Canadian venture-capital investment plateaued in 2018 with $3.7-billion flowing into Canadian startups and scale-ups, holding the country back from a fifth consecutive year of growth, according to the Canadian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association.
Fifteen “mega-deals” worth $50-million or more accounted for 30 per cent of 2018’s VC investment, the industry group said. In total, large later-stage investments totalled $1.8-billion, up from $1.6-billion.Seed financing for very young companies rose to $303-million from $236-million in 2017. Early stage deals – which the CVCA considers investments in a company piloting a product or service or has one in the early stages of commercial availability – did see a jarring change, however.
, said in an interview, referencing the country’s record in 2017. She was named to the position at the start of 2019. “Even though the numbers don’t project significant growth, from every conversation I’ve had, with [CVCA] members and the government – and I’ve been to the U.S. twice since taking on this role – there’s a real sense that Canada is ... becoming more of a serious player.”
“I expect 2019 to catch the full wind of VCCI sails and we should see resumed growth,” Mr. Pinto said.
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