Vancouver has emerged as a thriving hub for startups, offering a vibrant ecosystem fueled by innovation, talent, and a supportive community. Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking funding or simply curious about the city's dynamic investment landscape, understanding the key players in Vancouver’s venture capital scene is essential. From cleantech to SaaS, Vancouver’s investors are backing groundbreaking ideas and mission-driven founders who are shaping the future.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of Vancouver's top venture capital firms and investors, highlighting their investment theses, sweet spot check sizes, and the types of companies they’re looking to support. Whether you’re a founder ready to scale or an investor seeking inspiration, this guide will provide valuable insights into the opportunities available in one of Canada’s most exciting startup ecosystems.
Top Vancouver VCs Investing
TIMIA Capital
About: TIMIA Capital is focused on providing growth capital to B2B SaaS companies. Its revenue financing option complements both debt and equity financing while allowing entrepreneurs and existing stakeholders to retain ownership and control of their business.
Sweetspot check size: $ 2.50M
Traction metrics requirements: Growing around 20% or more, not burning more than 50% MRR, gross margins of 50% or more, $2-20m in annual revenues. For SaaS companies, we'd expect gm% >70% but for non-saas around 50%. Sweet spot check: $500k - $3m
Thesis: Non-dilutive growth capital
GetFresh Venture Growth Advisory
Sweetspot check size: $ 50K
Traction metrics requirements: Looking for signals of captivated demand and a business model that is profitable and scalable. - Growth of inbound demand and signal to high lifetime value customers, even if CAC is high. - Gross Margin should be at least 60% - At least 15% are high LTV customers
Thesis: Companies with proof of early market traction and captivated audiences
Vanedge Capital
About: Vanedge Capital is a Vancouver-based early-stage venture capital fund investing in technology inflection points in Analytics, Hard Tech, and Computational Biology.
Chrysalix Venture Capital
About: Chrysalix Energy invests in and supports game changing clean technology companies that are helping to build the new energy economy. They invest in early to mid-stage companies with exceptional teams developing products and business models that change how they use natural resources to support sustainable economic activity, while minimizing environmental impacts.
Version One Ventures
About: Version One Ventures is an early-stage fund investing in outstanding consumer internet, SaaS, and mobile entrepreneurs.
Thesis: Backing the next generation of mission-driven technology founders.
Renewal Funds
About: Renewal Funds is a sustainability focused impact venture capital fund. We support exceptional founders building technology and platform businesses driving meaningful climate and ecosystem impacts at scale.
Thesis: Renewal Funds invests across five primary sustainability themes, focusing on the opportunities where our expertise, network and deal flow best position us to support mission-aligned founders building high impact companies:
- Energy transition – Platform and product companies helping utilities, businesses and consumers transition to clean energy
- Mobility – Connected infrastructure and mobility services to optimize and decarbonize transportation
- Food Systems – Products, platforms and technologies that support a sustainable food and agricultural system
- Zero Waste – Innovative platforms, materials and technologies that support the pillars of a circular economy including waste reduction, reuse and recycling
- Natural Resources – Technology and business model innovation to conserve natural resources and biodiversity
Active Impact Investments
About: Founded in 2018, Active Impact Investments is a Certified BCorp based in Vancouver, BC, whose mission is to support environmental sustainability through profitable investment. With three limited partnership funds with over $145M in assets under management, we provide funds and talent to accelerate the growth of early-stage climate tech companies with $200K to $3M in revenue and significant growth potential. Active Impact’s portfolio includes and is seeking some of the most successful startups in North America that are capable of achieving venture scale and becoming extremely profitable while solving the most urgent environmental issues.
Pangaea Ventures
About: Pangaea Ventures has been at the forefront of hard tech innovation. We leverage our expertise to support groundbreaking companies that have the potential to reshape industries and solve for some of the planet's biggest problems.
We seek to generate meaningful returns for our investors by backing breakthrough innovations that deliver transformative solutions for planetary health.
Launch Academy
Launch Academy is a tech accelerator that provides the mentorship, resources, network and environment entrepreneurs need to launch, fund and grow their startups. Since 2012, Launch About: Academy has worked with more than 6000 entrepreneurs of which 300 have grown their startups to Seed and Series A stage and raised over $2.5 Billion in funding.
Launch Academy is a designated provider for the Canadian Startup Visa Program and has worked with over 100 companies from over 35 different countries and has helped them expand and grow their businesses into North America while simultaneously helping their founders build new roots for their families in Canada.
Why Vancouver is a Thriving Hub for Startups
Vancouver continues to solidify its position as one of Canada’s most dynamic startup ecosystems, offering a fertile environment for innovation and entrepreneurship. The city’s strategic location, diverse talent pool, and strong government support have been instrumental in its growth, making it a global contender in the startup space.
Overview of Vancouver's Startup Ecosystem
As of 2025, Vancouver boasts a tech workforce of nearly 150,000, making it Canada’s third-largest metropolitan area for tech employment, following Toronto and Montreal. The city’s proximity to Silicon Valley and other U.S. markets provides startups with unparalleled access to international investors and customers. Vancouver’s multicultural population and high quality of life make it an attractive destination for global talent.
The city has also been recognized globally for its startup ecosystem. According to the 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem Report by Startup Genome, Vancouver ranks among the top technology ecosystems worldwide, highlighting its strengths in cleantech, AI, and life sciences.
Key Industries Driving Innovation in Vancouver
- Technology: Vancouver is a hub for software development, artificial intelligence, and gaming. Companies like Slack and Hootsuite, which originated in Vancouver, have set a precedent for global success.
- Cleantech: The city is a leader in clean technology, with startups focusing on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental solutions. Organizations like Foresight Canada and Innovate BC actively support cleantech innovation.
- Biotech and Healthtech: Vancouver’s biotech sector is thriving, with companies developing groundbreaking solutions in healthcare and life sciences. The city’s research institutions and access to funding have made it a hotspot for biotech innovation.
Recent Growth in Venture Capital Funding
Vancouver’s startup ecosystem has seen significant growth in venture capital funding. In 2024, the city attracted record-breaking investments, with several startups securing multi-million-dollar funding rounds. For instance, cleantech startup Veritree was recognized as one of Canada’s most investable ventures, while other companies like SkyAcres and TIMEZYX gained attention for their innovative solutions (Techcouver).
Government and Community Support
Vancouver’s startup ecosystem benefits from robust government initiatives, such as the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) and the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credits. These programs provide financial support and incentives for innovation. Community-driven events like Vancouver Startup Week also foster collaboration and networking among entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders).
Key Networking Events and Opportunities in Vancouver
Vancouver’s vibrant startup ecosystem is supported by a variety of networking events, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster collaboration and innovation. These opportunities are essential for founders looking to connect with investors, mentors, and peers.
Major Startup and Tech Events in Vancouver
- Vancouver Startup Week (VSW)
- VSW is a week-long celebration of entrepreneurship, featuring workshops, investor panels, pitch competitions, and networking events. It connects founders, investors, and industry leaders to foster collaboration and innovation. Gain insights, refine your pitch, and build lasting relationships within the startup community.
- May 20-23, 2025
- Web Summit Vancouver
- One of the world’s largest tech conferences, Web Summit Vancouver brings together over 15,000 attendees, including entrepreneurs, investors, and global tech leaders. Access keynote speeches, startup showcases, and networking opportunities with international participants.
- May 27-30, 2025
- TechVancouver Meetups
- Regular meetups featuring talks by successful entrepreneurs and industry experts. These events are designed to inspire and connect the local tech community. Learn from experienced founders and network with like-minded individuals.
- BC Tech ScaleUp Academy Webinars
- A series of online events focused on topics like hiring, raising capital, and managing exits. Gain practical advice from experts to scale your startup.
Coworking Spaces and Accelerators Hosting Networking Events
Vancouver’s startup ecosystem thrives on collaboration, and coworking spaces and accelerators play a pivotal role in fostering connections among entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders. These spaces not only provide physical infrastructure but also host events that help founders build relationships, gain insights, and grow their businesses. Below are some of the most prominent coworking spaces and accelerators in Vancouver that regularly host networking events.
Launch Academy is one of Vancouver’s most prominent startup hubs, offering a comprehensive range of resources for early-stage entrepreneurs. Known as a launchpad for startups, it has supported over 6,000 entrepreneurs since its inception.
- What They Offer: Launch Academy provides mentorship, access to investors, and a structured program to help startups refine their business models and scale.
- Networking Events:
- Demo Days: Founders pitch their startups to investors and industry leaders.
- Workshops: Topics include fundraising, product development, and scaling strategies.
- Community Mixers: Informal networking events to connect with other entrepreneurs and mentors.
- Why It’s Valuable: Launch Academy’s events are designed to help founders build meaningful connections and gain actionable advice from experienced professionals.
The Cube is a coworking space dedicated to startups in the virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) industries. It is a hub for innovation in immersive technologies and provides a collaborative environment for entrepreneurs in this niche.
- What They Offer: The Cube provides access to specialized equipment, mentorship, and a community of like-minded innovators in the VR/AR space.
- Networking Events:
- Industry Panels: Discussions with leaders in VR/AR technology.
- Networking Mixers: Opportunities to connect with investors, developers, and other startups in the immersive tech space.
- Workshops: Focused on technical skills, product development, and market trends in VR/AR.
- Why It’s Valuable: The Cube’s events are tailored to the unique needs of VR/AR startups, making it an essential resource for entrepreneurs in this field.
Innovate BC is a government-supported organization that plays a key role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across British Columbia. It provides funding, mentorship, and connections to help startups succeed.
- What They Offer: Innovate BC supports startups through grants, competitions, and access to a network of industry experts.
- Networking Events:
- Funding Workshops: Learn how to secure grants and venture capital.
- Pitch Competitions: Opportunities to showcase your startup to investors and win funding.
- Innovation Forums: Events that bring together entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry leaders to discuss emerging trends.
- Why It’s Valuable: Innovate BC’s events are ideal for startups looking to secure funding and gain exposure to a broader network of stakeholders.
Spring Activator is a global startup school and accelerator with a focus on impact-driven businesses. It helps entrepreneurs build sustainable and socially responsible companies.
- What They Offer: Spring Activator provides training programs, mentorship, and access to a global network of impact investors.
- Networking Events:
- Funding Roundtables: Intimate sessions where founders can connect with impact investors.
- Pitch Nights: Opportunities to present your business to a panel of investors and receive feedback.
- Impact-Focused Networking Events: Events designed to connect socially conscious entrepreneurs with like-minded individuals and organizations.
- Why It’s Valuable: Spring Activator’s focus on impact-driven businesses makes it a unique resource for entrepreneurs looking to create meaningful change through their ventures.
And-Co is a premium coworking space in Vancouver that caters to entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small businesses. It combines a professional workspace with a vibrant community.
- What They Offer: And-Co provides state-of-the-art facilities, private offices, and shared workspaces, along with a calendar of events to foster collaboration.
- Networking Events:
- Community Mixers: Regular events to connect members and foster collaboration.
- Workshops and Panels: Covering topics like leadership, marketing, and scaling a business.
- Special Events: Partnered events with local organizations to bring in guest speakers and industry experts.
- Why It’s Valuable: And-Co’s events are designed to help members expand their networks and gain insights from industry leaders.
Connect With Investors in Vancouver Using Visible
At Visible, we often times compare a fundraise to a B2B sales and marketing funnel. At the top of your funnel, you are finding new investors. In the middle, you are nurturing and pitching potential investors. At the bottom of the funnel, you are working through diligence and ideally closing new investors.
With the introduction of data rooms, you can now manage every aspect of your fundraising funnel with Visible.
- Find investors at the top of your funnel with our free investor database, Visible Connect and find a filtered list of Vancouver's investors here.
- Track your conversations and move them through your funnel with our Fundraising CRM
- Share your pitch deck and monthly updates with potential investors
- Organize and share your most vital fundraising documents with data rooms
Manage your fundraise from start to finish with Visible. Give it a free try for 14 days here.
