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CIBC Innovation Banking

North America, Ontario, Canada, Toronto

Description

CIBC Innovation Banking operates as a specialized division of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, dedicated to providing tailored financial solutions for the North American innovation economy. With a strong presence across major tech hubs in the United States, Canada, and an office in London, they serve a diverse portfolio of technology and life sciences companies. Their core offering revolves around flexible debt financing solutions, including venture debt, growth capital, acquisition financing, and working capital lines, designed to support companies through various stages of their lifecycle, from early-stage startups to those nearing an IPO.

The division distinguishes itself by working closely with companies that are often backed by leading venture capital and private equity firms, demonstrating a collaborative approach within the broader investment ecosystem. This strategy allows them to provide capital to high-growth businesses that may not yet be suitable for traditional bank lending, while also offering a less dilutive alternative to equity financing. Their expertise spans a wide range of sectors within technology and life sciences, reflecting a deep understanding of the unique financial challenges and opportunities present in these rapidly evolving industries.

CIBC Innovation Banking is known for its substantial capacity, offering financing solutions that typically range from $1 million up to and exceeding $200 million. This broad range enables them to support both emerging ventures seeking initial growth capital and more established companies requiring significant funding for expansion or strategic acquisitions. For instance, they have been reported to provide credit facilities of up to $100 million for specific growth initiatives. Their commitment to the innovation sector is further underscored by their extensive network of offices, which facilitates close relationships with entrepreneurs and investors across key markets.

Investor Profile

CIBC Innovation Banking has backed more than 37 startups, with 30 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 29 rounds, about 78% of its total and boasts 21 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Debt Financing, Series Unknown, Series B rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in Canada, United States, United Kingdom.
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, Artificial Intelligence (AI), SaaS.
  • Led 29 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $1M – $200M.

Stage Focus

  • Debt Financing (59%)
  • Series Unknown (24%)
  • Series B (5%)
  • Series C (5%)
  • Series D (3%)
  • Series A (3%)

Country Focus

  • Canada (41%)
  • United States (38%)
  • United Kingdom (8%)
  • Germany (5%)
  • Poland (3%)
  • Denmark (3%)
  • Sweden (3%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
  • Saas
  • Machine Learning
  • Big Data
  • Information Technology
  • Computer
  • Human Resources
  • Enterprise Software
  • Analytics
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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 CIBC Innovation Banking frequently co-invest with?

Kayne Anderson Growth Capital
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Co-Investments: 1
Ten Coves Capital
North America, Connecticut, United States, Darien
Co-Investments: 2
Capital One Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 1
Mosaik Partners
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 2
EPIC Ventures
North America, Utah, United States, Salt Lake City
Co-Investments: 1
Endeavour Vision
Europe, Geneve, Switzerland, Geneva
Co-Investments: 1
Valspring Capital
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Co-Investments: 1
Health Velocity Capital
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 1
U.S. Venture Partners
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 1
Nueterra Capital
North America, Kansas, United States, Leawood
Co-Investments: 1

Which angels does CIBC Innovation Banking often collaborate with?

CJ
North America, Illinois, United States, Chicago
Shared Deals: 1
BC
North America, Illinois, United States, Chicago
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by CIBC Innovation Banking?

Paddle

London, England, United Kingdom

Paddle is a merchant of record platform that manages the payment, billing, taxes, and compliance for software and SaaS businesses.

Financial ServicesFinTechPaymentsSaaSSoftware
Debt FinancingJul 17, 2025
Amount Raised: $25,000,000
ZestyAI

San Francisco, California, United States

ZestyAI is the leading property and climate risk platform for Property and Casualty insurers in North America

AnalyticsArtificial Intelligence (AI)InsurTechMachine LearningProperty InsurancePropTechReal EstateSoftware
Debt FinancingJun 25, 2025
Amount Raised: $15,000,000
Wint

Göteborg, Vastra Gotaland, Sweden

Wint is a full-service agency in economics that manages everything from starting companies, reporting numbers, and help with declaration.

AccountingService Industry
Debt FinancingJun 24, 2025
Carefull

New York, New York, United States

Organize and protect your loved one's finances.

Elder CareElderlyFinancial ServicesFinTechMobile Apps
Debt FinancingJun 18, 2025
Work Truck Solutions

Chico, California, United States

Work Truck Solutions handles all the heavy lifting so you can focus on selling more commercial vehicles.

AutomotiveCommercialInternet
Debt FinancingJun 17, 2025
CyberQP

North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

CyberQP is a privileged access management platform for managed service providers.

ComputerCyber SecuritySoftware
Debt FinancingJun 5, 2025
ContactMonkey

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

ContactMonkey is an internal communications platform that helps companies create, send, and track internal comms from Outlook or Gmail.

EmailEmail MarketingHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologyInternetProductivity ToolsSoftware
Series UnknownMay 15, 2025
Circula

Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Circula is an automated app to manage expenses and employee benefits such as meal vouchers that saves about 70% process costs in accounting.

Financial ServicesSaaSSoftwareTravel
Series AMay 7, 2025
Amount Raised: $17,043,498
HiringBranch

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

HiringBranch is an AI-powered soft skills and language assessment hiring solution that specializes in human resources.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Human ResourcesSkill Assessment
Series UnknownApr 23, 2025
Amount Raised: $2,500,000
Traction Complete

Port Moody, British Columbia, Canada

Cleanse, connect, and orchestrate data in Salesforce with the data management suite built specifically for RevOps.

B2BCRMEnterprise SoftwareLead ManagementProductivity ToolsSaaSSalesSales AutomationSoftware
Debt FinancingApr 17, 2025