First Ascent Ventures

First Ascent Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2015, based in Toronto, Canada, with additional offices in Montreal and San Francisco. The firm specializes in investing in emerging Canadian technology companies that focus on developing disruptive enterprise B2B software applications. These applications leverage advanced technologies such as cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things. First Ascent Ventures typically invests between CAD 5 million and CAD 10 million in Series A and B funding rounds. The firm seeks to partner with committed entrepreneurs and management teams, offering not only financial support but also the expertise of experienced financial and operational executives to drive growth and facilitate successful exits for stakeholders.

Anthony P. van Marken

Co-Founder and Managing Partner

Past deals in Montreal

Potloc

Series B in 2022
Potloc Inc. operates an online consumer insights platform that enables businesses to access valuable data regarding consumer behavior and purchasing habits. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, with additional offices in Toronto, Paris, and Geneva, Potloc conducts geotargeted surveys through social networks, offering a modern alternative to traditional research methods. By leveraging these surveys, Potloc assists clients in improving customer experience, converting competitors' clients, and enhancing product or service offerings. The platform empowers businesses by providing insights that help them connect with their target audiences and drive profitability. With a growing team of nearly 60 employees, Potloc serves hundreds of businesses seeking to understand and engage with consumers more effectively.

Dialogue

Series B in 2020
Dialogue Technologies Inc. operates a comprehensive care platform that focuses on employee wellness and health solutions. Founded in 2016 and based in Montreal, Canada, the company serves Canadian employers by providing a variety of services designed to enhance team engagement and health. Its platform facilitates virtual access to a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, enabling employees to consult with nurses and doctors, navigate care options, receive medication deliveries, and obtain referrals to specialists. Dialogue aims to improve overall wellbeing by reducing barriers to quality care, supporting proactive management of both physical and mental health, and ultimately fostering a healthier workforce.

Dialogue

Series B in 2019
Dialogue Technologies Inc. operates a comprehensive care platform that focuses on employee wellness and health solutions. Founded in 2016 and based in Montreal, Canada, the company serves Canadian employers by providing a variety of services designed to enhance team engagement and health. Its platform facilitates virtual access to a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, enabling employees to consult with nurses and doctors, navigate care options, receive medication deliveries, and obtain referrals to specialists. Dialogue aims to improve overall wellbeing by reducing barriers to quality care, supporting proactive management of both physical and mental health, and ultimately fostering a healthier workforce.

Sportlogiq

Series A in 2017
SportLogiq Inc. develops an artificial intelligence (AI) based sports analytics software platform for teams, broadcasters, analysts, and fans to understand the game. It enables teams to watch the game, capture sports analytics, and transform data into insights; broadcasters to engage with viewers; and media to tell and write stories and find data to incorporate in storytelling. SportLogiq Inc. was incorporated in 2015 and is based in Montreal, Canada.