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.
FounderFuel is a mentor-driven venture accelerator based in Montreal, Canada, founded in 2011 by Real Ventures. The company offers a four-month intensive program designed to support new startups in their development journey. Through access to a network of experienced entrepreneurs, operators, and executives, FounderFuel helps participating companies refine their visions, expand their networks, and accelerate their progress. The program emphasizes technology, with a particular focus on leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning. By providing seed funding and strategic guidance, FounderFuel aims to empower startups to navigate the challenges of the venture landscape effectively.
Fonds de solidarité FTQ is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Montreal, Canada, with additional offices in Quebec. Established in 1983, the firm specializes in investing in small and medium-sized businesses across various sectors, including natural resources, aerospace, agri-food, life sciences, and culture. It primarily focuses on projects that require funding of $3 million or more and provides loans up to $2 million. The firm actively seeks investment opportunities in Quebec, particularly in regions such as Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Montérégie. Fonds de solidarité FTQ invests in a range of activities, including business succession, financial restructuring, and market development, while avoiding sectors like retail, real estate, and biotechnology. It typically engages in equity financing and unsecured debt with investment horizons ranging from five to ten years. The firm aims to support projects that positively impact the Quebec economy and often takes either minority or majority stakes in its portfolio companies.
Investissement Québec is a Canadian financial institution established in 1998, dedicated to supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as large companies in the province of Québec. The organization offers a variety of financing solutions and consulting services to assist businesses in their expansion projects. By combining the strengths of financial institutions and economic development agencies, Investissement Québec aims to facilitate the establishment and growth of companies within the region. The institution plays a crucial role in providing financial assistance and guidance to corporations looking to invest in Québec, thereby contributing to the local economy.
Founded in 1953, BDC Capital is a Canadian investment firm specializing in growth and expansion financing. It focuses on information technology, technology, energy, cleantech, and healthcare sectors across Canada.
Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec is a global fund manager that primarily serves public and private pension funds and insurance plans in Québec. Known as depositors, these clients entrust their funds to the Caisse, which strategically invests in financial markets both within Québec and internationally. The objective of these investments is to generate profitable returns, contributing to the financial stability and growth of the depositors' assets.
The Government of Canada, headquartered in Ottawa, serves as a key agency responsible for developing and implementing policies and programs that promote economic, fiscal, social, security, and international stability. It aims to ensure strong and sustainable governance through its various initiatives and frameworks. The agency also prioritizes transparency and accessibility, facilitating citizens' access to government information and services via a centralized online platform. This website acts as a comprehensive portal that provides essential information on the government's operations, priorities, laws, and policies, ensuring that Canadians can easily navigate and utilize the available resources using any internet-enabled device.
Fondaction is a private equity firm established in 1996 and based in Montreal, Canada, with a commitment to socially responsible finance. It specializes in direct investments and fund of fund investments, focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises across various sectors, including clean energy, agri-food, agriculture, and technology. Fondaction invests in companies primarily located in Quebec, providing equity or loans ranging between CAD 0.5 million and CAD 10 million for direct investments, and up to CAD 75 million for fund investments. The firm typically takes minority stakes in its portfolio companies and aims for exits within five to eight years. With assets exceeding one billion dollars and over 131,000 shareholders, Fondaction plays a significant role in supporting the development of more than 1,050 SMEs, contributing to job creation and the advancement of a more equitable and sustainable economy. The firm has a strong commitment to sustainable development, having been one of the first in Quebec to produce accountability reports and adhere to high standards of transparency in economic, social, and environmental practices.
Real Ventures is a Canada-based early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2007 and based in Montreal. It backs early-stage Canadian technology startups and supports entrepreneurs who aim to build successful, global companies. The firm provides stage-specific guidance, mentorship, and access to networks and resources to accelerate founders' growth. By strengthening the Canadian startup ecosystem, Real Ventures helps teams with product development, go-to-market planning, and fundraising through connections to experienced operators, partners, and peers. Its active portfolio includes more than 100 companies valued at about $10 billion, illustrating its broad impact on Canada's technology landscape.
National Bank of Canada, founded in 1859 and headquartered in Montreal, is a prominent commercial bank providing a wide array of financial products and services to retail, commercial, corporate, and institutional clients both in Canada and internationally. The bank operates through four main segments: Personal and Commercial, Wealth Management, Financial Markets, and U.S. Specialty Finance and International. Its Personal and Commercial segment offers services such as personal banking, mortgage loans, consumer loans, and commercial banking solutions, including foreign exchange and cash management. The Wealth Management segment delivers investment solutions, trust services, and various banking and lending options. The Financial Markets segment specializes in risk management, underwriting, and advisory services. Additionally, the U.S. Specialty Finance and International segment focuses on providing specialty finance services and products to clients in emerging markets like Cambodia. With a network of 483 branches and 1,573 banking machines, the bank is committed to customer satisfaction and community development, ensuring access to comprehensive financial services.
Inovia Capital is a Montreal-based venture capital firm that backs software-enabled startups with global ambitions. The firm operates as a full-stack investor across early and growth stages, providing capital, coaching, and access to a broad network of talent in Canada, the United States, and Europe. It focuses on software-as-a-service and related sectors such as commerce, digital health, enterprise platforms, the future of work, security, travel, and hospitality, and emphasizes an operator mindset to help founders build influential and enduring businesses.
The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is a government-owned financial institution established in 1944. Headquartered in Montreal, BDC specializes in providing financing, consulting services, and venture capital to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Canada. Its services include business loans, corporate financing, and strategic planning, catering to a wide range of industries such as manufacturing, technology, and tourism. BDC operates through a network of over 100 offices, offering services in both official languages.
Agnico-Eagle Mines Limited is a Canada-based international gold producer with mining operations located in northwestern Quebec, northern Mexico, northern Finland, and Nunavut. The company also engages in exploration activities across Canada, Europe, Latin America, and the United States. Agnico-Eagle operates through four segments: Canada, Europe, Latin America, and Exploration. Its portfolio includes notable mines and projects such as the LaRonde, Lapa, Goldex, Kittila, Pinos Altos, La India, and Meadowbank mines. The company has expanded its interests in the mining sector through acquisitions, including stakes in Atac Resources Ltd., Sulliden Gold Corp Ltd., and Urastar Gold Corp.
Anges Québec is a venture capital firm based in Montreal, Canada, founded in 2008, that focuses on seed and startup investments primarily in innovative companies across various sectors, including clean technologies, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and information technology. With a network of over 230 angel investors, Anges Québec has invested more than $80 million in over 210 projects, supporting more than 115 businesses in Quebec. The firm aims to facilitate connections between angel investors and entrepreneurs in need of funding, with individual investments typically ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, and group investments between $250,000 and $1,000,000 per project. Additionally, Anges Québec offers a professional development center to enhance the skills and knowledge of its members, fostering a robust startup ecosystem in Canada.
Gouvernement du Québec helps to shape the Québec of tomorrow by working on significant projects in all major sectors of Quebec society such as economy, environment, infrastructure, support for individuals and families, public safety and justice, education and culture, health, and social services. Its services offered to play a decisive role in the ability to prosper and the quality of life of the people of Quebec. This diversity is reflected in a career offer that is as enriching as it is varied.
It has 60,000 employees in some 20 departments and some 60 organizations across Quebec.
Export Development Canada is a government-owned export credit agency that supports Canadian companies in expanding internationally. Founded in 1944 and based in Ottawa, it provides financial solutions, insurance, trade knowledge, and connections to help exporters and their international buyers grow with confidence. The organization offers trade financing, export credit insurance, bond products, and secured loans to small and medium-sized businesses, as well as equity and venture capital investments. By offering these capabilities, EDC helps Canadian firms of all sizes pursue global opportunities and manage risks in cross-border trade.
Founded in 1965, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec is a Canadian institutional investor managing funds primarily for public and para-public pension plans. It invests globally across various asset classes including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, fixed income, and global equities.
White Star Capital is a global multi-stage technology investment firm and venture platform headquartered in New York, with a presence across North America, Europe and Asia. It backs exceptional entrepreneurs building ambitious, internationally scalable tech companies, helping portfolio founders scale their businesses from Series A onwards through its experience, networks and value-add support. The firm invests across software, information technology and digital assets, operating a core venture program and a dedicated digital asset strategy that backs crypto networks and blockchain-enabled businesses. Its offices span New York, London, Montreal, Toronto, Paris, Tokyo and Hong Kong, enabling it to partner with founders to expand internationally.
Cycle Capital Management Inc., established in 2009, is a Montreal-based venture capital firm specializing in late-stage investments in clean technology and renewable energy sectors. It focuses on companies in the development and commercialization phases, with a particular interest in biomass, green transportation, green buildings, and smart grid technologies. The firm invests primarily in North America, with a focus on Canada, and typically allocates between CAD $0.1 million and CAD $8 million per portfolio company. Cycle Capital takes minority stakes and provides advisory services to its investees, aiming to hold investments for five to seven years. It manages multiple funds totaling CAD $230 million in assets under management.
Anges Québec, established in 2008, is a Montreal-based venture capital firm that operates an angel investor network. It specializes in seed and early-stage investments, primarily in manufacturing, healthcare, renewable energy, retail, and technology sectors across Canada. The firm connects experienced investors with entrepreneurs seeking funding, with individual investments ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 and group investments from $250,000 to $1,000,000 per project. Anges Québec's extensive network and expertise make it a significant player in Canada's startup ecosystem.
Sidex is a government investment firm based in Montreal, Canada, founded in 2001. The company specializes in investing in businesses engaged in mineral exploration throughout the state. By focusing on this sector, Sidex aims to support and promote the development of mineral resources, contributing to the growth and sustainability of the industry.
Economic Development of Canada is a government agency focused on providing support and assistance to businesses and communities across the country. Through various programs and initiatives, the organization aims to promote economic growth, job creation, and overall prosperity for Canadians. By working closely with enterprises of all sizes and regions, Economic Development of Canada plays a vital role in fostering innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable development. With a commitment to helping businesses thrive and communities prosper, the agency serves as a key partner in advancing the economic well-being of Canada as a whole.
Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Investissement Québec is a financing corporation offering comprehensive business support services. These include identifying suitable business sites, facilitating visits, fostering strategic alliances across various industries, providing business assistance, and supporting companies operating subsidiaries. The company also provides diverse financial offerings such as loans, equity financing, tax credits, development capital, project financing, loan guarantees, and equity investments, primarily serving sectors like aerospace, agri-food, transportation, information technology, communication technologies, life sciences, and microelectronics.
Lumira Ventures, established in 2007, is a prominent North American venture capital firm specializing in healthcare and life sciences investments. Based in Toronto, with additional offices in Montreal, Vancouver, and Boston, the firm focuses on emerging, mid, and late-stage companies in biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, digital health, and consumer health sectors. Lumira Ventures invests between $5 million to $15 million, providing not only capital but also active board participation, access to funding sources, partners, and market access to maximize the value of its portfolio companies' technology pipelines. With a 30-year history, the firm has invested in over 100 healthcare companies and currently has a portfolio of 30+ active investee companies across Canada and the United States.
Cycle Momentum is a Montreal-based accelerator established in 2014 that focuses on supporting cleantech startups. It is dedicated to working with entrepreneurs who develop and commercialize innovative clean technologies, aiming to cultivate globally competitive companies. The accelerator provides a tailored program that includes training workshops, networking opportunities, and access to experienced mentors. Additionally, Cycle Momentum connects these startups with investors to enhance their growth potential. By concentrating on seed-stage, early-stage, and later-stage companies, particularly in B2B, commercial transportation, energy, and cleantech sectors, Cycle Momentum plays a crucial role in fostering the development of promising Canadian ventures in the clean technology arena.
Panache Ventures, established in 2018, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Montreal, Canada, with additional offices in Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto, and San Francisco. The company specializes in pre-seed and seed-stage investments, focusing on sectors that align with Canada's strengths, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, blockchain, enterprise SaaS, data analytics, fintech, digital health, and enterprise software. Panache Ventures typically invests up to USD 1 million in early-stage technology companies across Canada and the United States.
Impression Ventures, established in 2013 and headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments in the Fintech sector. It focuses on seed and series A rounds, typically investing between USD 1 million to USD 2 million, and often acts as the lead investor. The firm backs innovative companies in Ontario, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec, with a particular interest in Financial and Human Resources technology solutions.
Laurentian Bank of Canada, founded in 1846, is a commercial bank headquartered in Montreal. It offers a broad range of banking products and services, including personal and business banking, loans, mortgages, lines of credit, and investment services. The bank is particularly focused on serving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and independent financial advisors across Canada. Laurentian Bank is recognized for its commitment to service excellence and for maintaining close relationships with its clientele. It operates more than 35 offices in provinces such as Québec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, providing specialized teams to cater to the real estate and commercial financing sectors. Additionally, the bank's B2B Bank subsidiary is a leader in offering banking products to brokers and financial advisors, while Laurentian Bank Securities provides a range of integrated brokerage services. The institution stands out for its personalized service and competitive offerings, reflecting its long-standing dedication to meeting the needs of its diverse client base.
Phoenix Partners, established in 2012, is a Montreal-based private equity firm specializing in middle market buyouts. It primarily invests in majority stakes of companies in traditional sectors such as manufacturing, distribution, food processing, and consumer packaged goods, with a focus on Quebec-based businesses. The firm targets companies generating CAD 20 million to CAD 200 million in revenue and CAD 2 million to CAD 10 million in EBITDA, typically investing CAD 12 million to CAD 20 million per transaction.
TechnoCap is a Canadian investment firm specializing in private equity and venture capital investments in technology companies across Canada. Founded in 1993 and based in Montreal, Quebec, it targets small and medium-sized technology firms, supporting early-stage and growth opportunities across sectors such as information technology, telecommunications, software, mobile, electronics, instrumentation, energy, environment, and healthcare.
TandemLaunch, founded in 2010 and based in Montréal, Canada, specializes in scouting, accelerating, and commercializing early-stage technologies developed at leading universities. The company partners with major consumer electronics brands to transform innovative ideas into high-quality startup ventures. Through its incubation program, TandemLaunch offers entrepreneurs and technologists mentorship, comprehensive engineering and business resources, and up to $800,000 in seed financing. This support helps facilitate the transition of initial concepts into viable businesses with the potential for international impact. Graduates of the program also have access to further venture investment opportunities through TandemLaunch Ventures and a network of over 50 limited partners.
The Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a seed-stage acceleration program founded in 2012 at the Rotman School of Management in Toronto, Canada. It is dedicated to supporting massively scalable, science- and technology-based ventures by providing a unique coaching process focused on specific objectives. CDL connects startups with experienced entrepreneurs and leading scientists across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, healthcare, quantum computing, blockchain, energy, and cleantech. The program has expanded its reach, operating in six cities: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and New York City, and emphasizes the commercialization of scientific and technological advancements.
DNA Capital is a Montreal-based investment banking firm founded in 2009 that specializes in providing a range of financial services to the private mid-market sector. The firm offers expertise in mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, financial restructuring, and private placements. It also provides wealth management and accounting services. DNA Capital serves a diverse clientele across various industries, including healthcare, transportation, infrastructure, real estate, technology, media, and telecommunications.
Founded in 2023, Linearis Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Montreal, Canada. It invests in innovative life sciences companies focused on preventing, detecting, and curing diseases through direct investments. The company brings together experts in biomarker discovery, drug development, healthcare innovators, and AI pioneers to support discoveries that transform healthcare systems and improve patient care.
Diabsolut is an IT firm based in Montreal, Quebec, specializing in business consulting and technology implementations since its founding in 2002. The company offers innovative multi-cloud solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of organizations across various industries in North America. Diabsolut excels in transforming field service operations, leveraging a team of Salesforce-certified experts with extensive experience in enterprise-level field service and asset management. Additionally, the firm is recognized for its proficiency in Salesforce Quote to Cash consulting services, guiding clients through the entire lifecycle from lead generation to billing. Furthermore, Diabsolut addresses the evolving communication needs within higher education, assisting clients in creating a student-centric and connected campus through Salesforce solutions.
Founded in 1995, BCF Business Law is a professional services firm headquartered in Montreal, Canada. With offices in Quebec, Paris, and Lyon, it employs over 275 professionals. The firm serves a diverse range of clients, from start-ups to established enterprises, providing expertise in mergers & acquisitions, venture capital, banking law, intellectual property, litigation, administrative law, construction, and labor law.
GeneChem, established in 1997, is a Montreal-based private equity firm focusing on early-stage biotechnology companies in North America and Europe. The firm invests in the drug discovery and development sector, with a particular interest in genomics and biotechnology companies. GeneChem's investment strategy spans from seed and startup financings to later-stage mezzanine rounds, typically taking a Board seat and investing in common stock, convertible preferred stock, or convertible debentures with warrants. The firm aims to be the lead investor and may be the sole investor in early-stage deals, but it generally prefers syndicated deals. GeneChem seeks to generate returns through strategic exits, such as acquisitions or initial public offerings.
Knight Therapeutics Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company based in Montreal, Canada, engaged in the development, acquisition, in-licensing, out-licensing, marketing, and distribution of innovative prescription pharmaceuticals, consumer health products, and medical devices. The company offers a range of commercialized products, including Movantik for opioid-induced constipation, Mytesi for noninfectious diarrhea in adults with HIV or AIDS, NERLYNX for HER2-positive breast cancer, and Trelstar for prostate cancer. Additionally, Knight Therapeutics is involved in the development of treatments for conditions such as opioid addiction, chronic pain, diabetes-related eye diseases, and neurological disorders. Their product pipeline includes various therapies targeting acute migraine, HPV-associated cancers, and osteoarthritis-related pain, among others. Founded in 2013, Knight Therapeutics continues to expand its portfolio and invest in innovative life sciences solutions both in Canada and internationally.
Founded in 1832, Scotiabank is a global financial services leader offering personal and business banking, brokerage, insurance, private wealth management, and commercial, corporate, and institutional services. With over 86,000 employees serving more than 21 million customers in over 55 countries, the bank is committed to helping individuals, companies, and communities thrive by delivering practical advice and relevant solutions.
Founded in 2005, Champlain Financial is a Montreal-based merchant bank that invests in small to mid-market companies. Its team of seasoned professionals offers strategic direction and operational expertise to portfolio companies, focusing on sectors such as consumer goods, retail distribution, healthcare, and niche manufacturing.
Bank of Montreal is a diversified financial services organization founded in 1817 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada. It offers a wide array of personal banking products, including checking and savings accounts, credit cards, and mortgages, alongside commercial banking solutions such as business loans, cash management, and foreign exchange services. The company also provides investment and wealth advisory services, including digital investing and asset management for institutional and retail clients. Additionally, Bank of Montreal offers insurance products, debt and equity capital-raising services, and strategic advice on mergers and acquisitions. With a presence of approximately 1,400 branches and 4,800 automated banking machines throughout Canada and the United States, it serves clients through various brands, including BMO Bank of Montreal and Harris, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to managing financial affairs. The company employs around 36,000 individuals and is committed to delivering a broad range of financial solutions through a single point of contact.
GMP Securities L.P., founded in 1995 as Griffiths McBurney & Partners, operates as an independent investment dealer based in Toronto, Canada. The firm specializes in providing advisory services related to public underwritings, private placements, mergers and acquisitions, and debt and divestiture transactions. GMP Securities also offers institutional sales, trading, and research services to corporate clients and institutional investors, with a strong presence in sectors such as mining, financial services, real estate, technology, blockchain, and healthcare. GMP Securities has maintained a significant position in the market, finishing sixth in market share on the Toronto Stock Exchange at its inception. The firm also has affiliates that cater to high net worth clients and private equity investments. In 2019, GMP Securities was acquired by Stifel Financial, further expanding its reach and capabilities in the investment banking landscape.
Fonds Innovexport is a venture capital firm based in Québec City, Canada, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in providing investment services aimed at targeting international markets, with a focus on shaping the future of Quebec. Fonds Innovexport primarily invests in startups within the manufacturing, software, and artificial intelligence sectors, supporting innovative companies that contribute to the region's economic development.
Front Row Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Montreal, Quebec, founded in 2016. It funds student-led technology startups in Canada, with seed investments up to 25,000 CAD per venture, and seeks to grow startup and venture capital culture on Montreal campuses by supporting students to learn, start, and scale technology ventures.
Founded in 1987 by Charles Bronfman, Claridge is a Montreal-based private investment firm representing the interests of the Stephen Bronfman family. It manages a diverse portfolio spanning private equity, hedge funds, public equities, and real estate, with direct investments in sectors like food, technology, entertainment, renewable energy, and real estate. Claridge's experienced team aims to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns through strategic investments and value addition.
BoxOne Ventures is a privately held investment firm based in Montreal, Canada, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in early-stage investments across a diverse range of sectors, including biotechnology, fintech, agtech, healthcare, data analytics, engineering, and artificial intelligence. BoxOne Ventures aims to combine the benefits of patient capital with the strategic support typically offered by venture funds. Acting often as the initial investor, the firm invests its own capital and leverages the operational experience of its team, who have successfully scaled numerous startups from inception to exit. BoxOne Ventures is committed to partnering with entrepreneurs in the early stages of their ventures, providing ongoing support through capital, expertise, and a broad network while maintaining a philosophy of allowing founders to lead their own journeys.
First Ascent Ventures is a Toronto-based venture capital firm, founded in 2015, with additional offices in Montreal and San Francisco. It concentrates on early-stage technology investments, primarily Series A and B rounds in enterprise B2B software and related domains such as cloud, big data, analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning, mobility, IoT, and 5G-enabled solutions. The firm typically commits CAD 5 million to CAD 10 million per company and often takes a board seat to guide growth and strategic execution. While its origins center on Canadian technology companies, it pursues cross-border opportunities in the United States as well, leveraging its experience to help management teams achieve scale and pursue exits.
Sofinnova Investments is a venture capital firm founded in 1976 and based in Menlo Park, California, with additional offices in La Jolla, California; Montreal, Quebec; and Tokyo, Japan. It backs early to later-stage startups in life sciences and information technology across the United States and Europe, focusing on West Coast U.S. and developed European markets. In life sciences, the firm pursues clinical-stage pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical technology companies, including drug discovery platforms and entities addressing diseases with unmet medical needs, covering therapeutic areas such as oncology, respiratory, dermatology, ophthalmology, neurology and women's health. In information technology, it funds product-oriented software, enterprise software, service-provider software, and telecommunications infrastructure. Seed investments in both domains typically range from 0.1 million to 1 million, with initial rounds for technology commonly 3-5 million and life science rounds 5-15 million; total commitments generally span 5-15 million for tech and 15-30 million for life sciences. The firm seeks board seats when leading or co-leading early-stage investments.