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Brightspark Ventures

North America, Quebec, Canada, Montréal

Description

Brightspark Ventures is a prominent Canadian venture capital firm based in Montréal, specializing in early-stage technology companies. Established in 1999, the firm boasts a long-standing history in the Canadian tech ecosystem, making it one of the country's most experienced VC players. Brightspark is known for its hands-on approach, working closely with its portfolio companies to foster growth and achieve significant returns. Their investment philosophy centers on identifying exceptional startups with high potential for disruption and market leadership.

The firm primarily targets Seed and Series A rounds, demonstrating a commitment to supporting companies during their critical initial growth phases. Brightspark's typical first cheque size ranges from $500,000 to $3,000,000, providing substantial early capital to fuel product development, market entry, and team expansion. This strategic investment range allows them to back promising ventures without over-diluting early founders while still offering meaningful support. Their focus spans various technology sectors, including SaaS, AI, fintech, and digital media, reflecting a broad interest in innovative solutions across the digital landscape.

Over its more than two decades of operation, Brightspark Ventures has built an impressive track record. The firm has invested in over 100 companies, showcasing a deep commitment to nurturing the Canadian startup scene. This extensive portfolio includes numerous success stories, with their portfolio companies collectively generating over $5 billion in exit value. This significant return highlights Brightspark's ability to identify and scale successful ventures, contributing substantially to the economic growth and innovation within Canada's technology sector. Their consistent performance and active involvement in the startup community solidify their reputation as a key investor for early-stage tech companies.

Investor Profile

Brightspark Ventures has backed more than 31 startups, with 5 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 9 rounds, about 29% of its total and boasts 14 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series A, Seed, Series B rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in Canada, United States.
  • Strong thematic focus on Enterprise Software, Big Data, Software.
  • Led 1 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $500K – $3M.

Stage Focus

  • Series A (32%)
  • Seed (23%)
  • Series B (19%)
  • Series C (6%)
  • Series Unknown (6%)
  • Series D (6%)
  • Series E (3%)
  • Debt Financing (3%)

Country Focus

  • Canada (97%)
  • United States (3%)

Industry Focus

  • Enterprise Software
  • Big Data
  • Software
  • Mobile
  • Mobile Apps
  • Apps
  • Predictive Analytics
  • Travel
  • Health Care
  • Content
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Brightspark Ventures frequently co-invest with?

Accomplice
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Cambridge
Co-Investments: 2
BDC Capital Corporation
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Wakefield
Co-Investments: 2
Atlas Venture
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Cambridge
Co-Investments: 2
OMERS Ventures
North America, Ontario, Canada, Toronto
Co-Investments: 3
BDC Venture Capital
North America, Alberta, Canada, Calgary
Co-Investments: 5
Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec
North America, Quebec, Canada, Montréal
Co-Investments: 2
Export Development Canada
North America, Ontario, Canada, Ottawa
Co-Investments: 3
Dream Maker Ventures (DMV)
North America, Ontario, Canada, Toronto
Co-Investments: 3
Investissement Quebec
North America, Quebec, Canada, Quebec
Co-Investments: 4
Flagship Pioneering
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Cambridge
Co-Investments: 4

Which angels does Brightspark Ventures often collaborate with?

James Appleyard
North America, Ontario, Canada, Toronto
Shared Deals: 1
Jordan Banks
North America, Ontario, Canada, Toronto
Shared Deals: 1
JE
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Shared Deals: 1
AB
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
Ian Baird
North America, Ontario, Canada, Toronto
Shared Deals: 1
Shared Deals: 1
Elmer Sotto
Asia, Central Region, Singapore, Singapore
Shared Deals: 1
JP
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
David Yaffe
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Brightspark Ventures?

Jozu

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Jozu is a developer of enterprise-grade orchestration tools for AI agents, applications, and models.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)DevOpsSaaSSoftware Engineering
SeedMay 8, 2025
Amount Raised: $4,000,000
Brio

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Brio Platform is a comprehensive LP (limited partner) management system designed specifically for alternative asset managers.

SeedApr 28, 2025
Amount Raised: $2,165,471
Coral

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Virtual Health Platform

SeedFeb 11, 2025
Amount Raised: $2,859,857
Optable

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Optable is a data collaboration and clean room solution designed for the advertising ecosystem in the age of privacy.

Advertising PlatformsData IntegrationSoftware
Series AJan 24, 2025
Amount Raised: $20,000,000
Elevate Farms

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Revolutionizing sustainable agriculture with profitable, high-tech vertical farming, leveraging proprietary, patented innovations.

AgricultureAgTechFarming
Series BJul 30, 2024
Amount Raised: $2,500,000
Forcen

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Forcen improves surgical safety through force-sensing technology.

ComputerHealth CareMedicalMedical Device
Series AApr 23, 2024
Amount Raised: $6,111,888
Brickeye

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Brickeye's job site IoT platform reduces risk, drives productivity and protects margins on major construction projects globally.

AnalyticsConstructionInternet of ThingsProperty InsuranceSensorSoftware
Debt FinancingOct 31, 2023
Amount Raised: $3,602,625
Optable

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Optable is a data collaboration and clean room solution designed for the advertising ecosystem in the age of privacy.

Advertising PlatformsData IntegrationSoftware
Series AApr 18, 2023
Amount Raised: $19,412,894
POTLOC

Montréal, Quebec, Canada

Potloc is a first-party data platform that uses social networks to acquire geo-targeted consumer surveys.

Big DataConsumer ResearchMarket Research
Series BJun 21, 2022
Amount Raised: $27,063,599
DrugBank

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

DrugBank is a provider of drug information and insight generation tools that accelerate drug research and improve healthcare delivery.

AnalyticsBiotechnologyHealth CarePharmaceutical
SeedApr 11, 2022
Amount Raised: $7,120,169