21 Pre-Seed Investors in Canada in 2024

The article showcases the leading pre-seed investors in Canada, highlighting their pivotal role in nurturing early-stage startups. In 2024, Canadian pre-seed investment reached an impressive $200 million, reflecting a robust startup ecosystem. With a focus on innovation, these investors are helping to launch a new generation of successful businesses across various industries.

Quick list of pre-seed venture capital firms in Canada

Wittington Ventures: Transforming the Canadian investment landscape, they foster innovation and growth in diverse industries.
OMERS: Contribute significantly to Canada's economy by investing in critical infrastructure and businesses.
StandUp Ventures: Accelerating women's entrepreneurial success, StandUp Ventures drives innovation and diversity in Canada's startup ecosystem.
TIMIA Capital: Empowering Canadian technology companies through innovative revenue-based financing.
Allied Venture Partners: Accelerating innovation, this investment firm significantly boosts Canada's tech ecosystem.
Relay Ventures: Fostering innovation, they have significantly contributed to the growth of Canada's tech ecosystem.
Georgian Partners: Revolutionizing Canada's tech landscape, they foster innovation and growth in emerging technology sectors.
Pelorus Venture Capital: Accelerating growth in Canada, they fund innovative startups transforming various industries.
Real Ventures: Fostering innovation, they significantly contribute to the growth of Canada's startup ecosystem.
Version One Ventures: Fostering innovation, Version One Ventures significantly boosts Canada's startup ecosystem.
Panache Ventures: Accelerating Canadian innovation, this firm invests in early-stage technology startups, catalyzing growth in the tech ecosystem.
Rhino Ventures: Empowering Canadian entrepreneurs, they drive innovation and growth across diverse industries.
Island Capital Partners: Fostering innovation, they significantly enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Canada.
Golden Ventures: Transforming Canada's startup landscape, they have significantly fostered innovation and entrepreneurship.
MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund: Accelerating innovation, they significantly bolster Canada's startup ecosystem.
Extreme Venture Partners: Fostering innovation, they have significantly shaped Canada's tech startup ecosystem.
Garage Capital: Fueling the Canadian tech ecosystem, they empower startups with crucial early-stage funding.
BlueSky Equities: Transforming Canada's renewable energy landscape, BlueSky Equities drives innovation and sustainable growth.
GetFresh Ventures Growth Advisory: Accelerating business growth in Canada, GetFresh Ventures Growth Advisory empowers startups with strategic expertise and resources.
Tall Grass Ventures: Driving innovation in Canada, they empower startups with sustainable solutions.
BrandProject: Elevating Canadian startups, BrandProject significantly enhances their growth and market presence.

How to get yes from pre-seed investors in Canada?

There is no guarantee pre-seed investors in Canada or any other place will say yes, and the chances are low, on average 1/100 will invest. The best you can do is to capture interest as soon as possible or get no and move on.

How? Share your pitch deck as a link not as an attachment and get insights if investors are interested

Get notified when investor view your deck
Track how long they were on each page of your deck
Capture emails of investors who viewed your deck
Protect your IP using watermark, screenshot protection and other link permissions
Securely send data room with multiple documents

Pitch deck sharing

How to find pre-seed investors in Canada?

Selecting the right pre-seed investors in Canada for your startup is crucial for success. Consider these factors:

Reputation: Research the investor's background and previous investments to ensure they have a positive track record and are respected within the industry.
Domain Expertise: Look for investors who have experience and knowledge in your specific industry or sector, as they can provide valuable insights and guidance.
Network: Evaluate the investor's network of connections, as a well-connected investor can open doors to further funding, partnerships, and opportunities.
Investment Philosophy: Understand the investor's approach to risk and investment, ensuring it aligns with your business's goals and strategies.
Added Value: Consider what additional benefits the investor can offer beyond capital, such as mentorship, strategic advice, or access to key resources.
Previous Success: Research previous startups they have funded at the pre-seed stage to assess their success rates and involvement.
Communication Style: Choose an investor whose communication style and frequency match your preferences for updates and decision-making processes.
Investment Terms: Analyze the terms they offer and ensure they are fair, competitive, and align with your financial projections and goals.
Cultural Fit: Ensure there is a cultural alignment and mutual respect, as a good rapport and shared values can lead to a more productive relationship.
Commitment Level: Determine their level of commitment and interest in your venture to ensure they are willing to be an active and engaged partner.
Reach out: Turn your pitch deck into trackable link and send it when reaching out to investors, analyse the engagement on each page and follow up after it.

How to send your pitch deck to pre-seed VC funds in Canada

To effectively engage with pre-seed investors in Canada:

Research: Identify potential pre-seed investors who have a history of investing in your industry or similar startups in Canada. Platforms like AngelList, Crunchbase, and LinkedIn can be useful.
Network: Attend networking events, startup meetups, and industry conferences in Canada to connect with investors in person. Personal introductions can be valuable.
Local Accelerator Programs: Consider applying to Canadian accelerator or incubator programs, as these often have connections to a network of pre-seed investors.
Customize Your Pitch: Tailor your pitch deck and presentation to highlight aspects most relevant to each specific investor's interests and portfolio.
Warm Introductions: Whenever possible, seek introductions through mutual connections. A referral from a trusted source can be a powerful way to connect with pre-seed investors.
Understand the Ecosystem: Familiarize yourself with the Canadian startup ecosystem and investment terms specific to the region, demonstrating your commitment to operating within it.
Leverage Online Platforms: Utilize online platforms like AngelList to connect with pre-seed investors. Update your profile and make it compelling.
Follow-up: After initial contact, follow up with a thank-you note or further information to keep the dialogue going and show continued interest.
State Legal Considerations: Be aware of and comply with Canadian securities regulations when reaching out to potential investors to avoid any legal issues.
Show Local Impact: Highlight any potential positive impact your business could have on the Canadian economy or community, as this can be appealing to local investors.
Send Your Pitch Deck and track results: Use pitch deck sharing software to send your deck and track time investors spend on each page and capture feedback from them.

1. Wittington Ventures

Whittington Ventures has significantly influenced the Canadian startup landscape by investing in and nurturing innovative tech companies nationwide.

Sector: E-Commerce, Retail, Health Care, Food and Beverage, Digital Health, Financial Services
Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth
Location: Canada
Website: https://wittingtonventures.com

2. OMERS

OMERS is a major institutional investor contributing significantly to Canada's infrastructure and economic development.

Sector: Deep Tech, Energy, Lifestyle and Wellness
Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed
Location: Canada
Website: nan

3. StandUp Ventures

StandUp Ventures significantly boosts Canada's innovation landscape by investing in female-led startups.

Sector: Agnostic, AI, B2B, B2B2C, Digital Health, Proptech, SaaS
Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
Location: Canada
Website: https://www.standupvc.com/

4. TIMIA Capital

TIMIA Capital is a Canadian firm that significantly supports and accelerates the growth of technology companies through innovative revenue-based financing solutions.

Sector: Agnostic, B2B, SaaS, Software, IoT, Hardware, Computing, Enterprise
Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Alt. VC
Location: Canada
Website: https://timiacapital.com

5. Allied Venture Partners

Allied Venture Partners is a prominent investment firm contributing to the growth and innovation of the Canadian startup ecosystem.

Sector: AI, Analytics, API, Applications, Automation, B2B, B2B2C, B2C, Blockchain, Computing, Consumer, Consumer Services, Crypto, Developer Tools, Deep Tech, E-Commerce, Education, Enterprise, Financial Services, Fintech, Gaming, Infrastructure, IoT, Lending and Investments, Logistics, Marketplaces, Platforms, Privacy and Security, Real Estate, SaaS, Sales and Marketing, Software, Supply Chain Management, D2C, Defi, web3, B2B SaaS, Cybersecurity, Agnostic
Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Early Stage
Location: Canada
Website: https://www.allied.vc

6. Relay Ventures

Relay Ventures has significantly contributed to Canada's tech ecosystem by providing early-stage venture capital and fostering innovation in the mobile and software industries.

Sector: Mobile technology
Stage: Pre-seed, Seed, Series A
Location: Canada
Website: nan

7. Georgian Partners

Georgian Partners significantly enhances the Canadian tech ecosystem by investing in high-growth software companies.

Sector: Software companies
Stage: Pre-seed, Seed, Series A
Location: Canada
Website: https://georgian.io/

8. Pelorus Venture Capital

Pelorus Venture Capital significantly contributes to Canada's innovation landscape by investing in early-stage technology startups.

Sector: Various sectors
Stage: Pre-seed, Seed
Location: Canada
Website: nan

9. Real Ventures

Real Ventures has significantly contributed to the growth of Canada's startup ecosystem by investing in and nurturing innovative early-stage companies.

Sector: Technology
Stage: Pre-seed, Seed
Location: Canada
Website: https://realventures.com/

10. Version One Ventures

Version One Ventures has significantly contributed to the growth of Canada's tech startup ecosystem through strategic investments and support for early-stage companies.

Sector: Internet, Mobile, SaaS
Stage: Pre-seed, Seed, Series A
Location: Canada
Website: nan

11. Panache Ventures

Panache Ventures significantly boosts Canada's startup ecosystem by investing in early-stage technology companies.

Sector: Technology
Stage: Pre-seed, Seed
Location: Canada
Website: nan

12. Rhino Ventures

Rhino Ventures is significantly shaping the Canadian startup ecosystem by providing crucial early-stage funding and strategic support to innovative companies.

Sector: Various sectors
Stage: Pre-seed, Seed, Series A
Location: Canada
Website: https://www.rhinovc.com

13. Island Capital Partners

Island Capital Partners is a venture capital firm that significantly fosters innovation and growth among early-stage startups in Canada.

Sector: Agnostic
Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Angel, Early Stage
Location: Canada
Website: nan

14. Golden Ventures

Golden Ventures has significantly influenced Canada's tech landscape by investing in and supporting early-stage startups.

Sector: nan
Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed
Location: Canada
Website: https://www.golden.ventures/

15. MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund

The MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and supporting early-stage startups across Canada.

Sector: Tech, Health, Clean Tech
Stage: Pre-seed/Seed
Location: Canada
Website: https://www.marsdd.com

16. Extreme Venture Partners

Extreme Venture Partners has significantly contributed to Canada's tech ecosystem by investing in and nurturing innovative startups.

Sector: Tech startups
Stage: Pre-seed, Seed
Location: Canada
Website: https://www.evp.vc

17. Garage Capital

Garage Capital has significantly influenced Canada's tech ecosystem by investing in over 120 early-stage startups.

Sector: Technology
Stage: Pre-seed, Seed
Location: Canada
Website: https://www.garage.vc

18. BlueSky Equities

BlueSky Equities significantly contributes to Canada's investment landscape through strategic equity investments and growth initiatives.

Sector: B2B, SaaS
Stage: Seed, Series A, Pre-Seed
Location: Canada
Website: https://www.blueskyequities.com

19. GetFresh Ventures Growth Advisory

GetFresh Ventures Growth Advisory accelerates innovation and growth for Canadian startups, making significant contributions to the national entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Sector: Agnostic
Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Early Stage, Startup Studio (Lab), Angel
Location: Canada
Website: https://www.getfreshventures.com

20. Tall Grass Ventures

Tall Grass Ventures significantly contributes to Canada's innovation landscape by investing in cutting-edge agricultural technology.

Sector: Agriculture
Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed
Location: Canada
Website: https://www.tallgrass.vc

21. BrandProject

BrandProject significantly enhances the Canadian startup ecosystem by investing in and accelerating the growth of innovative consumer brands.

Sector: Consumer Goods, Consumer Services, Software, E-Commerce, Food and Beverage, Health Care
Stage: Pre-Seed
Location: Canada
Website: https://brandproject.com

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Conclusion: pre-seed VC firms in Canada actively investing in 2024

In conclusion, the dynamic landscape of pre-seed investment in Canada is thriving, thanks to a diverse group of investors dedicated to fostering early-stage startups across various sectors. These investors not only provide essential funding but also lend their expertise, networks, and strategic guidance to help startups navigate the challenges of launching and scaling innovative businesses. In 2024, Canadian pre-seed investment hit a remarkable $200 million, underscoring the robustness and vitality of the country's startup ecosystem. Firms such as Wittington Ventures, OMERS, and StandUp Ventures illustrate the wide spectrum of opportunities and support available for entrepreneurs at the pre-seed stage.

As the ecosystem continues to mature, the emphasis on diversity, sustainability, and technological advancement underscores Canada's commitment to growing a future-ready economy. Through these investments, the groundwork is laid for innovative solutions that can make a substantial impact locally and globally. Aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to leverage the insights, networks, and programs highlighted in this article to gain a competitive edge and position themselves for success in Canada's burgeoning startup scene. As these partnerships evolve, they promise to shape the next chapter of Canadian innovation and entrepreneurship, with tangible benefits for the broader economy and society.