe Canva
Venture Round in 2022
Canva Group is a dynamic holding company in the identification and visual communications field with 9 complementary companies acquired over the last 15 years. Operating with 3 different autonomous business units under the names of Idenco Canada (Boucherville), Decalcomanie Artistic (Montreal) and Mirazed in (St-Hubert), the 200-employee company serves more than 4,000 customers with its complementary serigraphy and digital printing services. Their goal is to create the best customer experience.
Axya
Seed Round in 2022
Axya is a startup that operates an online platform designed to connect small and medium-sized shop owners with suppliers in the manufacturing sector. The platform serves as a marketplace that standardizes and centralizes the subcontracting process, facilitating streamlined communication and collaboration between buyers and suppliers. By providing insightful information, Axya helps users navigate the complexities of the manufacturing industry, enabling them to make informed decisions and improve their operational efficiencies.
Axya
Seed Round in 2021
Axya is a startup that operates an online platform designed to connect small and medium-sized shop owners with suppliers in the manufacturing sector. The platform serves as a marketplace that standardizes and centralizes the subcontracting process, facilitating streamlined communication and collaboration between buyers and suppliers. By providing insightful information, Axya helps users navigate the complexities of the manufacturing industry, enabling them to make informed decisions and improve their operational efficiencies.
Versaprofiles Products
Venture Round in 2020
Versaprofiles Products manufactures a variety of PVC and polyethylene pipes and tubing for the liquids, solids and gas transportation markets, geothermal and maple products industries, as well as specialized engineered custom shapes for a wide range of customers. With over 50 years of experience in thermoplastic extrusion, the company is currently the largest supplier of geothermal loops in Canada and for the natural gas distribution sector. During peak periods, the company has a headcount of close to 140 at its two sites in Saint-Lazare-de-Bellechasse and Sainte-Claire.
Umano Medical
Venture Round in 2020
Umano Medical is a Canadian manufacturer based in Quebec, focusing on designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative medical equipment tailored to meet community healthcare needs. The company specializes in producing hospital beds, clinical mattresses, and other medical furniture, prioritizing patient safety and the efficiency of healthcare professionals. Known for its attentive customer service and proactive approach, Umano Medical maintains an engaged team dedicated to supporting hospitals and long-term care facilities across North America.
Ag Growth International
Post in 2020
Ag Growth International Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of grain handling, storage, and conditioning equipment, operating primarily in Canada, the United States, and internationally. Established in 1996 and headquartered in Winnipeg, Canada, the company offers a diverse range of products, including portable equipment such as augers and belt conveyors, as well as permanent installations like bucket elevators and grain storage bins. Ag Growth also provides various storage and conditioning solutions, including grain dryers, aeration systems, and bulk handling equipment. The company's manufacturing capabilities span multiple countries, including Canada, the United States, Brazil, India, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Ag Growth serves both farm and commercial sectors, featuring several well-known brands within its portfolio.
Bestar
Venture Round in 2020
Bestar is a manufacturer specializing in ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture, focusing on both residential and office environments. The company designs functional furnishings tailored to meet the specific needs of consumers, offering a range of products that include desks, tables, and storage solutions. Bestar aims to provide practical and stylish options that align with modern living and working spaces.
FjordAl Aluminium
Venture Round in 2020
FjordAl Aluminium Inc. is a manufacturer based in Saguenay, Canada, specializing in the production of high-quality aluminum redraw rods. Founded in 2017, the company serves various sectors, including mechanical, welding, and electrical applications, primarily within the metallurgical industry. FjordAl produces aluminum rods with high silicon or magnesium content, which are particularly sought after for sheathing commercial and industrial electrical cables. By mastering continuous casting and hot rolling processes, the company provides both standard and specialized products to meet the specific needs of its clients in the metallurgy sector. With a dedicated workforce of around 20 employees, FjordAl Aluminium is committed to delivering premium products that enhance the performance and reliability of aluminum applications.
Groupe Canva
Venture Round in 2019
Canva Group is a dynamic holding company in the identification and visual communications field with 9 complementary companies acquired over the last 15 years. Operating with 3 different autonomous business units under the names of Idenco Canada (Boucherville), Decalcomanie Artistic (Montreal) and Mirazed in (St-Hubert), the 200-employee company serves more than 4,000 customers with its complementary serigraphy and digital printing services. Their goal is to create the best customer experience.
Groupe SJM
Venture Round in 2019
Founded in 1978, SJM Group is a consortium of well-established Québec manufacturers specializing in such areas as the production of commercial equipment and heavy-duty storage systems (display shelving, industrial storage, etc.): Étalex inc. — Food industry and retail chain specialist Équipement Boni Inc. — Hardware store and drugstore specialist Produits de Fil et Métal Forma Fil inc. — manufacturer of wire mesh decking and heavy-duty storage system accessories.
Ag Growth International
Post in 2019
Ag Growth International Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of grain handling, storage, and conditioning equipment, operating primarily in Canada, the United States, and internationally. Established in 1996 and headquartered in Winnipeg, Canada, the company offers a diverse range of products, including portable equipment such as augers and belt conveyors, as well as permanent installations like bucket elevators and grain storage bins. Ag Growth also provides various storage and conditioning solutions, including grain dryers, aeration systems, and bulk handling equipment. The company's manufacturing capabilities span multiple countries, including Canada, the United States, Brazil, India, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Ag Growth serves both farm and commercial sectors, featuring several well-known brands within its portfolio.
A unique player in the lumber industry, Horisol is an adapted company specialised in wood planing, primarily for the production of fence boards according to their clients’ specifications. Founded on the cooperative business model in 1987 in St-Jean-Port-Joli, Horisol is proud to offer quality products and services while maintaining its social vocation and following sustainable development principles.
Poitras
Private Equity Round in 2019
Poitras is a manufacturer of automotive power transmission components. Poitras serves a diverse range of international customers with drivetrain components. Poitras provides precise microstructures with superior machinability, which results in longer tool life. Poitras' expertise, as well as product quality and dependability, are supported by cutting-edge technologies, a commitment to continuous improvement, and ongoing investments in human capital.
Nature ALU
Venture Round in 2019
Nature ALU, founded in 2016 and based in Chicoutimi, specializes in the production of high-quality purified aluminum. The company primarily serves the chemical and aerospace industries, manufacturing components used in capacitors, aluminum powder, sapphire, energy storage equipment, and specialty alloys. With a commitment to environmental responsibility and adherence to health and safety practices, Nature ALU employs around 20 individuals dedicated to producing state-of-the-art aluminum products tailored to meet the needs of its industrial clients.
Osblock
Venture Round in 2019
Osblock Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Sainte-Monique, specializes in the manufacturing of ready-to-install insulated structural walls aimed at simplifying the home building process. With a team of approximately 15 employees, the company focuses on providing modular and structural blocks that enhance construction efficiency, durability, and energy efficiency. Its innovative approach not only streamlines installation but also supports environmentally friendly building practices, aligning with LEED standards for sustainable construction. By redefining traditional construction techniques, Osblock Inc. offers a practical solution for modern building needs.
Propulsa Innovations
Venture Round in 2019
Founded in Chicoutimi in 2016, Propulsa Innovations inc. specializes in the development of a patented self-cleaning air filtration system known as Epura. This innovative system is designed to control air pressure in operator cabins and combustion engines, providing a consistent supply of fresh and healthy air. By eliminating the need for filter replacements, Epura enhances the performance of existing filtration systems while promoting eco-friendliness. The company's technology serves various industries, including mining, port facilities, foundry and casting, home hemodialysis, and demolition, ensuring clean air for both operators and engines.
Laserax
Venture Round in 2018
Laserax Inc. is a manufacturer of laser systems tailored for industrial applications, established in 2010 and based in Québec, Canada. The company specializes in laser marking, cutting, welding, and cleaning solutions, providing both standard and custom laser machines for various sectors including automotive, primary metals, and other manufacturing industries. Laserax's products enhance traceability and efficiency by allowing high-speed marking and processing of moving parts without compromising quality. Additionally, the company offers laser process development, safety services, and on-site support to ensure optimal performance and reliability of its systems.
Les Industries Amisco ltée
Venture Round in 2018
Les Industries Amisco ltée is a family-owned business established in 1954, specializing in the design, manufacture, and marketing of modern home furniture. Operating from two plants in Québec, the company produces a variety of residential furniture, including beds, chairs, stools, tables, benches, and desks, all crafted from steel, wood, and upholstery. Amisco distinguishes itself in the market with its stylish designs that cater to consumer preferences, emphasizing durability and an extensive customization program for finishes and coatings. The company's products are available at over a thousand retail locations across Canada and the United States, ensuring a broad reach within the furniture market.
Savaria Corp
Post in 2018
Savaria Corporation (savaria.com) is one of North America’s leaders in the accessibility industry. It provides accessibility solutions for the elderly and physically challenged to increase their mobility and independence. The diversity of its product line is one of the most comprehensive on the market. Savaria designs, manufactures, distributes and installs accessibility equipment, such as stairlifts for straight and curved stairs, vertical and inclined wheelchair lifts, as well as elevators for home and commercial use. In addition, it converts and adapts vehicles to be wheelchair accessible. It also operates a network of franchisees and corporate stores through which new and recycled accessibility equipment is sold and, in certain locations, vehicle conversions are performed. Savaria operates a plant located in Huizhou (China) which increases its competitive edge. Savaria records close to 60% of its revenue outside Canada, primarily in the United States. It operates a sales network of some 400 retailers and affiliates in North America and employs some 500 people.
Les Conteneurs Verts
Venture Round in 2018
Les Conteneurs Verts inc is a company that specializes in the manufacturing and transportation of plastics. It operates a sorting center for construction materials, focusing on the conversion of solid plastic waste into products suitable for biomass production. By facilitating the recycling process, the company enables clients to address their material requirements in a sustainable and cost-effective manner.
Longpré BP
Venture Round in 2017
Les Entreprises Longpré manufactures and sells precast concrete toppings on wooden structures for the housing and multi-unit condo construction industry. Longpré BP was founded in Sherbrooke in 2017.
E2metrix
Venture Round in 2017
E2metrix Inc. specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced wastewater treatment systems, utilizing its proprietary electrolysis technology platform, ECOTHOR. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Sherbrooke, Canada, the company focuses on addressing the needs of various industries, including municipal water treatment, food processing, dairy, mining, and pulp and paper. E2metrix’s innovative solutions are designed to remove targeted contaminants such as phosphorus and ammonia, while also facilitating resource recovery. With a strong emphasis on technological advancement, E2metrix aims to provide effective and sustainable options for wastewater management across multiple sectors.
Davinci Compass
Venture Round in 2017
DaVinci Compass is a Canadian holding company aiming to create a group of manufacturers of commercial foodservice and food processing equipment that build 100% of their products in America. To this day, DaVinci Compass has acquired 3 companies: Sipromac, a Canada-based manufacturer of packaging and food processing equipment based, Picard Ovens, a manufacturer of bakery and pizza ovens also based in Canada, and Lambertson Inc., a leading manufacturer of stainless steel commercial kitchen equipment, based in Nevada, USA.
o3d
Venture Round in 2017
O3D specializes in manufacturing high-precision orthopedic devices tailored to individual patients' anatomical needs. The company utilizes advanced digital capture technology, including scanners and specialized equipment, to streamline the creation and ordering process for custom 3D-printed orthoses. By integrating clinical consultation, measurement taking, and model fitting into a cohesive workflow, O3D enhances efficiency and accuracy in orthotic device production, while adhering to the highest quality standards in the industry.
Khrome Produit - Transport (KPT)
Seed Round in 2016
Founded in 2013, KHROME is a systems integrator and manufacturer of components for the transit industry. KHROME has a team of around twenty employees with in-depth expertise in the transport sector. For 15 years, they have participated in major development and manufacturing projects for leaders in the transit industry in North America. Its factory is located in Drummondville.
Reftech International
Seed Round in 2016
Reftech International, established in 2013, specializes in refractory materials engineering, sales, and installation services. The company operates across various industries, including mining, smelting, petrochemical, steel, cement, and aluminum in both North and South America. With a workforce of over 45 employees, Reftech International is headquartered in Lachine. It provides a comprehensive range of services aimed at enhancing the performance and longevity of industrial equipment through high-quality refractory materials.
Korok Group
Seed Round in 2015
KOROK: manufacturers of Commercial Food Service and Food Packaging Equipment. Korok is a Canadian company regrouping manufacturers of commercial food service and food packaging equipment. Our companies are experts in manufacturing pizza ovens, vacuum packaging equipment and bakery ovens.
Umano Medical
Venture Round in 2015
Umano Medical is a Canadian manufacturer based in Quebec, focusing on designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative medical equipment tailored to meet community healthcare needs. The company specializes in producing hospital beds, clinical mattresses, and other medical furniture, prioritizing patient safety and the efficiency of healthcare professionals. Known for its attentive customer service and proactive approach, Umano Medical maintains an engaged team dedicated to supporting hospitals and long-term care facilities across North America.
Aliments Prémont
Venture Round in 2015
Aliments Prémont, established in 2012, is an agri-food company based in Ste-Angèle de Prémont, specializing in the processing of pork. The company focuses on producing value-added food products, which it distributes throughout Canada and internationally as part of its growth strategy. With a workforce of approximately 100 employees, Aliments Prémont has positioned itself as an exporter of processed food products, utilizing a robust food processing system to reach various international markets.
OXO Fab
Venture Round in 2015
Oxo Valves is a manufacturer of industrial valves. They are designed to be highly resistant to abrasives, corrosion slurries, powders, granular substances, and more. They offer aluminum-mold frames that combine ingenuity and angled profiles with durability and mechanical strength criteria that meet or exceed the most demanding industry standards.
Atlas Aeronautik
Seed Round in 2013
ATLAS Aeronautik specializes in the manufacturing of metal components for the aviation industry, focusing on hard metal parts used in mechanical systems and aircraft engines. The company integrates engineering, manufacturing, assembly, and supply chain management to deliver innovative and technologically advanced solutions. By fostering strong business relationships with its clients, ATLAS Aeronautik aims to provide high-precision parts that cater to both civil and military aviation needs, particularly in the aeronautical sector.
G. & S. Fer-Aluminium
Venture Round in 2013
Founded in Montréal in 1962 and employing a staff of around 20, G. & S. Fer Aluminium designs, manufactures and installs stairways, handrails, balconies, security grilles, awnings, guardrails, iron and aluminum fencing, and fibreglass and aluminum flooring.
A. & D. Prévost
Acquisition in 2011
They manufacture a wide selection of high-quality aluminum building materials for upscale institutional, commercial and residential markets. They are known for leading-edge designs and possess unique anodic oxidation treatment expertise. They have been working in partnership with architects, glaziers and general contractors since 1959, developing curtain wall systems, doors, windows, skylights and other durable products in innovative designs.
Creaform
Private Equity Round in 2009
Creaform Inc. is a 3D technology and digital solutions company based in Lévis, Canada. Founded in 2002, it specializes in the development and manufacturing of portable 3D measurement technologies, including handheld and self-positioned laser scanners. The company's products and services cater to various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing, addressing needs in 3D scanning, reverse engineering, inspection, and digital manufacturing among others. Creaform distributes its solutions through a network of distributors in Canada and internationally, with subsidiaries located in multiple countries including the United States, France, Germany, China, Japan, and India. The company is focused on creating accurate 3D models and measurements to support a wide range of applications.
Valtech Fabrication
Venture Round in 2003
Valtech Fabrication was founded and incorporated in June 2000 to serve the local industrial market for fabrication of pipe spools, pressure vessels, stacks, API tanks and other general types of fabrication.In 2004, Valtech Fabrication started fabricating FCC cyclones, plenum chambers, dip legs and valves for Buell – Division of Fisher Klosterman, Lebanon, PA. Valtech Fabrication inc manufactures industrial equipment for fluid catalytic cracking units (FCCUs) in world-renowned oil refineries.
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