Visible Blog

In the world of fundraising, effective communication and transparency can set a business apart. Visible provides founders with powerful tools to keep investors informed, engaged, and confident in their vision. But what happens once you've shared an update, data room, pitch deck, fundraising pipeline, or dashboard? How do investors interact with this content? In this article, we'll explore how each Visible feature functions from the investor's perspective, highlighting the value each solution provides and offering insights into the investor experience. Investor Updates: Keeping Stakeholders Informed How It Works for Investors Once an update is shared, investors receive an email notification or an in-app alert (if they are a Visible customer). These updates are designed for founders to keep investors informed about key business metrics, growth milestones, challenges, and ask for help. Why It Matters Transparency builds trust – Investors appreciate regular insights into company performance. Encourages engagement – Investors can reply to updates, ask questions, and provide feedback. Saves time – Instead of investors chasing founders for information, they receive structured, digestible updates directly in their inbox. Data Rooms: Secure and Streamlined Due Diligence How It Works for Investors When a founder shares a data room with a Visible contact, the investors will receive a secure link via email to access the data room. When a founder shares a data room via a link, there are additional security settings that they can optionally add, so investors may need a password or be restricted by domain access if a founder designates this. Once investors have access, they can explore financials, legal agreements, pitch decks, and more in an organized manner. Why It Matters Simplifies due diligence – All necessary documents are centralized, making it easier for investors to assess an opportunity. Flexible access controls – Founders can enable or restrict downloads, add watermarks, and control document permissions. Professional presentation – Custom branding options ensure the data room looks polished and credible. Pitch Decks: Delivering Your Story with Impact How It Works for Investors When a pitch deck is shared from Visible, founders will provide a link to investors to view the deck. The deck is displayed in an easy-to-navigate format, and founders can track how investors are engaging with the deck content. Why It Matters First impressions count – A well-structured pitch deck can capture an investor’s interest quickly. Engagement tracking – Founders can see which slides investors view and how much time they’ve spent viewing to help refine future presentations. Seamless access – No need for file downloads or cumbersome attachments; investors access the deck instantly. Fundraising Pipelines: Visibility into Your Process How It Works for Investors Founders can share their fundraising pipeline with existing investors, providing visibility into the status of conversations, committed funds, active discussions, and broker introductions to their investor network. Why It Matters Encourages follow-ups – Investors can see where they stand in the process and take action if needed. Demonstrates momentum – Seeing other investors in the pipeline can create urgency. Provides context – Investors get a clear picture of who else is involved and can help introduce founders for warm conversations. Dashboards: A Data-Driven View of Progress How It Works for Investors Founders can share links to real-time dashboards that showcase key performance metrics, financials, and other important data points. Why It Matters Data-driven decision-making – Investors can quickly assess traction and performance. Live updates – Instead of static reports, investors see real-time data changes. Visual clarity – Custom charts and graphs help present complex information in an easily digestible format. Conclusion: Enhance the Investor Experience By leveraging Visible’s suite of tools, founders ensure investors remain engaged, informed, and confident in their decision-making. Whether it's an investor update, a detailed data room, or a dynamic dashboard, every interaction is designed to build stronger investor relationships and streamline the fundraising journey. By providing seamless, secure, and insightful access to critical information, Visible helps founders maximize investor engagement and accelerate fundraising success. Sign up for a free trial today!

In the dynamic world of startups and venture capital, effective communication and transparency are paramount. A well-structured data room serves as a cornerstone in this endeavor, facilitating seamless information exchange between entrepreneurs and investors. Visible's data rooms are designed to enhance this process, offering robust features that cater to the nuanced needs of both parties.​ Understanding Data Rooms and Investor Expectations A data room is a secure online repository where startups can store, manage, and share critical documents with potential investors, partners, and stakeholders. This virtual space enables startups to present vital information in an organized and accessible manner, ensuring that investors have all the necessary data to make informed decisions. Investors typically look for comprehensive and well-organized data rooms that include essential documents such as financial statements, cap tables, business plans, and legal agreements. The goal is to provide a transparent view of the company's operations, financial health, and growth prospects. Sharing Data Rooms with Visible Visible offers two primary methods for sharing data rooms:​ Sharing with Visible Contacts: This method allows you to share your data room directly with existing contacts within the Visible platform. By selecting specific investors, you can grant tailored access to particular folders or documents, ensuring that each investor receives information pertinent to their interests. This targeted sharing enhances confidentiality and fosters personalized communication. Sharing via a Link: For broader distribution, you can share your data room through a generated link. This approach is beneficial when reaching out to potential investors not yet in your contact list. To maintain security, Visible enables you to set parameters such as requiring a password, mandating email submission for access, or restricting access to specific domains. Design and Customization Features First impressions matter. Visible's data rooms offer customization options to align with your brand identity:​ Cover Photos: Enhance the visual appeal by adding cover photos to your data room or individual folders. This feature allows you to set the tone and provide context, making navigation intuitive for investors. Brand Colors: Customize the color scheme of your data room to reflect your company's branding. Consistent visual elements reinforce brand recognition and convey professionalism.​ Enhanced Security Measures Protecting sensitive information is crucial. Visible incorporates several security features to safeguard your data. Disable Downloads: Prevent unauthorized distribution by disabling the download option for your documents, ensuring that sensitive information remains within the data room. Watermarks: Add customizable watermarks to PDF files, deterring unauthorized sharing and tracing document origins if leaks occur. Granular Permissions: Share specific folders or files with designated Visible contacts, controlling who sees what and maintaining confidentiality. Access Controls: When sharing via a link, you can require a password, mandate email submission, or restrict access to certain domains, ensuring that only authorized individuals can view your data room. Call to Action Functionality Engage investors proactively by incorporating call-to-action (CTA) buttons within your data room. Whether directing them to schedule a meeting, fill out a form, or access additional resources, CTAs facilitate next steps and encourage active investor participation. Insightful Analytics Understanding investor engagement is key to refining your approach. Visible's premium plans offer analytics that provide insights into: Document Interaction: Monitor which documents are being viewed and for how long, identifying areas of interest or concern.​ Investor Activity: Track individual investor interactions, enabling personalized follow-ups and informed discussions. By leveraging these features, startups can create a compelling, secure, and efficient data room that not only meets investor expectations but also accelerates the fundraising process.

Tampa’s startup ecosystem is thriving like never before, with the region securing over $203 million in venture capital funding in 2024 alone, contributing to Florida’s record-breaking $4.13 billion in VC investments. Known for its business-friendly policies, zero state income tax, and a growing influx of tech talent, Tampa has become a magnet for entrepreneurs and investors alike. The city is home to a diverse range of venture capital firms, from early-stage investors like Florida Funders to growth equity specialists like Weatherford Capital, all playing a pivotal role in fueling innovation across industries such as fintech, healthtech, and AI. This article dives into the top venture capital firms shaping Tampa’s entrepreneurial landscape, offering insights into their investment strategies, check sizes, and focus areas. Whether you’re a founder looking to secure your first seed round or scaling your business to new heights, this guide will connect you with the resources and investors you need to succeed. Related resource: Miami’s Venture Capital Scene: The 10 Best Firms in 2024 Top VCs in Tampa Florida Funders About: Florida Funders is a hybrid of a venture capital fund and accredited investor crowdfunding platform. Sweetspot check size: $ 500K Traction metrics requirements: $250K ARR to $2M ARR is our sweet spot. Thesis: Early Stage Tech (Seed to Series A). Technology focused, but industry agnostic with primary interest in SaaS B2B business, AI, Cybsecurity, Healthtech, Fintech, Marketplaces TampaBay Ventures About: We write the first professional seed check into promising startups led by great entrepreneurs. In addition to providing capital, we support the companies in our portfolio with strategic guidance, and help them strengthen their relationships within the community. Thesis: We scout for high growth, tech-enabled companies which have developed an initial product, and are ready to scale (post-MVP, pre-significant traction). The founders need to have committed substantial sweat equity into their venture, and need funding to reach the next goal for their startup. Ballast Point Ventures About: Ballast Point Ventures is a late venture and early growth equity investor providing expansion capital to established but rapidly growing private companies located primarily in the Southeast and Texas. Weatherford Capital About: Weatherford Capital prioritizes businesses across the technology, financials, and business and consumer services sectors—particularly companies operating in business-to-business (B2B), business-to-government (B2G), and highly regulated industries. Westshore Capital Partners About: Westshore prefers to focus on manufacturing, distribution, or service companies with steady demand for its products or services. We avoid industries that tend to be volatile or cyclical by nature. Westlake Ventures About: Westlake Ventures invests in companies with compelling business ideas that hold the potential to create extraordinary value. Great ideas, however, are not enough: great ideas and plans will produce little without great execution. For Westlake Ventures, even more important than identifying compelling new business ideas is finding individuals and management teams capable of converting a great business idea into a compelling business which creates real value for customers. The company co-invests with angel groups, as well as individual angel investors. Thesis: Our company focuses in particular on software and information technology companies, but also invests in other emerging technologies and ideas. Investments are made principally in companies based in Florida. Tampa Bay Wave Accelerator About: Tampa Bay WaVE is a "by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs" non-profit helping entrepreneurs in Tampa Bay. As Florida’s #1 Accelerator, Wave has built a successful track record that combines best practices of nationally recognized accelerators and incubators with strategic connections to existing regional entrepreneurship resources, mentors, capital, and other expertise in order to foster a highly cohesive innovation ecosystem. Florida Institute About: The Florida Institute provides company building services and seed funding through the Florida Technology Seed Capital Fund to promising Florida start-ups that are developing products that improve and save lives and help companies improve their bottom line. Topmark Partners About: Topmark Partners has demonstrated a proven ability to develop trusted relationships with highly dynamic management teams. We catalyze the rapid growth of technology-enabled companies led by passionate entrepreneurs solving business problems. These companies are often delivering solutions that transform industries. Thesis: Topmark Partners has demonstrated a proven ability to develop trusted relationships with highly dynamic management teams. We catalyze the rapid growth of technology-enabled companies led by passionate entrepreneurs solving business problems. These companies are often delivering solutions that transform industries. Ark Applications About: Ark Applications focuses on helping companies realize their full potential through creating lasting and mutually beneficial partnerships. Whether through consulting or investment, we firmly believe that every engagement must reflect the core values of our business. We not only want to provide value for the businesses with which we consult, but also be the helping hand that enables them to be more successful. Nothing brings our team more happiness than seeing others succeed in their businesses, especially when we are an essential part of making that happen. Why Tampa is a Thriving Hub for Startups Tampa has emerged as one of the fastest-growing startup ecosystems in the United States, attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and tech talent nationwide. Its business-friendly policies, tax advantages, and high quality of life make it an ideal location for startups to thrive. Here’s a closer look at why Tampa is becoming a hotspot for innovation and entrepreneurship. Related resource: Top 6 Angel Investors in Miami Business-Friendly Policies and Tax Advantages One of Tampa’s most significant draws for startups is Florida’s lack of state income tax, which allows entrepreneurs to reinvest more of their earnings into their businesses. Additionally, Tampa offers various tax incentives and grants to encourage business growth, particularly in the tech and innovation sectors. The local government has streamlined regulations, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and creating a supportive environment for startups to scale quickly. Tampa’s strategic location also contributes to its appeal. As a gateway to Latin America and a hub for international trade, the city provides startups access to global markets. Influx of Tech Talent Tampa’s growing reputation as a tech and innovation hub has attracted a steady influx of tech professionals. Many are relocating from high-cost areas like California and New York, drawn by Tampa’s lower cost of living, warm climate, and vibrant lifestyle. The city’s universities, such as the University of South Florida (USF), play a crucial role in nurturing local talent by offering tech-focused programs and fostering innovation through initiatives like the Tampa Bay Technology Incubator. The migration of tech talent has been further accelerated by the rise of remote work, which allows professionals to prioritize lifestyle without compromising career opportunities. Tampa’s affordability and career prospects make it an attractive destination for seasoned professionals and recent graduates. A Thriving Startup Ecosystem A network of accelerators, incubators, and innovation hubs supports Tampa’s startup ecosystem. Organizations like Tampa Bay Wave and Embarc Collective provide startups with access to mentorship, funding, and resources. For example, Tampa Bay Wave’s TechDiversity Accelerator supports underrepresented entrepreneurs, while Embarc Collective, founded by Jeff Vinik, offers flexible workspaces and coaching to help startups succeed. These programs have helped launch hundreds of startups, creating thousands of jobs and attracting millions in venture capital. Tampa’s collaborative community and focus on innovation have made it a model for other emerging tech hubs. Government and Institutional Support Strong government and institutional support bolstered Tampa’s growth as a startup hub. FloridaCommerce, for instance, has allocated significant funding to small businesses through initiatives like the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). Since 2023, over $202 million in loans and venture capital investments have been provided to small businesses in Florida, creating thousands of jobs and stimulating private capital investment. Additionally, partnerships between institutions like USF and MacDill Air Force Base foster cybersecurity and defense technology innovation. These collaborations drive economic growth and position Tampa as a leader in cutting-edge industries. Quality of Life Tampa’s high quality of life is another key factor in its appeal to entrepreneurs and tech professionals. The city offers a warm climate, a vibrant cultural scene, and access to outdoor activities year-round. Its affordability compared to other major tech hubs allows startups to stretch their budgets further, making attracting and retaining talent easier. The combination of lifestyle benefits and economic opportunities has made Tampa a magnet for ambitious entrepreneurs looking to build and scale their businesses in a supportive and dynamic environment. Resources for Tampa Startups Tampa has become a thriving startup hub, offering many resources to help founders succeed, from coworking spaces to mentorship programs and government incentives. Coworking Spaces in Tampa Coworking spaces are essential for startups, providing flexible office solutions, networking opportunities, and a collaborative environment. Some of the top coworking spaces in Tampa include: Embarc Collective: Embarc Collective is a leading innovation hub in Tampa, offering coworking spaces, mentorship, and resources tailored to startups. It focuses on helping founders build scalable businesses through coaching and community support. CoWorkTampa: Located in a historic cigar factory, CoWorkTampa offers a vibrant space for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small businesses. It features private offices, dedicated desks, and open coworking areas, along with amenities like high-speed WiFi and networking events. Industrious Tampa Downtown: This premium coworking space provides a professional environment with private offices, meeting rooms, and shared workspaces. Members enjoy amenities like daily breakfast, happy hours, and stunning views of downtown Tampa. Pipeline Tampa: Located in the heart of downtown, Pipeline Tampa offers a collaborative workspace designed for startups and small businesses. It provides professional meeting spaces, networking opportunities, and a supportive community. Mentorship Programs and Accelerators Tampa’s startup ecosystem is bolstered by several mentorship programs and accelerators that provide guidance, funding, and networking opportunities: Tampa Bay Wave: Tampa Bay Wave is a nonprofit accelerator that supports tech startups through mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to a robust network of investors and industry experts. It also offers coworking spaces and specialized programs for women and minority entrepreneurs. Florida-Israel Business Accelerator (FIBA): FIBA helps startups expand into the U.S. market by providing mentorship, strategic connections, and access to investors. It focuses on fostering innovation and collaboration between Florida and Israel. Synapse Florida: Synapse connects entrepreneurs with resources, investors, and industry leaders through events like the Synapse Summit. It’s a key player in Tampa’s innovation ecosystem, fostering collaboration and growth. Government Grants and Incentives for Startups in Florida Florida offers several government programs and incentives to support startups and small businesses: Florida High Tech Corridor Matching Grants: This program provides matching funds to startups engaged in research and development in partnership with Florida universities. It’s designed to foster innovation and collaboration. Enterprise Florida’s Microfinance Guarantee Program: This initiative helps small businesses access loans by providing guarantees to lenders. It’s ideal for startups seeking capital to scale their operations. Tampa Economic Development Council (EDC) Incentives: The Tampa EDC offers various incentives, including tax credits, grants, and workforce training programs, to attract and support businesses in the region. Startup Florida Initiative: This state-wide initiative provides resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities for early-stage startups. It aims to position Florida as a top destination for entrepreneurs. Top Networking Events and Groups for Tampa Founders Networking is a cornerstone of success for startup founders, especially in a vibrant ecosystem like Tampa. The city offers a variety of events and groups that provide opportunities to connect with investors, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs. Here’s a guide to the top networking opportunities for founders in Tampa. Key Networking Events in Tampa Synapse Summit: The Synapse Summit is one of Florida’s premier innovation events, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders. It features workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions focused on innovation, technology, and startup growth. Tampa Bay Startup Week: This annual event is a week-long celebration of entrepreneurship, featuring workshops, panels, and networking opportunities across various industries. It includes tracks on marketing, fundraising, and scaling startups. Techstars Startup Weekend Tampa Bay: A 54-hour event where participants pitch ideas, form teams, and build startups with the guidance of mentors and investors. Tampa Venture Capital World Summit: A global event that connects startups with venture capitalists and angel investors. Local Networking Groups and Meetups Tampa Bay Wave: Tampa Bay Wave is an accelerator and a hub for networking events and meetups. It regularly hosts pitch nights, demo days, and community events for tech startups. Startup Tampa Meetup: A community-driven group that organizes regular meetups for founders, investors, and tech enthusiasts. Topics range from fundraising to product development. Working Women of Tampa Bay: This group focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs through networking events, workshops, and mentorship programs. Tampa Bay Innovation Center: The Innovation Center offers networking events, workshops, and seminars tailored to tech startups and entrepreneurs. Connect With Investors in Tampa 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 Tampa'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.

Managing your fund data isn't just about when you initially invested; it's about understanding the whole story over the investment's lifetime. We’ve reworked the investments feature in your portfolio view to provide enhanced flexibility and a more streamlined view. See the Full Story Behind Every Investment To date, you've been able to track investments in Visible. Now, you can more easily associate investment transactions with rounds and track associated cash flows. The updated investments experience makes room for these scenarios and gives you the flexibility to track them cleanly and accurately. Increased Flexibility and Organized Tabs We’ve introduced a new tabbed layout within each company profile so you can easily toggle between different categories of investment data: Introducing Transactions Tab Log any inflow or outflow related to a company (investments, exits, distributions, interest payments, dividends, and more). Each cashflow includes fields for the name, amount, date, type, description, and associated round (if applicable). A summary at the top makes it easy to see inflows and outflows. You might receive interest payments as a company pays down debt Distributions could be tied to performance thresholds or revenue share agreements Rounds Tab The rounds tab expands on what previously existed in Visible. Now, you can create a round and associate multiple transactions with the round in the event you invested out of multiple funds or acquired different share classes. FMV Tab The FMV tab consolidates how the value of your positions have changed over time, making it easy to understand the story of your investment performance. Improved Investment Tracking Workflows The new transaction tab will not only support additional new transaction types but also help improve workflows for tracking investment data. When you log a new investment or exit, we’ll automatically create a corresponding cashflow entry to save you time, and you can always edit or override the details as needed. If a cash flow is tied to a round, we’ll pre-fill certain fields to make data entry easier, while still giving you control over things like the date (especially useful when the transaction date differs from the round close date). You can also create custom transactions that aren’t tied to a specific round. Whether you’re receiving a one-off dividend or logging a revenue-based return, the process is quick and flexible. A Clearer Picture of Performance With more complete transaction tracking, you can: Calculate IRR with greater accuracy Understand the full financial journey of each investment Organize capital movement in a way that’s easy to reference, analyze, and share No more stitching together spreadsheets or guessing at timing. Everything you need is now in one place. The new investments model is live! Log in to your Visible account or request a call with our team below to learn more:

Ireland has rapidly emerged as a global hotspot for startups, blending a rich history of innovation with a forward-thinking entrepreneurial spirit. With venture capital investments surging to €651 million in the first quarter of 2025 alone, the country is proving to be a fertile ground for ambitious founders. From cutting-edge MedTech innovations to transformative SaaS solutions, Ireland’s startup ecosystem is thriving across diverse sectors. But what truly sets Ireland apart is its robust network of venture capital firms, accelerators, and government-backed initiatives that empower startups to scale globally. In this article, we’ll explore the top venture capital firms in Ireland, their unique investment theses, and how they’re shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the Emerald Isle. Whether you’re a founder seeking funding or simply curious about Ireland’s dynamic startup landscape, this guide will provide valuable insights into the key players driving innovation. Ireland’s Top VCs Frontline Ventures About: We back B2B SaaS companies with international ambition. Whether you’re at an early stage with sights on the US, or at a later stage looking to the rich potential of Europe, we can help you get where you want to go. Thesis: Frontline is the venture firm for globally ambitious B2B companies on both sides of the Atlantic NDRC About: NDRC is a business that transforms entrepreneurial teams and ideas into startups with early investment and research help. We're an Accelerator providing €100k SAFE to ~10 companies per cohort. Traction metrics requirements: Pre-seed. Team and Opportunity Thesis: Digital B2B Mature founders with deep domain knowledge Techstart Ventures About: Techstart Ventures is a leading investor of seed capital across Scotland and Northern Ireland. Act Venture Capital About: ACT is Ireland's leading independent venture capital company and they have a very experienced and successful investment team. They provide capital to growth-oriented private companies in the range of €750K to €15M. Larger sums can be provided in syndication with their institutional investors. In December 2002, ACT closed its third fund at €170 million. ACT now manages €350 million through a number of venture capital funds. Sweetspot check size: $ 1M Thesis: We invest in talented founders, and support them to build exceptional companies. VelocityDAO Sweetspot check size: $ 1M Traction metrics requirements: In 90 days we have book $2M in revenue realized $600k, we have disrupted the early stage venture capital space in Web3 and have 14 companies in 2 cohorts with 7 on the way to $1-2M in working capital funding with 7 others set to launch in the fall and 100 more in our pipeline. We have a $50M AUM Fund, we have spent $0 and acquired 5 different startups. We have and are on track to close 2024 (started in May) at $14-$40M and a web2 VC valuation of $200-$500M with soverign wealth funds requesting us to handle their portfolios, tokenization and we have an entire off-chain arm focused on a search and succession fund in waste while being the ONLY organization in the world able to take advantage of non-dulutive funding without any limit via Tribal (native american) lands and the 1 of 3 "Super 8a" Organizations with whom we are funding, acquiring, building, producing and tokenizing impact assets that blackrock, van eck, franklin templeton and more are looking to use our RWA Stable Coin built by a portco (live mainnet in December) to bring liquidity to 11 figure portfolios in real-estate, oil and other commodities. This has been done with 1.5 humans and now we have 18 months of runway at an inflated $200k a month with the addition of 8-10 new hires and managing teams within groups we own to the tune of 50+ people. Our group has assets worth close to 10 figures in hand and we simple work to HELP FOUNDERS and then help funds in a novel way that we have been approached 3x for $100M+ LPs via tier 1 funds. Thesis: Our investment thesis centers on building businesses, not projects. We focus on scalable technologies and products that integrate into existing industries, rather than simply promoting Web3 as an industry unto itself. This approach reflects a fundamental shift in perspective, positioning VelocityDAO as a transformative force in early-stage capital deployment. Atlantic Bridge Ventures About: Atlantic Bridge Ventures is a Pan European venture capital company with offices in Dublin and London. Atlantic Bridge focuses on making early and mid stage technology investments in semiconductors and software across Europe with a strong focus on a transatlantic business building and investment exit model. Atlantic Bridge brings together a unique team of technology entrepreneurs, corporate finance and investment experts. Thesis: We invest in entrepreneurs with the ambition to create world-class companies of scale Kernel Capital About: Kernel Capital is a Central Bank of Ireland regulated and UK Financial Conduct Authority authorised venture capital firm based in Ireland. Operating from Cork, Belfast and Dublin, Kernel Capital is focused on investment and international M&A engagement with IP rich companies that innovate through: Silicon Chip Design, Photonics, Micro-Fluidics, Sensors and Systems and Data Management, all sectors with significant AI opportunities. Thesis: Kernel Capital have led 80+ portfolio companies, employing 1,200+ in mid-market corporate transactions (€25M - €125M) across the US, Europe, and Asia, completing 25+ trade sales, two IPOs (ISEQ & AIM) and a number of MBO’s. Led and completed 250+ fundraisings, on behalf of our portfolio of Irish technology companies, in aggregate raising €1.5BN+. Fountain Healthcare Partners About: We are a venture fund providing risk capital and expertise to ambitious entrepreneurs building outstanding life sciences companies. Delta Partners About: Delta Partners is a venture capital firm investing in Ireland and the United Kingdom. It was established in 1994 and has €230 million under management. The firm has a strong focus on investing in early stage technology companies, and the team has made over 50 investments in the following sectors: Information Technology, Communications, and Healthcare. Delta Partners is among the most active early stage investors in Europe. The partners backgrounds in operations, strategy and finance complement the drive and ambition of entrepreneurial management teams. Seroba Life Sciences About: Seroba is a leading European life sciences venture capital firm focused on value creation through backing winning innovations in biotech and medtech. Heritage Ventures About: Heritage Ventures is a global Investment company based in Ireland with a broad portfolio of tech high-quality products and services. We identify and finance companies during their start-up phase and provide established companies with additional capital for their growth plans during the expansion. Ireland’s Startup Landscape Ireland has emerged as a dynamic hub for startups, driven by a combination of government support, a skilled workforce, and a thriving innovation culture. Key Statistics on Ireland’s Startup Growth Ireland’s startup ecosystem continues to thrive, with significant growth in venture capital investments and a strong focus on innovation. Here are the latest statistics: In 2024, venture capital investments in Ireland totaled €608.44 million across 98 deals, despite global funding challenges. This marked a slight decline from €740.49 million in 2023, but the final quarter of 2024 showed a strong rebound with €247.22 million raised across 29 deals. The first quarter of 2025 has already seen a surge in funding, with €651 million raised, surpassing the same period in previous years. Key sectors driving this growth include biotech, health, fintech, and artificial intelligence, with companies like Nuritas and Nuitée securing significant funding rounds. Sectors Driving Innovation Ireland’s startup ecosystem is characterized by its diversity, with several sectors leading the charge in innovation: MedTech: Ireland is home to groundbreaking MedTech startups like Luminate Medical and CroíValve, which are transforming healthcare. Artificial Intelligence (AI): Companies like Protex AI and Deciphex are leveraging AI to revolutionize workplace safety and pathology, respectively. Software as a Service (SaaS): SaaS startups such as Tines are automating cybersecurity processes at scale. AgriTech: Yield Lab and other AgriTech-focused firms are driving sustainable innovations in agriculture. Role of Government Initiatives The Irish government plays a pivotal role in fostering a supportive startup environment. Enterprise Ireland, the government agency responsible for supporting Irish businesses, has launched a new five-year strategy (2025-2029), "Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally." This strategy aims to: Support 1,000 new startups by 2029. Increase export sales by Enterprise Ireland-supported companies to €50 billion. Create 275,000 jobs in Enterprise Ireland-supported companies. Additionally, programs like the Startup Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) simplify the process for international entrepreneurs to establish businesses in Ireland, further enhancing the country’s appeal as a startup destination. Key Networking Events Ireland offers a vibrant ecosystem for entrepreneurs, with numerous networking events, accelerators, and communities designed to foster collaboration and growth. Here are some of the key opportunities for founders to connect and thrive. Dublin Tech Summit: One of Europe’s largest tech conferences, the Dublin Tech Summit brings together global leaders in technology, innovation, and business. It offers founders the chance to network with investors, industry experts, and fellow entrepreneurs. Web Summit: Held annually in Lisbon but with strong Irish roots, the Web Summit attracts startups and investors from around the world. It’s a must-attend event for Irish entrepreneurs looking to scale globally. The Irish Startup Network by Web Summit is an initiative aimed at supporting Ireland's startup community. It selects 24 of Ireland’s top startups to attend Web Summit in Lisbon for free. The program connects these startups with Web Summit’s global network, providing opportunities for exposure, networking, and growth. Applications for the 2025 program are now open. All-Ireland Entrepreneurs Summit: This event, hosted in Dublin, gathers over 500 entrepreneurs, CEOs, and thought leaders. It features outcome-based networking sessions, making it an excellent platform for generating leads and building partnerships. Role of the Irish Diaspora The Irish diaspora plays a significant role in supporting startups. Initiatives like Elkstone’s global network connect Irish entrepreneurs with investors and mentors abroad, helping them expand into international markets. As noted by IrishCentral, the diaspora’s involvement is crucial for startups looking to scale globally, providing capital and strategic connections. Resources for Startups in Ireland Ireland offers a robust ecosystem for startups, with a variety of government grants, co-working spaces, and advisory services to support entrepreneurs. Government Grants and Funding Programs Enterprise Ireland’s Seed and Venture Capital Scheme: This program provides funding to early-stage startups through partnerships with venture capital funds. It aims to foster innovation and help Irish companies scale globally. Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs): LEOs provide financial assistance, training, and mentoring to small businesses across Ireland. Key grants include: Priming Grants: Up to €150,000 for startups in their first 18 months. Feasibility Study Grants: Up to €15,000 to assess market demand for a product or service. Innovation Vouchers: These vouchers, worth €5,000, help startups collaborate with academic institutions to develop innovative solutions. Co-Working Spaces and Innovation Hubs Guinness Enterprise Centre (GEC): Located in Dublin, the GEC offers co-working spaces, private offices, and access to a vibrant entrepreneurial community. It also provides mentorship and networking opportunities. Dogpatch Labs: Situated in Dublin’s CHQ Building, Dogpatch Labs is a leading innovation hub offering co-working spaces, accelerator programs, and access to a network of investors and mentors. Portershed (Galway): This innovation hub supports startups in the west of Ireland with office spaces, events, and access to a collaborative community. Republic of Work (Cork): A co-working space in Cork that provides startups with office facilities, networking events, and access to business mentors. NDRC: The National Digital Research Centre (NDRC) is a leading accelerator in Ireland, offering mentorship, funding, and resources to early-stage startups. It has helped launch numerous successful companies in sectors like fintech and healthtech. Legal and Financial Advisory Services Startup Legal Advice: Law firms like Mason Hayes & Curran and Matheson specialize in services for startups, including company formation, intellectual property protection, and compliance. Financial Advisory Services: Firms such as Grant Thornton and KPMG offer financial planning, tax advisory, and funding strategy services tailored to startups. Connect With Investors in Ireland 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 Ireland'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.

Raising funds for your startup can feel overwhelming, but Cleveland’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem offers plenty of opportunities to help you succeed. From top venture capital firms to invaluable networking events and local resources, Cleveland has everything you need to grow your business. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the leading VCs in the area, key connections to make, and the tools available to support your journey. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, this is your go-to resource for navigating Cleveland’s startup scene. Top VCs in Cleveland JumpStart About: JumpStart Inc. is an Ohio-based non-profit organization that offers development assistance to entrepreneurs in Northeast Ohio. Thesis: We invest in people. We look for entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence in all that they do, have skin in the game and the ambition to grow aggressively. We’re also focused on funding diverse entrepreneurs to help us build a stronger portfolio and a stronger community. Mutual Capital Partners Sweetspot check size: $ 3M Traction metrics requirements: Post-revenue January Ventures About: January Ventures (previously known as Jane VC) invests early and opens doors for the visionary founders of the future. Thesis: We invest early and open the doors for the founders of the future. North Coast Ventures About: North Coast Ventures includes six contributed capital funds comprised of 250+ leading investors and entrepreneurs Blue Point Capital Partners About: Blue Point Capital Partners is principally focuses on investments in manufacturing, distribution and service businesses that address industrial and consumer markets. Blue Point has extensive experience in identifying, evaluating and successfully completing a variety of private equity investment transactions, including management buyouts, corporate divestitures, recapitalizations and industry consolidations. Comeback Capital About: Comeback Capital is a pre-seed stage venture fund. Cleveland Avenue About: Our mission is to foster growth for a new generation of lifestyle consumer brands and technology companies that positively disrupt large and growing markets. We provide the best financial resources, expertise, and individual support available. Key Networking Opportunities for Cleveland Founders Cleveland's startup ecosystem is thriving, offering numerous opportunities for founders to connect, collaborate, and grow their ventures. The city provides a robust support system for entrepreneurs, from events and meetups to accelerators and co-working spaces. Local Events and Meetups Cleveland hosts a variety of networking events and meetups tailored to startup founders and entrepreneurs. Some notable ones include: Cleveland Tech Week: A week-long festival celebrating innovation and technology in Cleveland. It features panels, workshops, and networking sessions focused on growth hacking, marketing, and startup scaling. The Cleveland Networking Mixer: Held at venues like the Karamu House Theatre, this event brings together professionals from various industries to foster connections and share insights. Creative Meetups CLE: Aimed at fostering creativity and collaboration, this meetup is perfect for founders looking to connect with like-minded individuals in the creative and tech industries. Tri-C Student Pitch Competition: Hosted by Cuyahoga Community College, this event allows founders to pitch their ideas, receive feedback, and network with investors and mentors. Accelerators and Incubators Cleveland is home to several accelerators and incubators that provide mentorship, funding, and resources to startups: JumpStart Inc.: A leading accelerator in Cleveland, JumpStart offers funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities to early-stage startups. Flashstarts: This startup accelerator and venture fund focuses on early-stage companies, providing seed funding and mentorship. LaunchHouse: A co-working space and incubator that supports startups through mentorship, funding, and community events. Co-Working Spaces Cleveland's co-working spaces are hubs for innovation and collaboration, offering founders a place to work and network: 78th Street Studios: Known for its creative environment, this space is ideal for startups in the arts and design industries. COhatch Beachwood: A modern co-working space that hosts networking events and workshops for entrepreneurs. Resources for Cleveland Startups Cleveland offers many resources to support startups, from funding and mentorship to legal, financial, and marketing assistance. These resources are designed to help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of launching and scaling their businesses. BioEnterprise: This organization focuses specifically on the bioscience industry in Northeast Ohio. They offer resources, connections, and expertise to help biotech and healthcare startups thrive. BioEnterprise provides access to funding, talent, and market intelligence. MAGNET (Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network): While not exclusively for startups, MAGNET provides resources and support for manufacturing companies in Northeast Ohio, including startups in the manufacturing sector. They offer consulting services, innovation programs, and connections to industry partners. The Entrepreneurs Center (TEC): Although primarily serving the Dayton region, TEC offers resources that can be accessed by startups throughout Ohio, including those in Cleveland. They provide business planning assistance, mentorship, and access to capital. OhioMeansJobs Cleveland-Cuyahoga County: This resource helps startups find and recruit talent. They offer job postings, recruitment assistance, and training programs to help startups build their teams. Small Business Administration (SBA) Cleveland District Office: The SBA offers a variety of programs and services to support small businesses, including startups. They provide access to loans, grants, counseling, and training. COSE (Council of Smaller Enterprises): COSE is a small business advocacy organization that provides resources, networking opportunities, and cost-saving programs to its members. They offer a range of services, including healthcare benefits, legal assistance, and marketing support. The Urban League of Greater Cleveland: The Urban League provides resources and support to minority-owned businesses in Cleveland. They offer business counseling, access to capital, and networking opportunities. The Hispanic Business Center: This center provides resources and support to Hispanic-owned businesses in Cleveland. They offer business counseling, access to capital, and networking opportunities. The Women's Business Center of Northern Ohio: This center provides resources and support to women-owned businesses in Cleveland. They offer business counseling, access to capital, and networking opportunities. Connect With Investors in Cleveland 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 Cleveland'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.

Cincinnati has emerged as a thriving hub for startups and venture capital, driven by a unique blend of innovation, collaboration, and a supportive ecosystem. Known for its strong foundation of Fortune 500 companies like Procter & Gamble and Kroger, the city has cultivated a vibrant entrepreneurial landscape that spans industries such as health tech, SaaS, and consumer brands. Venture capital firms like Lightship Capital, Refinery Ventures, and CincyTech are at the forefront of this growth, providing critical funding and mentorship to startups with transformative potential. With a growing focus on diversity and inclusion, initiatives like Lightship Capital are empowering underrepresented founders, while collaborative efforts between startups and established corporations are accelerating innovation. As Cincinnati continues to attract talent, investment, and groundbreaking ideas, it solidifies its position as a leading startup hub in the Midwest. Top VCs in Cincinnati Lightship Capital About: Lightship Capital is a venture capital fund that is driving innovation and investment in the Midwest. Sweetspot check size: $ 500K Traction metrics requirements: Post Revenue Thesis: Inclusion is innovation. Refinery Ventures About: Refinery Ventures focuses on investing in information technology, digital health, and human capital technology sectors. Sweetspot check size: $ 2M Traction metrics requirements: We are looking for: Leaders with a clear vision and strong values Companies with hypergrowth potential and ambition Technology that will transform an experience, or an entire industry. Thesis: We invest in early scale companies – bridging the gap and mentoring our teams between post-seed and Series A funding. CincyTech About: CincyTech is one of the Midwest's most active seed funds, investing in disruptive human health and technology companies in Ohio. Sweetspot check size: $ 1M Traction metrics requirements: Data points to validate some market traction Thesis: Undeniably Better H Venture Partners About: H Venture Partners is an early-stage fund that invests in consumer brands. Sweetspot check size: $500K Thesis: H Venture Partners invests in early stage science-based consumer brands. Maywic Select Investments About: Maywic is a venture capital firm that invests in growth stage companies that promote healthy lifestyles, wellness, and well-being. Sweetspot check size: $ 2M Traction metrics requirements: At least $5MM of revenue Thesis: Keep Living Better Lightship Foundation About: Hillman Accelerator focuses on companies led by underrepresented individuals in tech by developing venture backable companies. Thesis: We serve underrepresented tech-driven startups through mentorship, specialized curriculum, partnerships, and capital investments-- providing them the resources and guidance they need to scale. Cintrifuse Capital About: Cintrifuse is dedicated to Supporting Startups, Igniting Innovation, Attracting Investment, and Catalyzing our Thriving Ecosystem to make Greater Cincinnati the #1 startup hub in the Midwest and a Top Innovation Center in the Country. We invest in startups through our venture arm, Cintrifuse Capital, which fuels startup success by providing strategic investments, mentorship, and connections to accelerate growth and drive innovation. Thesis: $250-500k Investments into Pre-Seed, Seed, & Series A rounds Procter & Gamble Ventures Studio About: P&G Ventures creates new brands and businesses that solve consumers’ everyday problems. Allos Ventures About: Investors in early-stage B2B software and business services companies in the Midwest. SaaS Capital About: As the name suggests, SaaS Capital exclusively finances SaaS companies. Their Committed Credit Facilities are specifically designed to fund the growth of a SaaS business in lieu of a round of equity. The company provides Committed Credit Facilities of $2 million to $15 million to SaaS companies with $200k and up in monthly recurring revenue (MRR).They understand the nuances of your business model and can get to ‘yes’ or ‘no’ quickly. Traction metrics requirements: $250,000 in monthly recurring software revenue. Service Provider Capital About: Venture fund whose limited partners include the most knowledgeable, respected and best connected service providers in the industry. Blue Chip Venture Company About: Blue Chip Venture Company is a leading venture capital firm providing capital and business-building assistance to entrepreneurs seeking to build growth companies. Their end-to-end approach to your success includes being an integral part of your strategic planning sessions, key employee recruiting, industry conferences, fund-raising, corporate partnerships, public offerings and more. Blue Chip has over $600 million of capital under management. River Cities Capital Funds About: RC Capital is a growth equity firm building high-potential healthcare companies by leveraging the unique interplay of our segments of focus: medical device, healthcare services and healthcare IT. We are dedicated to investing on the right side of healthcare, growing companies that enable clinicians to improve the delivery of care and the experiences and outcomes for patients. We seek to be a business partner first and a capital provider second, investing significant human capital to leverage our domain expertise, a network of healthcare thought leaders and deep relationships with health systems assembled over our 30-year history. With more than $1 billion of capital raised and a consistent track record, the firm has established itself as a preferred source of growth capital. Startup Trends in Cincinnati Cincinnati has emerged as a vibrant startup hub with a growing ecosystem supporting innovation across various industries. Here are the key trends shaping the city's startup landscape in 2025: Growth in Health Tech, SaaS, and Consumer Brands Cincinnati is making significant strides in health tech, SaaS, and consumer brands, driven by its strong foundation of Fortune 500 companies and a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem. The city ranks among the top Midwest startup hubs, excelling in health tech and fintech sectors. Consumer brands are also thriving, with Procter & Gamble Ventures Studio leading the way in fostering innovation. This division of Procter & Gamble supports startups that solve everyday consumer problems, leveraging the company's extensive resources and expertise. Increasing Focus on Diversity and Inclusion in Funding Cincinnati's startup ecosystem is becoming more inclusive, with initiatives to support underrepresented founders. Lightship, for example, is a venture capital firm dedicated to funding startups led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), women, and other underrepresented groups. This focus on diversity is helping to create a more equitable entrepreneurial environment and driving innovation across industries. Collaboration Between Startups and Established Corporations One of Cincinnati's unique strengths is the collaboration between startups and established corporations. Procter & Gamble and Kroger actively engage with startups to drive innovation. For instance, Procter & Gamble's 1819 Innovation Hub is a nexus for collaboration, connecting startups with resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities. This partnership model accelerates startup growth and helps established corporations stay ahead in their respective industries. Top Networking Events and Communities for Cincinnati Founders Cincinnati's startup ecosystem thrives on collaboration and community, offering numerous opportunities for founders to connect, learn, and grow. Here are some of the top networking events, coworking spaces, and programs that every founder in Cincinnati should know about: Key Events StartupCincy Week: This annual event is a cornerstone of Cincinnati's entrepreneurial community. It brings together over 1,000 attendees, including founders, investors, and innovators, for a week of workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. The event highlights Cincinnati as a hub of innovation and provides a platform for startups to showcase their work. Cintrifuse Networking Programs: Cintrifuse, a nonprofit organization supporting startups, hosts various events throughout the year, including Demo Nights and the Venture Velocity Program. These events connect founders with investors, mentors, and other ecosystem players, fostering meaningful collaborations. Coworking Spaces and Accelerators Union Hall: Located in the heart of Cincinnati, Union Hall serves as a coworking and event space for startups. Cintrifuse manages it and provides a vibrant environment for collaboration, with dedicated desks, private offices, and event rentals available. The Brandery: This nationally recognized accelerator focuses on consumer brands and offers a robust program that includes mentorship, funding, and access to a network of industry experts. It has been instrumental in helping startups scale and succeed. Local Meetups and Pitch Competitions Cincinnati Startup Founder 101: This Meetup group brings together aspiring and experienced tech entrepreneurs to discuss, meet, and collaborate. They host numerous free events throughout the year where you can learn best practices for starting a company, meet local founders and investors, exchange ideas, and get feedback. Recent and upcoming events include topics like "Why Leveraging Your Unique Life Proposition Is Crucial for Startup Success" and "Employee to Entrepreneur: How to Make the Transition to Startup Founder". Startup Grind Cincinnati: This is a global community for entrepreneurs that hosts monthly startup events to teach, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs. It's a great place to meet new hires and investors. StartupCincy's Calendar of Events: Keep an eye on the StartupCincy calendar for pitch nights, workshops, and networking events. This is a central hub for startup activities in the region. Eventbrite: Search Eventbrite for "startup pitch" events in Cincinnati to find upcoming pitch competitions and related events. Connect With Investors in Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati'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.

CleanTech and Climate Tech sectors are more crucial than ever, driving innovation to address our planet's most pressing environmental challenges. As an entrepreneur in these fields, you are part of a transformative movement focused on sustainability and climate action. However, navigating this landscape requires a unique set of strategies and insights. This comprehensive guide will provide the tools to overcome common hurdles, connect with venture capital firms actively investing in CleanTech and Climate Tech, and leverage opportunities for growth and impact. Definition and Differentiation: CleanTech vs. Climate Tech CleanTech (Clean Technology): CleanTech focuses on reducing industries' environmental footprints by improving efficiency, reducing waste, and utilizing renewable resources. This includes innovations in energy efficiency, renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro), green transportation, water purification, and waste management. Climate Tech (Climate Technology): Climate Tech specifically targets mitigating climate change effects. This involves technologies that focus on carbon capture and storage, climate modeling and monitoring, and adaptation technologies to cope with the impacts of climate change. While both sectors aim to promote sustainability, CleanTech broadly addresses environmental impacts across various industries, whereas Climate Tech is directly aimed at combating and adapting to climate change. Current Trends and Market Analysis Growth and Investment The CleanTech and Climate Tech sectors are experiencing unprecedented growth, fueled by an escalating global emphasis on sustainability and stringent environmental regulations. This growth is a response to the urgent need to address climate change and a reflection of the sectors' potential for significant economic returns. CleanTech Growth: Global Focus: The international community's increasing commitment to sustainable practices drives growth. Countries are implementing aggressive policies to reduce carbon footprints, benefiting CleanTech innovations in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and waste management. Investment Surge: Investors are pouring capital into CleanTech, recognizing sustainable technologies' long-term value and necessity. In 2023, global CleanTech investments surpassed previous records, signaling strong confidence in the sector. Climate Tech Momentum: Net-Zero Commitments: Governments and corporations worldwide are setting ambitious net-zero carbon goals. This accelerates developing and deploying Climate Tech solutions such as carbon capture and storage, climate resilience infrastructure, and advanced climate modeling tools. Early-Stage Investments: Venture capital funding in Climate Tech has seen a notable increase, particularly in early-stage startups. This trend is driven by the recognition that early investments in disruptive technologies can yield substantial returns as these innovations mature and scale. Technological Innovations Rapid technological advancements are a cornerstone of growth in both CleanTech and Climate Tech. These innovations improve efficiency, reduce costs, and open new frontiers for sustainable practices. Renewable Energy: Solar and Wind Advances: Developing more efficient solar panels and wind turbines makes renewable energy more accessible and cost-effective. Innovations such as bifacial solar panels and floating wind farms are expanding the potential for clean energy production. Energy Storage: Breakthroughs in battery technology, including solid-state batteries and grid-scale energy storage solutions, address the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources, facilitating a more reliable and resilient energy grid. Electric Vehicles (EVs): Transformation in Transportation: The EV market is experiencing explosive growth, driven by technological advancements in battery life, charging speed, and vehicle range. Innovations in EV infrastructure, such as widespread charging networks and vehicle-to-grid technology, further support this transformation. Sustainability in Manufacturing: Companies are increasingly focusing on sustainable practices in EV manufacturing, including using recycled materials and reducing the carbon footprint of production processes. Climate Tech Breakthroughs: Carbon Capture and Sequestration: Significant progress in carbon capture technologies enables more efficient and cost-effective ways to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and store it securely underground. AI-Driven Climate Modeling: The integration of artificial intelligence in climate modeling is enhancing the accuracy of climate predictions and providing valuable insights for mitigation and adaptation strategies. Market Drivers: Regulatory Pressures and Incentives: Environmental Standards: Governments are implementing stricter ecological regulations, compelling industries to adopt CleanTech and Climate Tech solutions. These regulations are often accompanied by substantial financial incentives, such as tax credits, grants, and subsidies, to encourage compliance and innovation. Policy Support: Policy frameworks supporting green technologies, including renewable energy mandates and carbon pricing mechanisms, create a favorable environment for sector growth. Consumer Demand: Sustainable Products and Services: Increasing consumer awareness and demand for environmentally friendly products drive companies to incorporate sustainable practices into their operations. This shift is evident across various industries, from fashion and food to transportation and energy. Market Differentiation: Companies prioritizing sustainability are gaining a competitive edge, attracting a growing segment of eco-conscious consumers. Corporate Sustainability Commitments: Carbon Neutrality Pledges: Corporations commit to ambitious sustainability goals, including achieving carbon neutrality. These commitments enhance their brand reputation and drive investments in CleanTech and Climate Tech solutions. Strategic Partnerships: Businesses are forming partnerships with CleanTech and Climate Tech startups to integrate innovative solutions into their operations, further fueling sector growth. Key Challenges and Opportunities in Each Sector Challenges High Capital Requirements: Both CleanTech and Climate Tech startups often face significant upfront costs for research, development, and deployment of their technologies. Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating complex and varying regulations across different regions can be daunting and time-consuming. Market Adoption: Proving the viability and scalability of new technologies in real-world applications is critical and often challenging. Opportunities Government Support: There are numerous grants, subsidies, and incentive programs available to support CleanTech and Climate Tech initiatives. Investor Interest: Increasing awareness of climate change impacts attracts more investors to these sectors, creating a favorable funding environment. Technological Advancements: Ongoing innovations provide new avenues for startups to differentiate themselves and capture market share. Corporate Partnerships: Collaborating with established corporations can provide startups with essential resources, market access, and credibility. Related resource: The Future is Green: 15 Climate Tech Startups to Watch This Year Focus on Impact Metrics Highlighting the environmental impact and sustainability benefits of the CleanTech solution can attract socially conscious investors and customers. Patagonia Patagonia, an outdoor clothing and gear company, places a strong emphasis on impact metrics related to sustainability. The company tracks and publicizes its efforts to reduce carbon emissions, minimize water usage, and promote responsible sourcing of materials. By transparently communicating its environmental initiatives, Patagonia attracts loyal customers who align with their values, and the company’s commitment to sustainability becomes a significant driver of brand loyalty. Patagonia’s Page: Environmental & Social Footprint Ecolab Ecolab, a global provider of water, hygiene, and energy technologies and services, focuses on impact metrics related to water conservation and sustainable operations. The company measures and reports on water savings achieved through its solutions, helping businesses and industries reduce water consumption and environmental impact. By demonstrating the positive environmental outcomes of its services, Ecolab attracts clients who prioritize sustainability, leading to long-term partnerships and business growth. Ecolab’s 2030 Impact Goals Ecolab Releases 2022 Corporate Sustainability Report, Highlights Progress Toward 2030 Impact Goals Resources Impact Investors and Fund Managers to Know Climate Tech’s Evolution: The Maturation to a Competitive, Returns-Focused Thematic Investment Sector From Clean Tech 1.0 to Climate Tech 2.0: A New Era of Investment Opportunities The climate tech sector is booming—here are the applications VCs are most excited about The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) For impact investors, the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) offers a directory of its members, many of whom are impact investors interested in sustainable technologies. VCs Investing in Clean Tech and Climate Tech Startups Lowercarbon Capital About: Lowercarbon Capital invests in decarbonization technologies across various sectors, including energy, transportation, food, and manufacturing. They fund research and invest in technologies to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere. For too long, the world has ignored the scientists, inventors, and entrepreneurs who are pursuing solutions to lower emissions, remove carbon, actively cool the planet, and save human, animal, and plant life as we know it. We are working to fix that. Third Sphere About: Third Sphere works for founders transforming global systems. We’ve made over 100 investments in notable firms like Cove Tool, OneWheel and Bowery Farming. We’re usually a pre-customer investor and offer traditional venture as well as credit finance, along with coaching and connections to over 12,000 customers, investors focused on re-imagining our planet. Our team is ranked in the 99th percentile of climatetech investors on NFX Signal, and Techcrunch named us one of the top 10 VCs founders love the most. We know that climate is about more than carbon—it’s also about force multipliers like asset finance and distribution. We believe the best climate solutions don’t look like climate solutions at all, just better, faster, and cheaper products and services. We prefer rapid deployment that will get us close to 1.5C in warming while upgrading our systems to make them more resilient. But we’ll also look at moonshot opportunities because we know we need a plan B. Thesis: A real investment is about more than capital. We invest at the earliest stages, usually pre-customer, stay close to our founders, and work with them from the inception of our relationship so they can build relationships with other founders, investors, and customers. Breakthrough Energy Ventures About: Launched by Bill Gates, Breakthrough Energy Ventures invests in companies developing technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Breakthrough Energy is dedicated to helping humanity avoid a climate disaster. Through investment vehicles, philanthropic programs, policy advocacy, and other activities, we’re committed to scaling the technologies we need to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Thesis: Breakthrough Energy Ventures provides reliable and affordable power without contributing to climate change. Energy Impact Partners About: Energy Impact Partners LP (EIP) is a global investment platform that invests in companies shaping the energy landscape of the future. EIP brings together entrepreneurs and the world’s most forward-looking energy and industrial companies to advance innovation. With over $2.5 billion in assets under management, EIP invests globally across venture, growth, credit, and infrastructure – and has a team of over 70 professionals based in its offices in New York, San Francisco, Palm Beach, London, Washington D.C., Cologne, and Oslo. Thesis: We bring together incumbents and innovators in a differentiated collaborative model to build and scale businesses for substantial impact. Generation Investment Management About: Co-founded by former US Vice President Al Gore, Generation Investment Management focuses on sustainable investments, including Climate Tech. Since its founding in 2004, Generation has played a pioneering role in the development of sustainable and environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing. Prelude Ventures About: Prelude Ventures is a venture capital firm partnering with entrepreneurs to address climate change. Since 2013, we have invested in over 40 companies across advanced energy, food and agriculture, transportation and logistics, advanced materials and manufacturing, and advanced computing. We have a long-term commitment to the sector, accept informed risks, and couple a fundamental emphasis on venture-level returns with an understanding of deep-tech and hardware development timelines. Prelude manages capital exclusively for Simons family philanthropic entities and is a founding member of the Breakthrough Energy Coalition. Thesis: We invest in the low-carbon economy. 3×5 Partners About: In everything we do, we allow our love for each other and for the planet to be our guide. We seek out companies that are delivering advancements in clean air, food, water, shelter, education, healthcare, sanitation, and climate and environmental sustainability. When we find companies that align with our mission, we go beyond due diligence and take the time needed to build relationships grounded in trust, shared vision, transparency, and mutual accountability. Third Derivative About: We are building an inclusive, global ecosystem that rapidly finds, funds, and scales climate tech innovation and transforms markets. Thesis: We are mission driven and market focused. Rising to the climate crisis challenge is a once-in-a-generation, trillion-dollar economic opportunity. That’s why we were founded with purpose: to find, fund, hone, and scale the most-promising technologies to achieve larger, faster reductions in global carbon emissions. Evergreen Climate Innovations About: Clean Energy Trust is a cleantech accelerator that fuels innovation to create a healthier environment and more prosperous future. Clean Energy Trust is a 501C3 public charity. Our unique funding model gives us the flexibility to invest early in promising technology and young companies. We invest across the spectrum of cleantech including energy efficiency, agriculture, energy generation, energy storage, and transportation technologies. Sweetspot check size: $ 100K Greentown Labs About: Greentown Labs is a community of climate action pioneers working to design a more sustainable world. As the largest climatetech startup incubator in North America, Greentown Labs brings together startups, corporates, investors, policymakers, and many others with a focus on scaling climate solutions. Driven by the mission of providing startups the resources, knowledge, connections, and equipment they need to thrive, Greentown Labs offers lab space, shared office space, a machine shop, an electronics lab, software and business resources, and a large network of corporate customers, investors, and more. With incubators in Somerville, Mass. and Houston, Texas, Greentown Labs is home to more than 200 startups and has supported more than 500 since the incubator’s founding in 2011. These startups have collectively created more than 24,000 jobs, raised more than $4 billion in funding, and generated more than $9.8 billion in regional economic impact. Future Energy Ventures About: Future Energy Ventures is a unique venture capital platform that brings together corporate partners and world-class start-ups to shape the future energy landscape. Future Energy Ventures is the venture capital investment and collaboration platform of E.ON, one of Europe’s largest operators of energy networks and energy-related infrastructure and a provider of innovative customer solutions for about 50 million customers. Thesis: Future Energy Ventures is born from the energy industry, but it understands energy must converge with other sectors to create a sustainable and prosperous future. This is why we go beyond energy to invest in companies solving problems in cities or building frontier technology. The realization of our ambition relies on collaboration and partnerships; between people and companies from many different industries. Looking for Investors? Try Visible Today! Use Visible to manage every part of your fundraising funnel with investor updates, fundraising pipelines, pitch deck sharing, and data rooms. Raise capital, update investors, and engage your team from a single platform. Try Visible free for 14 days. Related Resource: Clean Tech and Climate Tech VC profiles in our Fundraising CRM

At Visible, we typically compare a venture fundraise to a traditional B2B sales and marketing funnel. At the top of the funnel, you are finding potential investors via cold outreach and warm introductions. In the middle of the funnel, you are nurturing potential investors with meetings, pitch decks, updates, and other communications. At the bottom of the funnel, you are working through due diligence and hopefully closing new investors. Related Resource: The 12 Best VC Funds You Should Know About Like sales, a healthy fundraising funnel starts by finding the right investors. This can be based on geography, check size, focus areas, etc. For founders looking for investors in the San Francisco area, check out our list below: 1. Accel As put by their team, “Accel is a leading venture capital firm that invests in people and their companies from the earliest days through all phases of private company growth.” Focus and industry: Accel is industry agnostic Funding stage: Accel invests across many stages — from pre-seed to series B and beyond Accel is synonymous with venture capital in San Francisco. Accel was founded in 1983 and has since funded 1,500+ companies. They have funds across the globe and invest in founders across many geographies, industries, and stages. Some of their most popular investments include: Facebook Slack Spotify Location: Palo Alto, CA 2. Greylock Partners As put by their team, “At Greylock, our mission is to help realize rare potential. To do this well, we believe it’s essential to be trusted partners to entrepreneurs at every stage — from idea to IPO. The entrepreneurs we back have the vision to build something huge that hasn’t existed before. They are paranoid about what could go wrong — but are obsessed with what can go right. They are mission-driven, intellectually honest and infinite learners. They have raw ambition, bravery, and grit. They don’t give up, ever. And they are unique in their ability to lead and inspire others to join their journey.” Focus and industry: Greylock is focused on enterprise, consumer, and crypto software Related Resource: FinTech Venture Capital Investors to Know Funding stage: Greylock invest from pre-seed to series B and beyond As put by their team, “We focus on enterprise, consumer, and crypto software at Seed and Series A, and also make new company investments in Series B and beyond. We support entrepreneurs throughout their journey from idea to IPO and onwards.” Some of their most popular investments include: Airbnb Facebook Figma Location: Menlo Park, CA 3. Menlo Ventures As put by their team, “Genuinely, actively invested. Invested in your success, but also your struggles. Your questions, your concerns, your highs, your lows. We don’t just invest our dollars, we invest our dedication, our drive. Our tested advice and trusted support. That’s because, when we find an idea we believe in, we’re all engaged. When we’re in, we’re ALL IN.” Focus and industry: Menlo Ventures focuses on the following industries: Consumer Cloud Infrastructure Cybersecurity Fintech Healthcare SaaS Supply Chain and Automation Related Resource: 15 Cybersecurity VCs You Should Know Funding stage: Menlo Ventures across stages from inception to series B and beyond As put by their team, “We are investors and company builders—we know what it takes to turn a budding idea into a scalable business. We work with early-stage founders to find product-market fit, develop go-to-market strategies, scale their organizations, and support them as they grow.” Some of their most popular investments include: Affinity Minted Roku Location: Menlo Park, CA 4. Spark Capital As put by their team, “We are Spark Capital, investors in products we love by creators we admire, including Affirm, Carta, Cruise, Discord, Oculus, Plaid, Postmates, Slack, Twitter, and Wayfair. We know there are no playbooks or formulas for success and are here to help founders win their own way. We invest across all sectors and stages, and work out of San Francisco, Boston, and New York City.” Focus and industry: Spark Capital invests across all industries Funding stage: Spark Capital invests across all stages Like many of the funds on this list, Spark Capital has been investing across all industries and all stages for decades. Some of their most popular investments include: Twitter Slack Affirm Location: San Francisco – Boston – New York 5. Bessemer Venture Partners As put by their team, “Bessemer Venture Partners is the world’s most experienced early-stage venture capital firm. With a portfolio of more than 200 companies, Bessemer helps visionary entrepreneurs lay strong foundations to create companies that matter, and supports them through every stage of their growth.” Focus and industry: BVP invests across many industries Funding stage: BVP invests in early-stage companies BVP has become a leader in early-stage investments. They focus on companies across the globe and have backed some of the most famous companies to date. Some of their most popular investments include: LinkedIn Shopify Yelp Location: San Francisco, CA 6. Altos Ventures As put by their team, “Altos Ventures was founded in 1996, to exclusively address the needs of promising, young technology companies and entrepreneurs. Because of their focus on entrepreneurs – along with their network of co-investors, partners, and industry experts—they know how to build viable business models so companies can move on to the next stage of growth.” Focus and industry: List the focus, industry, or types of companies this VC typically invests in. Funding stage: Altos Ventures is focused on early-stage companies Altos Ventures is a purpose-driven investment fund that is focused on the fundamentals. Some of their most popular investments include: Bench Outdoorsy Roblox Location: Menlo Park, CA 7. Andreessen Horowitz As put by their team, “Andreessen Horowitz was established in June 2009 by entrepreneurs and engineers Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, based on their vision for a new, modern VC firm designed to support today’s entrepreneurs. Andreessen and Horowitz have a track record of investing in, building and scaling highly successful businesses.” Focus and industry: Andreessen Horowitz invests across many industries, including: Bio + Health Cultural Leadership Consumer Crypto Enterprise Fintech Games Related Resource: 15 Venture Capital Firms Investing in VR Funding stage: Andreessen Horowitz invests across all stages. As put by their team, “a16z is defined by respect for the entrepreneur and the company building process; we know what it’s like to be in the founder’s shoes. The firm is led by general partners, many of whom are former founders/operators, CEOs, or CTOs of successful technology companies, and who have domain expertise ranging from biology to crypto to distributed systems to security to marketplaces to financial services.” Some of their most popular investments include: Affirm Airbnb Coinbase Location: Menlo Park, CA 8. Expa As put by their team, “Expa is where the best startups find support and funding to scale. Collectively, we’ve launched dozens of companies, supported 50+ founders, and reached hundreds of millions of users. Our community of builders includes the founders and leaders of Uber, Virgin Galactic, Twitter, Current, and more.” Focus and industry: Expa invests across many industries Funding stage: Expa focuses on early-stage investments As put by their team, “Expa was created by Uber co-founder Garrett Camp to support the next generation of founders. The partners at Expa are builders and operators themselves, who can provide founders with practical advice in product design, branding, engineering, operations, and recruiting.” Some of their most popular investments include: Aero Drip Radar Location: San Francisco, CA 9. Benchmark Venture Capital As put on their Visible Connect profile, “Benchmark Capital is focused on one, and only one, mission: to help talented entrepreneurs build great technology companies. That’s what drives them and everything they do – from how they organize their firm to their investment strategy.” Focus and industry: Benchmark is focused on social, mobile, local, and cloud companies. Funding stage: According to their Visible Connect profile, “Their investments range in size from as little as $100,000 to as much as $10 or $15 million. Typically, they invest $3 to $5 million initially and expect to invest $5 to $15 million over the life of a company.” Benchmark has raised 6 funds that span 2 decades. Some of Benchmark’s most popular investments include: Asana Dropbox Zillow Location: San Francisco, CA 10. First Round Venture Capital As put by their team, “We’re focused on being the world’s best partner for founders at the very first stages of company creation — so we’ve designed the firm to do just that. When you work with First Round, you get super active partners (most of whom are former founders themselves) working side-by-side with you on your biggest and smallest challenges.” Focus and industry: First Round invests across all industries Funding stage: First Round likes to be the first check in a company, regardless of stage. As put by their team, “Typically, our initial investment in a startup ranges from $1 million to $5 million, but we’ve gone higher and lower in some cases. Currently, our average initial investment is right around $3 million.” Some of First Round’s most popular investments include: Notion The Black Tux Uber Location: San Francisco – New York – Philadelphia 11. Y Combinator Y Combinator is synonymous with accelerators. As put by their team, “Y Combinator (YC) is a startup fund and program. Since 2005, YC has invested in nearly 3,000 companies including Airbnb, DoorDash, Stripe, Instacart, Dropbox, and Coinbase. The combined valuation of YC companies is over $300B. YC has programs and resources that support founders throughout the life of their company.” Focus and industry: Y Combinator invests across all industries. Funding stage: Y Combinator helps companies launch with a $500k check. Since its inception in 2005, Y Combinator has been accredited for helping launch, fund, and grow some of the most prolific startups. Some of their most popular investments include: Airbnb DoorDash Stripe Location: San Francisco, CA Find top investors in the Bay Area with Visible As we mentioned at the beginning of this post, a venture fundraise often mirrors a traditional B2B sales and marketing funnel. Just as a sales and marketing team has dedicated tools, shouldn’t a founder that is managing their investors and fundraising efforts? Use Visible to manage every part of your fundraising funnel with investor updates, fundraising pipelines, pitch deck sharing, and data rooms. Raise capital, update investors, and engage your team from a single platform. Try Visible free for 14 days.

As an ambitious founder, joining an accelerator program can be a major stepping stone to startup success. By joining an accelerator, startups can fast-track their progress, accessing resources and networks that would otherwise take years to build. The impact of such programs is evident when we look at companies like Dropbox, Airbnb, and Reddit, each of which gained invaluable benefits from accelerator experiences with Y Combinator. By turbocharging their development, these companies leaped ahead, becoming industry leaders and household names. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the world of accelerators, helping you understand why such a program could be a game-changer for your startup and some startup Accelerators to consider from our Connect investment database. Benefits of Joining an Accelerator One of the most significant advantages of accelerator programs lies in the mentorship they provide. Founders are often p aired with experienced entrepreneurs, investors, or industry experts who guide them through their growth trajectory. These mentors provide a wealth of industry insights, and strategic guidance that can open doors to significant networking opportunities. Related resource: Should Your Startup Have Mentors? Key Benefits and Considerations Alongside this, accelerators usually offer a certain amount of funding in exchange for equity. This early-stage capital injection can be crucial for startups to build their prototype, hire talent, or scale their operations. It also opens up a vast network of fellow founders, investors, and industry professionals, creating an ecosystem of collaboration and learning. Additionally, founders gain access to resources and tools, such as workspaces, training sessions, and state-of-the-art technology. Accelerators ensure startups have what they need to succeed in today’s competitive market. These cumulative benefits can often be the catalyst that propels a young startup from stagnation to rapid growth. Related resource: The Top 16 Accelerators Powering Startup Growth “We surveyed 43 founders who attended these accelerators to better understand their biggest takeaways from each respective program. Founders highlighted many aspects of the accelerator programs, including access to quality advisers, mentors, and corporations, the strength of the program’s network, and the benefits of an environment that encourages deep thinking and iteration. They also appreciated education on fundraising and warm connections to investors and potential customers. On the other hand, founders expressed the need for more education on running a company.” – PitchBook Newsletter Related resource: 12 Online Startup Communities for Founders Selection Criteria and Application Process Accelerators receive a plethora of applications, but only a handful make the cut. Therefore, understanding the selection criteria is crucial. Generally, these programs look for startups with high business potential, meaning your idea should solve a significant problem and have a sizable market. Team composition also plays a vital role; accelerators prefer diverse, dedicated, and capable teams that can withstand the rigors of startup life. Scalability is another crucial factor; your business should have the potential to grow rapidly and provide a return on investment. As for the application process, it usually begins with an online application where you’ll provide information about your startup and why you believe it would benefit from the program. You’ll likely need to submit a pitch deck – a brief presentation outlining your business plan. If your application is shortlisted, the next stage is usually an interview with the accelerator’s selection committee. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your passion, knowledge, and commitment. Related resource: Our Teaser Pitch Deck Template Startup Growth Metrics and Benchmarks For startups looking to attract accelerator interest and subsequent investment, monitoring and presenting the right growth metrics is critical. Key metrics include Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) and Year-over-Year (YoY) growth to showcase revenue consistency and scalability. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) and Lifetime Value (LTV) ratio provide insights into the efficiency of marketing strategies and customer value. Engagement metrics, like Daily Active Users (DAU) or Monthly Active Users (MAU), highlight product stickiness and user adoption. Tracking these metrics allows startups to demonstrate growth potential and operational efficiency to potential accelerators and investors. Equity vs. Non-equity Programs For founders, choosing between equity-based and non-equity accelerators is a crucial decision that impacts the future of your startup. Equity-based programs typically require you to give up a portion of your company's equity in exchange for capital, mentorship, and resources. This can be a good option if you're looking for substantial funding and are willing to share your company's ownership. On the other hand, non-equity accelerators offer support without taking any stake in your company, ideal for those who wish to retain full ownership. However, they might offer less capital. Consider your startup's funding needs, how much control you're willing to share, and the specific benefits each program offers to make an informed decision. Related resource: Pros and Cons of Crowdfunding for Your Startup Legal and IP Considerations for Startups in Accelerators When joining an accelerator, it's crucial to carefully navigate legal and intellectual property (IP) considerations. Protecting your startup's IP is paramount, as it forms the core of your value proposition. Ensure you understand the terms of the accelerator agreement, especially concerning IP rights and confidentiality. Some accelerators may require disclosure of your IP, so it's essential to have clear agreements in place to protect your interests. Consulting with a legal expert specializing in startup and IP law can provide tailored advice, helping you safeguard your assets while benefiting from the accelerator's resources and network. Engaging in due diligence and obtaining professional legal guidance are key steps in this process. What to Expect from an Accelerator Most programs are highly structured and rigorous, designed to make the most of every minute. A typical day could include a blend of workshops, mentorship sessions, networking events, and ample amounts of time for product development. Accelerators push startups to evolve rapidly, so the schedule can be demanding. Expect long days and tight deadlines, but also a supportive, collaborative environment full of passionate people who share your entrepreneurial spirit. It’s a high-intensity period, but the pace is intentionally set to prepare you for the demanding nature of running a startup. Preparing the Team Preparing your team for an accelerator program is much like gearing up for a marathon. The program’s intensity means your team will need to be mentally prepared and resilient. Transparency is key – ensure your team understands the expectations and commitments of the program. Encourage open communication about concerns and questions. Prioritize team health and well-being to avoid burnout. Foster a culture of agility and quick decision-making, as accelerators move at a fast pace. Regular check-ins and debriefs can help the team navigate the experience collectively, learning and pivoting as needed. Setting realistic and achievable goals before entering an accelerator is crucial. Having clear objectives will help you stay focused amidst the whirlwind of activities and opportunities. Your goals could range from product development milestones, market validation, and customer acquisition targets, to preparing for fundraising. Be ambitious, but also practical – consider your team’s capacity and the program’s duration. Your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Remember, these goals are not set in stone; they should evolve as you receive new information and feedback during the program. Regularly revisit and revise your goals to ensure they align with your startup’s growth and the invaluable feedback you’ll receive within the accelerator environment. Related resource: Startup Metrics You Need to Monitor Navigating Post-Accelerator Challenges After completing an accelerator program, startups face the challenge of maintaining momentum. To sustain growth, focus on continuous learning and adaptability, leveraging the network and resources acquired during the program. Establish clear, achievable goals for short and long-term growth, and continuously measure performance against these objectives. Engage with the accelerator alumni community for support and potential collaboration opportunities. Prioritize building strong customer relationships and refining your value proposition based on feedback. Lastly, maintain fiscal discipline while seeking further investment opportunities to fuel growth. Resources The most active startup accelerators and where they’re investing Accelerator connect profiles in our Fundraising CRM Seed-DB maintains a global list of accelerators and data on their funded startups. Barclays Eagle Labs: Our passion is innovation and growth so much so, that in 2015 when underused Barclays spaces became available we created Eagle Labs, a network made up of member businesses, partners, investors, corporates, mentors, banking expertise and so much more. Startup Accelerators to Check Out Buildit Accelerator And Program Info Provided by Arta Beitāne, Associate and Accelerator Program Manager About: Buildit is an accelerator that supports hardware and IoT startups in turning an idea into a tangible, market-worthy product. Sweetspot check size: $ 300K Traction metrics requirements: Must have an MVP or working prototype Thesis: At Buildit you don’t just get a product accelerator. You get a partner in development that’s invested in seeing you succeed. Program Specifics: What does the curriculum include? What skills and knowledge areas does the program focus on? “​Curriculum topics: Smart prototyping, design for manufacturing, business modelling and pricing, efficient marketing with 0$ budget, pitch trainings, Fundraising & Legalese, IP protection, Sustainability and ESG reporting since Day 1…The program focuses on setting up the startup so that the team can raise their next investment rounds – clear plans and milestones, team competencies, IP rights, etc.” Mentorship and Network: Who are the mentors and what are their backgrounds? “​Mentors are of various profiles, and the group constantly changes as we are on a constant lookout for fresh perspectives. Mentors usually are or have been founders themselves, some are investors and some are specialists in their own areas (lawyers, engineers, consultants). What networking opportunities exist within the program? What kinds of professionals will they have access to? “​Mentors (a long list of 300 experts, compiled over years) and investors mainly.” Success Stories and Track Record: What notable companies have gone through the program?” “​We’re proud [amongst others] of STRIGA, Naco Technologies, Alternative Plants to name a few.” Post-Program Support: What kind of support (if any) is offered to startups after they complete the program? “​In most cases, we invest in our program graduates. Participants are pre-selected in a way where we see high potential of a Buildit investment case. The network is quite widespread geographically and industry-wise, nevertheless, relatively closely knit, therefore, we see high likelihood in portfolio company founders helping each other + we try to host annual in-person events to facilitate relationship building and rekindling.” Aviatra Accelerators About: Aviatra Accelerators empowers women entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses faster and with more confidence. Thesis: We offer classes, coaching and community to women entrepreneurs. Our program “Capital-Ready Women” helps women get ready to successfully access capital from lenders and investors. "Our newest program for women entrepreneurs is Capital-Ready Women. It’s designed to help women get ready to successfully access capital from lenders and investors. It begins with our Free Fundability Assessment, available at FreeFundabilityAssessment.com." Union Kitchen About: Union Kitchen is a Food Business Accelerator. We build successful food businesses by bringing together our Accelerator with access to our Kitchen, Distribution, and Stores. Since starting in 2012, we’ve worked with over 650 food businesses, including DC favorites Compass Coffee, Snacklins, Mas Panadas, Caribe and many more! Union Kitchen also launched an investment fund in 2022. Are you ready to build your successful food business? Apply here: https://unionkitchen.com/apply Lair East Labs About: Lair East Labs is an early-stage venture firm based in New York City that empowers founders to expand internationally. At the heart of Lair East Labs comes our founder-centric accelerator program. Each cohort intakes 10 startups to receive curriculum content, mentorship network, office space, and investments of up to $150K. Our 4-month program combines the best of two worlds: learning from alum founders and gaining access to a diverse mentor and investor network with extensive experience navigating the Asian markets. Our portfolio companies have raised $65 million of funding after completing the accelerator. For more information, please visit https://laireastlabs.com Traction metrics requirements: Must have a MVP for software-centric startups or associated IP or research paper to validate the technology for DeepTech companies Arkley Brinc About: Arkley is an Accelerator VC that focuses on early-stage hardware startups to help them grow from prototype to IPO. Thesis: We are the most individual acceleration program on earth. Representing the bespoke model: We do what’s necessary to make you do what’s impossible. We are working with startups as a team member in order to achieve agreed operational and financial goals by using Arkley’s ecosystem. Accelerator Centre About: Accelerator Centre is a network of facilities dedicated to developing and commercializing technology startups. Thesis: The Accelerator Centre is an award-winning startup accelerator dedicated to building and scaling sustainable, globally competitive companies and giving startups the highest probability of long-term success. Dreamit Ventures About: Dreamit is a venture fund and growth-focused accelerator for Urbantech, Securetech, and Healthtech startups Sweetspot check size: $ 1M Traction metrics requirements: Seek healthtech and securetech companies with early commercial traction and proven product market fit that are focused on scaling. Thesis: Dreamit Ventures is a fund and growth program focused on startups with revenue or pilots that are ready to scale. Capital Innovators About: Capital Innovators provides top-ranked accelerator programs, venture fund management, and corporate innovation. It manages private and corporate venture funds focused on technology, consumer products, and energy innovations. Capital Innovators has helped scale 188 companies and assisted them in raising over $600 MM in follow-on investment and creating over 2,900 jobs. HARDS About: The First Brazilian Software/Hardware Accelerator Thesis: How do we acceerate your startup? It’s easy .. years of experience from our investors, partners, mentors, advisors and managers in hardware and software development, added to the experience of accelerating Darwin Startups! Village Capital About: Our mission is to reinvent the system to back the entrepreneurs of the future. Our vision is a future where business builds equity and long-term prosperity. gener8tor About: gener8tor is a nationally ranked, concierge accelerator that invests in high-growth startups. Sweetspot check size: $ 100K AngelPad About: AngelPad is a seed-stage accelerator program that finds product market fit, defining a target market to get first validation for a company. Sweetspot check size: $ 1M Thesis: Find awesome companies with founders we like to work with and spend three very intense months with them. The Alchemist Accelerator About: The Alchemist Accelerator is a venture-backed initiative focused on accelerating startups whose revenue comes from enterprises. Sweetspot check size: $ 75K Traction metrics requirements: Looking for companies from the idea stage to 15K+ in MRR FounderFuel About: FounderFuel is a mentor-driven venture accelerator that helps new startups make progress on the venture path. Sweetspot check size: $ 120K Thesis: We ignite the global success of companies by developing the leaders behind them. Amplify About: Amplify is a pre-seed fund in Venice, CA dedicated to backing strong teams at the earliest stages and supporting from first check to exit. Thesis: At Amplify, our vision is clear — help passionate technology entrepreneurs grow their startups into strong, scalable & successful companies. Flashpoint About: Flashpoint is an international tech investment manager with approx. $400 million AUM focused on international tech companies originating out of Europe and Israel. Flashpoint manages five venture funds: three VC funds, a Venture Debt Fund, and a Secondary Fund. The firm is headquartered in London and has offices in New York, Tel-Aviv, Budapest, Warsaw, Riga, and Nicosia. Global Insurance Accelerator About: The Global Insurance Accelerator is a mentor-driven business accelerator designed to foster innovation in the insurance industry through startups targeting the global insurance industry. We take in early-stage companies who are building solutions that support the insurance industry. We provide seed funding, networking with our mentors, a desk in our beautiful office in Des Moines, 100-days of on-site support and time on stage at the Global Insurance Symposium with hundreds industry executives in attendance. This is not your typical accelerator. Our investors are insurance carriers, our mentors are primarily insurance executives. Startups participating in our program find product-market fit and do customer discovery faster than they could ever do at any other accelerator. We are a strategic partner. The Deal: Investment with founder-friendly terms: $50k in the form of a post-money SAFE that converts to 5% of the company; no board seat Curated meetings with 75+ insurance-focused mentors in program; dozens more after Final presentations @ Global Insurance Symposium (~600 attendees in 2019) Additional exposure at industry conferences One-bedroom, residential-style suite at the Staybridge Suites, with amenities including daily breakfast, nightly dinner, gym, pool, and laundry (in-person nights / 2-minute walk from GIA) Office space for your entire team Typical accelerator perks (deals on hosting, marketing tools, etc) Stocked fridge at the GIA office Founders need to be in Des Moines during the program, business-related travel is supported Hardware.co About: HARDWARE.co is a global community and accelerator for entrepreneurs, industry professionals and makers dedicated to the creation of innovative hardware products and companies. HARDWARE.co is made out of several interconnected components to serve, maintain, and grow our community. The HARDWARE.co Accelerator, Lab, Meetups, and Online Platform form a multichannel resource to give community members the opportunity to create leading products and companies. We support every stage of hardware development – from ideas, to prototypes, to investments, and beyond. mHUB About: mHUB is the nation’s leading hardtech and manufacturing innovation center. We offer membership options, run accelerator programs and provide research and development services to ensure the manufacturing industry continues to accelerate, grow and thrive. Since launching in 2017, the mHUB community has generated more than $1B in revenue, launched more than 1,500 products, hired more than 5,100 employees, and raised over $1.5B in capital. The mHUB facility, located in Chicago, is 80,000+ square feet and home to over 10 labs for prototyping and manufacturing. Labs include: 3D Printer Lab, Cold Metals Lab, Electronics Lab, Finishing Lab, Hot Metals Lab, Laser Cutting Lab, Plastics Lab, Testing Lab, Textiles Lab, Water Work Lab, and Woodworking Lab. There is more than $6 million of equipment and resources for members as well as over 5,000 square feet of event space. Check size: $ 175K - $ 750K Looking for Investors? Try Visible Today! Use Visible to manage every part of your fundraising funnel with investor updates, fundraising pipelines, pitch deck sharing, and data rooms. Raise capital, update investors, and engage your team from a single platform. Try Visible free for 14 days. Related Resource: Accelerator connect profiles in our Fundraising CRM

Getting connected with potential investors for your fundraise is laborious. Quite often it feels like you are playing a massive game of inside baseball and thought leaders tell you that the only way in is to have a warm introduction. The reality is that investors are open to cold pitches and well known companies like Box were funded through a cold email. We equate a fundraising process to that of a B2B Enterprise sale. Any great B2B sales team leverages cold emailing as a channel to set meetings. The same principles that apply to B2B cold emailing also apply for your fundraise. Remember… an investors job is to find the needle in the haystack, your job is to create signal amongst all of the noise. Below we’ll provide some tips, common mistakes and templates to level up your fundraising game. Target the Appropriate Investors Make sure you are reaching out to investors who are at the right stage, sector and investment geography for your startup. p.s. Visible Connect makes this process 100x easier as we let you sort by stage, check size, sector geography and more. If you are a life sciences startup don’t email investors about your E-commerce DTC brand. Absolutely email investors if you fit their thesis/stage/traction requirements and bonus points if they have mentioned it recently on Twitter or a blog post. Ryan Floyd from Storm Ventures has a great section in his post on how to target your email appropriately. If you are mass emailing investors you’ll be wasting your precious time. Never bcc multiple investors, this will be obvious. Personalize your email to maximize responses and make sure it comes from your email (never outsource, use an alias, etc). Write Concise Emails Keep it simple yet significant. 50-200 words is all you need. Most of the articles link to in this post believe 100 words is the sweet spot. The template provided below comes in under 100 words. For the past months I have reviewed about 10-20 “cold” emails per day and there is a clear pattern for those emails that stand out from the crowd -> 5 characteristics of great cold emails below: — Beata Klein ? (@axeliaklein) August 11, 2020 Beata Klein from Creandum includes this data point in a great thread about reaching out cold. Your goal when reaching out cold is to get a reply, that’s it. You are not trying to get them to write you a check on the spot because of some brilliant 10,000-word email you have put together. No investor will read a long-winded pitch that includes your manifesto, the biographies of all founders, and ten years of financial projections you have zero chance of hitting. You are reaching out cold. Just like sales, you want to create a path to the next thing (meeting, term sheet, etc). In this part of the funnel, you just want a reply to hopefully set an intro call. Be Specific in the Body of the Email The body of the email should quickly describe what makes your startup different, unique and worthy of a meeting. We have found the common tips to work well. Be Clear and Specific This post in Hackernoon gives a great example for subject lines: “When I was fielding pitches as a writer, a subject line that read “we’re disrupting furniture” was much less likely to earn a write-up than “We manufacture chairs made of human hair.” What is the unique aspect of your company or product? You should probably lead with that attribute.” Name Drop Have a well-known angel? Were you written up by the press? Do you have widely known customers? Did your teamwork at a top-tier tech company? Did you win a big pitch competition (e.g TechCrunch Disrupt) You should use this social proof and draft big brand names when possible. This helps you bring some credibility to your unknown startup and de-risk it a touch (you are reaching out cold remember). Share Your Best Metrics Include 1-2 key metrics about your startup that create some sizzle. Some examples depending on your business: $20k in MRR and growing 30% MoM Net Dollar Retention is 130% comprised of customers like Unilever and Amex. Payback is period of 2 months with a CAC of $180. Repeat order rate of 50% 30,000 active users growing 30% each month Related Resource: 6 Metrics Every Startup Founder Should Track Use Clear Formatting Avoid a wall of text that will be glanced over. Make the email easy to scan, including bullets and appropriate line spacing. Include the Deck Upfront You are reaching out cold and don’t want to create more friction. Remove anything that might be sensitive but you can attach your deck as a link or PDF. Upload your pitch deck and share it with Visible here. Related Resource: Our Teaser Pitch Deck Template Investor Outreach Email Template Want some inspiration and help getting started? Use our template below to give you a jumpstart. Enter your email below to make a copy of our template so you can cold email investors. How to Use Visible’s Investor Outreach Email Template Of course, crafting the message is a small part of the battle. To improve your odds of booking a meeting or moving an investor to the next step, you will need to have a strategy in place for your outreach. Check out a few of our tips for using the investor outreach email template below: Find the Right Contact Email First things first, you need to make sure you are reaching out to the correct person. Fundraising is a long process so you want to make sure you are spending your time speaking with the right people. A few tools to help include LinkedIn, Clear Bit, and AnyMail Finder. Related Resource: How To Find Private Investors For Startups Draft a Concise First Draft Using our Template To help you get started, we’ve put together a template. Every business is different so be sure to edit the template for what best suits you and your business. Download the template below: Related Resource: How to Write the Perfect Investment Memo Lead with Strength Jonah Midanik, GP at Forum Ventures, believes founders should always lead a cold email with their strengths. Your strength could be you were employee #3 at Facebook, you had a consulting business in the domain, a specific metric, etc. Check out more of Jonah’s advice below: Emphasize Why You Are an Intriguing Investment Investors are receiving hundreds of pitches so standing out is a must. On top of an intriguing business, we suggest including some emphasis and personalization in your email. Investors want to know you are intelligent and targeted with your outreach. Provide Data on Your Startups Growth Investors want to invest in businesses that are growing and show signs that they can grow into a company capable of a huge exit. Related Resource: 6 Metrics Every Startup Founder Should Track Always Follow-up As we mentioned earlier, investors are receiving countless emails and pitches so odds are some emails will slip through the cracks. Make sure you have a game plan in place to follow up with potential investors you have yet to hear from. Related Resource: Investor Outreach Strategy: 9 Step Guide Other Helpful Outreach Tips Use LinkedIn for research, not for pitching. Don’t email everyone at the same firm. That will get you an instant strike and you won’t get a reply. Include your startup name in the subject line. Pay attention to details. Spell names correctly, avoid typos, etc. Practice and iterate. Continue to test and practice your cold emails. Don’t be afraid to follow up. Elizabeth Yin, has a great post on how to do this well. Investors will assume you are the founder. Don’t frontload that info or your name. Related Resource: How To Write the Perfect Investor Update (Tips and Templates) Use Visible to Kick Off Your Fundraising Process Remember, the tactics shared above are in the context of cold emailing. Depending on your channel, the tactics & rules above may not apply. Take what feels right to you — while researching this I found plenty of conflicting advice from investors. At the end of the day, cold emailing should be something you put in your toolkit and a skill you should sharpen over time (both for investors and customers). If it didn’t work there wouldn’t be countless articles, resources and stories shared every day. Andrew Reed from Sequoia published the following Tweet: Easiest business arbitrage: the risk/reward of a well-written cold email is so wildly favorable, and yet so few people will actually send one — Andrew Reed (@andrew__reed) September 14, 2020 Use Visible to kick off your fundraising process. Find the right investors, manage your raise, and keep all parties involved with Updates. Give it a try for free here.

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 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 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 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 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 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.

Sydney has emerged as one of the most dynamic startup ecosystems in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting founders and investors alike. With a thriving tech scene, supportive government initiatives, and a strong talent pool, the city offers fertile ground for startups looking to scale. For founders seeking venture capital to fuel their growth, Sydney is home to numerous investors with diverse expertise and check sizes. From early-stage funding to Series A and beyond, these venture capital firms provide not only capital but also valuable mentorship, strategic advice, and networking opportunities. In this article, we’ve curated a list of the top VCs in Sydney that are actively supporting startups across various industries, including fintech, health tech, climate tech, and more. Whether you’re a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, this guide will help you navigate Sydney’s investor landscape and connect with the right partners for your fundraising journey. Top VCs in Sydney Macdoch Ventures About: Macdoch Ventures is a private Sydney-based venture firm helping startups with financing, business development and other strategic advice. Sweetspot check size: $ 500K Thesis: Supporting Australian and New Zealand companies to launch globally, right at the beginning. AirTree Ventures About: AirTree Ventures is a group of experienced investors and entrepreneurs based in Sydney. Main Sequence Ventures About: Backing the world's most ambitious founders who leverage public research to build the next set of global industries. No Brand About: No Brand is a private investment company focussed on opportunities empowered by technology. Our focus is on backing mission driven leaders, who are building for a long term horizon and benefit from online platforms, community or network effects. Sweetspot check size: $ 500K Reinventure About: Reinventure makes investments from seed through to Series A, alongside Westpac Banking Corporation as a primary LP. Sweetspot check size: $3M Telstra Ventures About: Telstra Ventures invests in market leading companies, mobile cloud media, and other industries. Grok Ventures About: Grok Ventures is a private investment company. They back world-class teams solving big problems to shape a better future. They invest in fast growing technology-enabled businesses. Tidal Ventures About: We are insatiably curious technologists who partner with disruptive companies to revolutionise industries. Armed with an unmatched understanding of how technology catalyses transformation within our targeted verticals, we leverage our extensive hands-on experience to build and scale technology companies. We engage closely with founders, acting as strategic partners to see around corners and unlock their full potential. We don’t just invest capital; we invest the necessary time and expertise at every stage of a company’s journey to realise the upside potential while mitigating against downside risk. Tenacious Ventures About: Tenacious Ventures is a venture capital firm that supports early-stage agri-food innovators. Sweetspot check size: $ 750K Thesis: We are a high conviction, low-volume, high-support early stage investor in agri-food innovation. Ellerston Capital About: Ellerston Capital (Ellerston), is a specialist fund manager offering investors a range of managed investment fund Sweetspot check size: $ 20M Key Trends Shaping Sydney’s Startup Ecosystem in 2025 Sydney’s startup ecosystem continues to thrive as one of the most dynamic and innovative hubs in the Southern Hemisphere. In 2025, several key trends are shaping the landscape, driven by advancements in technology, sustainability, and investment strategies. Below are the most significant trends influencing Sydney’s startup ecosystem. Growth in Specific Sectors: Fintech, Health Tech, and Climate Tech Fintech: Sydney remains a hotspot for fintech innovation, with startups leveraging blockchain, AI, and digital payment systems to revolutionize financial services. The city’s fintech ecosystem benefits from strong government support and a growing pool of tech-savvy talent. Notable fintech startups in Sydney include Afterpay and Airwallex, which have gained global recognition. Health Tech: The health tech sector is undergoing a transformation, shifting from reactive care to proactive, personalized solutions. Startups are using AI and data analytics to improve patient outcomes and accessibility. For example, Sydney’s Westmead Health and Innovation District has become a hub for health tech innovation, supported by government grants and partnerships with research institutions. Climate Tech: As Australia transitions to a net-zero economy, Sydney is leading the charge in climate tech innovation. Startups in this sector are developing solutions for renewable energy, carbon capture, and sustainable agriculture. Companies like Viridios AI, which raised $35 million in Series B funding, exemplify the city’s commitment to sustainability. Increasing Focus on Sustainability and Impact Investing Sustainability has evolved from a compliance requirement to a strategic advantage for startups. Investors are increasingly prioritizing companies that align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. This trend is driven by growing consumer demand for sustainable products and services, as well as government incentives for green innovation. Sydney’s startups are at the forefront of developing technologies that address climate resilience and sustainability challenges. For instance, the city is home to 32% of Australia’s climate tech companies, making it a key player in the global push for green innovation. Impact investing is also gaining traction, with venture capitalists seeking opportunities that deliver both financial returns and positive social or environmental outcomes. This shift reflects a broader global trend toward responsible investing. Rise of Corporate Venture Capital in Sydney Corporate venture capital (CVC) is increasingly important in Sydney’s startup ecosystem. Large corporations are establishing dedicated investment arms to support early-stage startups, particularly in sectors that align with their strategic goals. Companies like Telstra Ventures and Reinventure Group (backed by Westpac) are leading the way in CVC, providing funding and access to industry expertise, networks, and resources. These partnerships are helping startups scale more effectively and enter new markets. The rise of CVC reflects a shift in the investment landscape, where corporations recognize the value of collaborating with startups to drive innovation and stay competitive. This trend is expected to grow as more companies seek to integrate startup-driven solutions into their operations. Top Networking Events and Communities for Sydney Founders Networking is a cornerstone of success for startup founders, and Sydney offers a vibrant ecosystem of events, communities, and platforms to help entrepreneurs connect, collaborate, and grow. Below is a curated list of key networking opportunities for founders in Sydney, including events, online communities, and the role of accelerators and incubators. Events, Meetups, and Conferences Techstars Startup Weekend Sydney A 54-hour immersive event where founders, mentors, and investors collaborate to brainstorm, develop, and pitch startup ideas. This event is ideal for early-stage entrepreneurs looking to build their network and gain hands-on experience in launching a business. Spark Festival Australia’s largest event for startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Spark Festival features workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions, making it a must-attend for founders seeking inspiration and connections. Global Startups Club Networking Events Regular breakfast meetups and networking sessions hosted in Sydney’s CBD. These events provide opportunities for founders to pitch their ideas, engage in expert discussions, and connect with investors and industry leaders. Startup&Angels Sydney A networking event series connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders. These events feature panel discussions, startup pitches, and opportunities to explore the latest trends in the startup ecosystem. Online Communities and Platforms TechSydney A community-driven platform that connects Sydney’s tech ecosystem. TechSydney offers resources, events, and forums for founders to collaborate and share insights. Startup Genome A global platform that provides insights into Sydney’s startup ecosystem, including funding opportunities, industry trends, and networking events. LinkedIn Groups Groups like "Sydney Startups" and "Australian Entrepreneurs" on LinkedIn are excellent for connecting with local founders, sharing resources, and staying updated on upcoming events. Accelerators and Incubators Accelerators and incubators play a crucial role in fostering connections and providing resources for startups. In Sydney, these programs not only offer mentorship and funding but also create opportunities for founders to network with peers, investors, and industry experts. Startmate One of Australia’s leading accelerators, Startmate provides a 12-week program that connects founders with mentors, investors, and a supportive community. Cicada Innovations A deep-tech incubator based in Sydney, Cicada Innovations supports startups in health tech, climate tech, and advanced manufacturing. Their programs include networking events and access to industry experts. Fishburners A co-working space and incubator that hosts regular networking events, workshops, and pitch nights. Fishburners is a hub for early-stage startups looking to grow their network. Connect With Investors in Sydney 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 Sydney'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.

Over the last decade, Berlin has transformed into the Silicon Valley of Germany and become a hotspot for founders and venture capital, with over 500 startups and around 40,000 business registrations per year. The city is the perfect environment for entrepreneurs to start and scale their businesses. Favorable conditions include highly qualified international talent, lots of networking opportunities and a vibrant social scene, a high standard of living at a relatively low cost, and a very active VC scene. Some of the well-established startups that call Berlin home are Soundcloud, Zalando, GetYourGuide, Delivery Hero, HelloFresh, N26, Tier Mobility, and Grover- just to name a few. Alternate funding opportunities, accelerators, and startup communities that are specific to Berlin Berlin government grants IBB BSS Accelerators and Incubators entrepreneur first Antler SIB (Startup Incubator Berlin) Expedite Ventures: Expedite Ventures is a Business Angel group of CTOs and CPOs. “We support tech founders hands-on with our know-how and capital. We’re nerds at heart, all passionate founders ourselves – some of us are still running startups. We have decades of collective experience in building and scaling technology companies. We offer a true hands-on mentoring approach, which we think is at least as important as capital. That’s why we provide both – plus a perspective that typical business-oriented angels and most VCs simply can’t provide.” Startup Scholorships IHK Berlin: Set-up subsidy for those unemployed Bayer G4A– partners with healthcare startups and technology companies that are developing innovative solutions in healthcare. Encourage Ventures: The investor network for female founders Notable Angels include co-founders and former MDs from Blinkist, N26, and mysugr. Innovators Room– helps founders, investors, corporate innovators as well as rising talent to network and advance their career together, through our Slack community, TechJobs newsletter and various online and offline learning events. Factory Berlin– provides members a curated network of entrepreneurs, professionals and creators, exclusive networking and knowledge-sharing events and programs, and access to our two locations in Berlin. WLOUNGE– a connector, change-maker, door opener, inspiration, access, enabler, and empowerment, headquartered in Berlin. A key player in the German Tech ecosystem and globally. We are global, founded to support diversity and women in business and technology. Each year we provide innovative services, workshops, round tables, The Tech Awards Gala, delegations, conferences, investment scouting, female founders program, leadership and fundraising, Growth opportunities, matchmaking activities between startups and corporates. BerChain– A non-profit association based in Berlin, connecting and promoting the Berlin Blockchain community from throughout the Blockchain ecosystem and beyond, positioning Berlin as the global Blockchain Capital. Hubraum-hubraum is Deutsche Telekom’s tech incubator. By bringing early-stage startups and the leading European telco together, hubraum sparks innovation transfer and creates business opportunities for both sides. Since 2012, hubraum has been collaborating with the digital ecosystem out of its campuses in Berlin, Krakow and Tel Aviv. EXIST– EXIST aims at improving the entrepreneurial environment at universities and research institutes. FoodLabs– FoodLabs is a venture studio and investor for startups that shape the future of nutrition, sustainability and health. Berlin VC Investment Within the Last 10 Years: Events StartUpNight– This will be the 10th year of the event which includes stage programs, workshop sessions, and pitch opportunities, experts from venture capital firms, corporates, and funding institutions will give founders the opportunity to present themselves and their innovations and get answers to their questions on important topics such as funding. Hub.berlin– The business festival for digital movers and makers. TOA– Tech Open Air Resources Berlin Startup Report (only in German) Berlin Startup Resources Berlin Startup Map Top 10 Government Grants Guide to Berlin startup funding German Startup News EU Startups Business Insider: Grunderszene Startup-Insider VCs Investing in Berlin Startups Lakestar Location: Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland About: Lakestar invests with a long term view across all stages from Seed to Growth. We have been privileged to partner with some of the world’s best tech entrepreneurs. Their stories are inspirational and make us proud. Thesis: Our vision is of a world of technology-enabled, progressive societies, born of the very best ideas that founders can dream up and that we can help realise. Investment Stages: Seed, Early, Growth Recent Investments: 1047 Games AccuRx Aetion Related Resource: 8 Active Venture Capital Firms in Germany June Fund Location: Berlin, Germany About: June is a global technology investor, backed by leading industrial minds. June invests into new paradigms across all stages – from networks to infrastructures to open software platforms. We take a macro-thematic view on technological progress, new economic models and value creation. June’s breadth of experience, intellectual curiosity and long-term thinking have attracted exceptional teams and individuals. Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth Recent Investments: Reebelo Statespace SimScale HV Capital Location: Berlin, Munich, Germany About: Founded in 2000, they are one of the leading independent European early stage funds. Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Recent Investments: Storyblok KoRo Flip Target Global Location: Berlin, Berlin, Germany About: We’re an international VC headquartered in Berlin with €800m+ AuM, focusing on fast-growing tech companies across their lifecycles. With offices in London, Tel Aviv, & Barcelona, we connect the key European startup ecosystems. We help exceptional entrepreneurs to build market leaders. Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Recent Investments: Masterschool Reverence Casava Acton Capital Location: Munich, Bayern, Germany About: Acton Capital Partners is a specialist investor in internet- and mobile-based, consumer-oriented businesses. Having managed more than 30 investments since 1999 as the corporate venture capital business of Hubert Burda Media, the German family-owned global media company, the Acton team brings a wealth of expertise to the companies in which it invests, delivering superior capital returns. Investment Stages: Series A, Series B Recent Investments: Convelio Zenjob Knix Wear IBB Location: Berlin, Germany About: Investing in Berlin-based start-ups with a focus on Tech (e.g. Software & IT, Industrial Tech, Health Care) and other business model innovations (e.g. Digital Consumer and Media Businesses). Thesis: IBB Ventures is for all those who make a difference and create a sustainable future. We invest public funds as venture capital and, together with Berlin startups, help to promote our capital as a business location. Our focus is on innovative ideas and ambitious founders. With our many years of experience we are at your side and help you to successfully implement your ideas. Investment Stages: Seed, Series A Recent Investments: Blinkist Babbel The Female Company Speedinvest Location: Berlin, London, Munich, Paris, and Vienna, Austria About: We have 40 investment pros in Berlin, London, Paris, Munich, Vienna, San Fran & an in-house team of 20 operational experts to support you from day one. We fund early-stage Fintech, Digital Health, Consumer Tech, Network Effects, Deep Tech & Industrial Tech. Send us your pitch! Thesis: Speedinvest is a leading early-stage venture capital firm with more than €600M AuM and 40 investors based in Berlin, London, Munich, Paris, and Vienna. Our dedicated sector-focused teams are the first to fund Europe’s most innovative technology startups and our in-house operational experts are on-hand to offer founders ongoing support with growth, HR, US market expansion, and more. Wefox, Bitpanda, TIER Mobility, GoStudent, Wayflyer, CoachHub, Schüttflix, TourRadar, Adverity, and Twaice are among our portfolio of 250+ companies. Learn more at www.speedinvest.com. Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Recent Investments: Bliq Byrd Kevin Verve Ventures Location: Zürich, Switzerland About: Verve Ventures provides its pan-European network of selected private and institutional investors access to those top-tier investment opportunities. The company invests from EUR 500k to several million from Seed to Series B and beyond across Europe. Verve Ventures’ dedicated team helps startups with their most pressing needs such as hiring, client introductions and access to an expert network of high-profile individuals. To become part of Verve Ventures’ growing network of entrepreneurs and investors, visit verve.vc. Thesis: Investing in technology and science-driven startups. Adding value through our exclusive network of investors. Investment Stages: Seed, Series A, Series B Recent Investments: Soter Analytics Byrd helios Cherry Ventures Location: Berlin, Germany About: Cherry Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm led by a team of entrepreneurs with experience building fast-scaling companies such as Zalando and Spotify. The firm backs Europe’s boldest founders, usually as their first institutional investor, and supports them in everything from their go-to-market strategy and the scaling of their businesses. Cherry Ventures has previously invested in the seed stage of over 70 companies across Europe, including FlixBus, Auto1 Group, Flaschenpost, Infarm, Rows, Forto, SellerX, Juni, and Flink. Cherry Ventures is based in Berlin and invests across Europe with operations in London and Stockholm. Thesis: Founders first and investors second. Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed Recent Investments: Klar Cosuno NUMA Group EQT Ventures Location: Stockholm, Stockholms Lan, Sweden About: EQT Ventures is a sector agnostic, multi-stage VC fund, with just over €1.2 billion total capital raised. The fund’s team of former founders and operators from the likes of Spotify, Booking.com, Hotels.com and King have experienced the entrepreneurial journey firsthand and know how challenging it can be. They’re ready to support the next generation of entrepreneurs in Europe and the US with the expertise and advice needed to build global success stories. Investment Stages: Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C Recent Investments: Moralis Instabox Nothing BlueYard Capital Location: Berlin, Germany About: BlueYard invests in founders with transforming ideas that decentralize markets and empower humanity. Typically $1-3m as an initial investment; active around the world. Most active in crypto/web 3 (e.g. Protocol Labs, Filecoin, Open Zeppelin, Radicle), technologies that help us overcome our largest planetary challenges (e.g. Marvel Fusion, Meatable, Dance), frontier biology to help us live long and prosper (e.g. BitBio, Biofidelity) and vertical software un-bundling monopolies (e.g. Pitch, Wonder). Thesis: BlueYard seeks to invest in founders with transforming ideas that decentralize markets. Investment Stages: Pre-seed, Seed, Series A Recent Investments: Privy Dance FreedomFi Expedite Ventures Location: Berlin, Germany About: Expedite Ventures is a Business Angel group of CTOs and CPOs. We support tech founders hands-on with our know-how and capital. We offer a true hands-on mentoring approach, which we think is at least as important as capital. That’s why we provide both – plus a perspective that typical business-oriented angels and most VCs simply can’t provide. Investment Stages: Pre-seed, Seed Recent Investments: Superlist widgetbok supernova Start Your Next Round with Visible We believe great outcomes happen when founders forge relationships with investors and potential investors. We created our Connect Investor Database to help you in the first step of this journey. Instead of wasting time trying to figure out investor fit and profile for their given stage and industry, we created filters allowing you to find VC’s and accelerators who are looking to invest in companies like you. Check out all our investors here and filter as needed. After learning more about them with the profile information and resources given you can reach out to them with a tailored email. To help craft that first email check out 5 Strategies for Cold Emailing Potential Investors. After finding the right Investor you can create a personalized investor database with Visible. Combine qualified investors from Visible Connect with your own investor lists to share targeted Updates, decks, and dashboards. Start your free trial here.

Montreal has emerged as one of Canada’s most dynamic startup ecosystems, offering a unique blend of innovation, talent, and opportunity. For founders actively fundraising, the city is home to a diverse range of venture capital firms that specialize in everything from early-stage investments to scaling global businesses. Whether you’re building the next AI breakthrough, a fintech disruptor, or a life sciences innovation, Montreal’s VCs are ready to support your journey. In this article, we’ll explore the top venture capital firms in Montreal, including their investment focus, sweet spot check sizes, and notable portfolios. Plus, we’ll provide actionable insights on successfully fundraising in Montreal and leveraging the city’s rich resources to grow your startup. Top VCs in Montreal Real Ventures About: Real is an early-stage venture capital firm that backs entrepreneurs and builds the ecosystems in which they thrive. Sweetspot check size: $ 1M Panache Ventures About: Panache Ventures is a venture capital firm specializing in seed stage startup investments. Sweetspot check size: $ 300K These: AI or blockchain-enabled businesses BDC Capital About: BDC Venture Capital is a major venture capital investor in Canada, active at every stage of a company's development cycle, from start-up through expansion. Its focus is on technology-based businesses with high growth potential that are positioned to become dominant players in their markets. BDC Venture Capital has been involved in venture capital since 1975 and has invested in more than 400 different companies. It currently manages over $430 million in venture capital assets. White Star Capital About: White Star Capital is a global multi-stage investment platform built by a team of founders, investors and operators with a track record of entering new markets, expanding teams and exiting companies. Our approach to venture is characterized by a unique combination of international presence, perspective and people. With feet on the ground in New York, London, Montreal, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Singapore, we partner closely with our portfolio to help them scale internationally from Series A onwards. iNovia Capital About: Inovia Capital is a full-stack venture firm that invests in tech founders. Thesis: With investments spanning from pre-seed to pre-IPO, and a team of seasoned investors, operators, and advisors, we are fully equipped to support founders with capital, insights, and mentorship throughout their journey. Our team has been at the forefront of technology shifts since the dawn of the internet and mobile era in the ’90s, and today we continue that legacy by backing innovators in emerging technologies, including Generative AI. Ferst Capital Partners About: FCP is a private investment firm which invests in venture capital, private equity, public markets, sector-focused funds and crypto assets. Thesis: We have an interest and expertise in consumer fintech, digital assets and search funds. TVM Capital Life Science About: TVM is a leading international venture capital firm focused on investing in life science innovations. The company has a highly experienced transatlantic investment team and approximately $900 million under management. TVM’s portfolio focuses on therapeutics and medical technologies from North America and the EU that represent differentiated first-in-class or best-in-class assets with the potential to transform standard of care. Thesis: TVM pursues a unique two-pronged strategy, financing innovative early-stage therapeutics through a single asset company approach (Project-Focused Company, PFC) that leverages the firm’s strategic relationship with global pharmaceutical firm, Eli Lilly and Company. TVM also invests in differentiated commercial-stage medical technologies and late clinical-stage therapeutics. TandemLaunch About: TandemLaunch is a venture capital fund and startup foundry that partners with driven entrepreneurs to create successful and disruptive deep tech companies. By collaborating with researchers and inventors from the world’s best universities, we create exceptional technology companies. Founded in 2010, we have built an extensive network of inventors, industry experts and investors that we leverage to accelerate academic innovations and solve real world problems. Our portfolio includes over 25 hardware and software companies with high value offerings in the fields of artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, video processing, advanced sensors, computer vision, and audio technology. FounderFuel About: FounderFuel is a mentor-driven venture accelerator that helps new startups make progress on the venture path. Sweetspot check size: $ 120K Thesis: We ignite the global success of companies by developing the leaders behind them. F.I.T. Ventures About: F.I.T. Ventures is a family office investment firm located in Montreal, Quebec. The firm oversees and manages a variety of investments focusing on private equity, real estate and public equities. The management team of the fund is comprised of professionals with extensive experience in supporting all aspects of M&A and corporate finance activities. How to Successfully Fundraise in Montreal Montreal’s vibrant startup ecosystem offers unique opportunities for founders seeking funding, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and nuances. Here are actionable tips to help founders navigate the fundraising landscape in Montreal effectively. Building Relationships with Local Investors Establishing strong relationships with local investors is crucial for successful fundraising in Montreal. Networking is a key component of the city’s startup culture, and founders should actively participate in events and communities to connect with investors. Some strategies include: Attend Local Events and Meetups: Events like Startupfest and C2 Montreal are excellent opportunities to meet investors and showcase your startup. These gatherings often attract top VCs and angel investors from Montreal and beyond. Leverage Co-Working Spaces and Incubators: Spaces like Notman House and District 3 are hubs for startup activity and provide access to investors, mentors, and other entrepreneurs. Use Warm Introductions: Montreal’s investment community is relatively tight-knit, so leveraging mutual connections for introductions can significantly improve your chances of securing meetings with VCs. Understanding the Preferences of Montreal-Based VCs Montreal-based venture capitalists often have specific preferences and investment focuses. Understanding these can help you tailor your pitch and approach: Industry Focus: Many Montreal VCs prioritize sectors like AI, deep tech, life sciences, and clean technology. For example, firms like Real Ventures and Inovia Capital are known for their focus on tech startups. Stage of Investment: Some VCs in Montreal specialize in early-stage funding, while others focus on growth-stage companies. Researching a firm’s portfolio and investment history is essential to ensure alignment with your startup’s stage. Bilingual Communication: While English is widely used, being able to communicate in French can be an advantage when dealing with local investors, as it demonstrates cultural alignment and commitment to the region. Unique Aspects of Fundraising in Montreal Montreal’s fundraising landscape has distinct characteristics that set it apart from other cities: Government Support: The city offers robust government funding programs, such as Investissement Québec and the SR&ED tax credit program, which can complement VC funding. These programs reduce financial risk for investors and make Montreal startups more attractive. Collaborative Ecosystem: Montreal’s startup community is highly collaborative, with a strong emphasis on mentorship and knowledge sharing. This culture can help founders access valuable advice and connections. Cost Advantage: Compared to cities like Toronto or Vancouver, Montreal has a lower cost of living and operating expenses, which can make your funding requirements more appealing to investors. Resources for Startups in Montreal Montreal is a vibrant hub for startups, from incubators and accelerators to government funding programs and specialized services, here are some of the most valuable resources available to entrepreneurs in Montreal. Incubators and Accelerators FounderFuel: A mentor-driven accelerator program that supports early-stage startups with a four-month intensive program. It offers access to a vast network of experienced entrepreneurs and investors. Centech: A leading incubator focused on deep tech and hardware startups. Centech provides non-equity assistance, grant funding, and access to a collaborative community. District 3 Innovation: Based at Concordia University, this hub supports multidisciplinary teams and scientific entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and a collaborative environment. TandemLaunch: Specializes in commercializing early-stage technologies from universities. It partners with entrepreneurs to create high-impact startups. The Holt Xchange: A fintech-focused accelerator that connects startups with corporate clients and investors, offering tailored mentorship and funding opportunities. Government Grants and Funding Programs Canada’s SR&ED Program: The Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program offers tax credits to businesses conducting R&D in Canada. This is a significant resource for tech and innovation-driven startups. Investissement Québec: Provides loans, equity investments, and tax credits to support business growth and innovation in Quebec. Their programs are tailored to startups and SMEs. Montreal’s Call for Projects: A municipal program offering financial assistance to non-profits supporting startups in key sectors like AI, life sciences, and clean tech. Legal and Financial Services Tailored to Startups Fasken: A leading law firm with expertise in startup law, offering services in intellectual property, corporate structuring, and financing. BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada): Provides financial solutions, including loans and advisory services, specifically designed for startups and small businesses. Connect With Investors in Montreal 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 Montreal'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.