Fonds de solidarité FTQ is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Montreal, Canada, focusing on investments in small and medium-sized businesses primarily in Quebec. The firm specializes in various financial activities including start-ups, early ventures, mergers, acquisitions, and business successions. It invests in diverse sectors such as aerospace, agri-food, natural resources, and life sciences, while avoiding retail, real estate, and biotechnology. Fonds de solidarité FTQ typically seeks projects requiring investments of $3 million or more and offers loans up to $2 million. It targets companies with specific financial criteria, such as minimum capitalization and revenue thresholds, and can take both minority and majority stakes in its portfolio. The firm aims to foster economic development by supporting companies that positively impact the Quebec economy and holds investments for five to ten years, extending to over ten years in cases of business succession. With a strategic focus on regional growth, Fonds de solidarité FTQ operates across various regions of Quebec, reinforcing its commitment to local development and innovation.
Investissement Québec is a financial institution established in 1998, dedicated to supporting economic growth in the province of Québec. It serves as both a consulting and financing partner for businesses seeking to expand or establish operations in the region. The organization offers a range of financial assistance and solutions tailored to the needs of corporations, facilitating their investment projects and helping to foster a favorable business environment. By combining the roles of a financial institution and an economic development agency, Investissement Québec aims to promote sustainable economic development and drive innovation within the province.
Fondaction is a Montreal-based investment firm established in 1996, specializing in both direct and fund of fund investments, primarily in small and medium-sized enterprises across various sectors, with a strong emphasis on clean energy and agri-food. The firm engages in private equity and venture capital investments, targeting companies at various stages, including seed, startup, and later-stage transactions, primarily within Quebec. Fondaction's direct investments range from CAD 0.5 million to CAD 10 million, while fund investments typically fall between CAD 0.5 million and CAD 75 million per transaction. With a commitment to socially responsible finance, Fondaction integrates sustainable development principles into its investment strategy, supporting over 1,050 SMEs and contributing to job creation in the region. The organization manages assets exceeding one billion dollars, derived from retirement savings of more than 131,000 shareholders. Fondaction is recognized for its transparency in sustainable development practices and compliance with international reporting standards.
BDC Capital Inc. is the private equity and venture capital division of the Business Development Bank of Canada, focusing on direct investments and fund of funds strategies. The firm specializes in providing risk capital to small and medium-sized enterprises, including subordinate financing, recapitalizations, and mezzanine investments. BDC Capital's venture capital activities encompass a wide range of stages from seed funding to pre-IPO financing, with a particular emphasis on technology-based companies in sectors such as healthcare, information technology, and clean technology. It aims to support women-led businesses and typically invests between CAD 3 million and CAD 35 million, taking minority stakes in its portfolio companies. BDC Capital seeks to exit investments within three to five years through various strategies, including initial public offerings or strategic sales. Established in 1975 and headquartered in Montreal, the firm has a presence in key Canadian provinces, actively participating in syndicates and maintaining a focus on high-growth potential companies.
Anges Québec is a venture capital firm based in Montreal, Canada, founded in 2008. It specializes in seed and startup investments in a diverse range of sectors, including clean technologies, industrial and manufacturing, innovative services, information and communications technologies, medical devices, optics, electronics, real estate, retail, and life sciences. The firm focuses on innovative companies with large target markets and has facilitated over 210 investments in more than 115 enterprises, contributing over $80 million to the Quebec economy. Anges Québec comprises a network of more than 230 angel investors who typically invest between $25,000 and $100,000 individually, and collectively between $250,000 and $1,000,000 per project. Additionally, the firm supports its members in enhancing their investment knowledge and skills through a professional development center.
Desjardins Group is a financial services cooperative that provides a comprehensive array of personal and business services. For individuals, it offers products such as credit and prepaid cards, personal and auto loans, insurance, and investment options. Businesses benefit from services that include financing solutions, insurance, payroll management, and international cash management. Additionally, Desjardins Securities provides a full suite of securities brokerage services, catering to both individual investors and institutional clients through various investment products and advisory services. Its venture capital division manages a range of funds, including Desjardins Venture Capital and Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins, aiming to support businesses with financial resources and expertise. Through these diverse offerings, Desjardins Group plays a significant role in the financial ecosystem, addressing the needs of both personal and commercial clients.
Real Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Montreal, Canada, with an additional office in Toronto. Founded in 2007, it specializes in making direct and fund of fund investments, focusing primarily on early-stage companies, including seed stage and growth capital investments. The firm emphasizes investing in a diverse range of sectors, such as internet software, telecommunication services, agtech, fintech, and entertainment, among others. Real Ventures aims to invest approximately 80% of its capital in Quebec-based companies while also targeting opportunities across Canada, particularly in the Toronto-Waterloo corridor. Typical investments range from $0.25 million to $1.15 million, with the firm seeking a minimum 5% stake in its portfolio companies. In addition to financial backing, Real Ventures is committed to supporting entrepreneurs and fostering the development of robust tech ecosystems throughout Canada.
Export Development Canada is an export credit agency established in 1944 and headquartered in Ottawa, Canada. Its primary mission is to assist Canadian companies, both large and small, in expanding their operations internationally. The agency provides a range of credit services, which include loans and financial support, to facilitate global trade. The majority of its investment portfolio comprises loans receivable, along with significant holdings in cash and marketable securities. Through these services, Export Development Canada plays a vital role in enhancing the competitiveness of Canadian businesses in the global marketplace.
National Bank of Canada, established in 1859 and headquartered in Montreal, offers a comprehensive range of financial products and services to retail, commercial, corporate, and institutional clients both domestically and internationally. The organization operates through four main segments: Personal and Commercial, Wealth Management, Financial Markets, and U.S. Specialty Finance and International. The Personal and Commercial segment provides personal banking services, commercial banking solutions, and various insurance products. Wealth Management offers investment solutions, trust services, and lending options. In the Financial Markets segment, the bank specializes in risk management products, underwriting, and advisory services for mergers and acquisitions. The U.S. Specialty Finance and International segment focuses on specialty finance and financial services in emerging markets. National Bank also operates a network of 483 branches and 1,573 banking machines, aiming to deliver exceptional service and client satisfaction across all its offerings.
The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is a government-owned financial institution established in 1944, headquartered in Montreal. It aims to foster economic growth and job creation by providing financial products and services primarily to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Canada. BDC offers a range of services, including business loans, subordinate financing, venture capital, and consulting support in areas such as strategic planning and human resource management. The bank serves various industries, including aerospace, automotive, construction, food and beverage, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, technology, and tourism. With a network of over 100 offices, BDC operates in both official languages, ensuring access to its services for a diverse clientele nationwide.