MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund

The MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund (IAF) stands as one of Canada's most active seed-stage venture capital funds, playing a pivotal role in nurturing the early-stage technology ecosystem across Ontario. As a key program of the MaRS Discovery District, a prominent innovation hub, IAF is strategically positioned to identify and support high-potential startups. Its mission is to bridge the funding gap for nascent companies, providing crucial capital and strategic guidance to help them scale and achieve commercial success. The fund is known for its hands-on approach, often working closely with founders beyond just capital deployment.

IAF's investment thesis centers on a diverse range of technology sectors, reflecting the evolving landscape of innovation. While particularly active in B2B SaaS, FinTech, and Digital Health, the fund also actively seeks opportunities in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Advanced Manufacturing, and Cleantech. This broad sectoral focus allows IAF to capture a wide array of promising ventures. For its initial investments, the fund typically provides cheques ranging from $250,000 to $500,000, targeting companies that demonstrate strong potential for growth and market disruption. They also emphasize their willingness to provide follow-on capital in subsequent funding rounds, indicating a long-term commitment to their portfolio companies.

Since its inception in 2007, the MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund has built an impressive track record, having invested in over 500 companies. This extensive portfolio underscores its position as a prolific early-stage investor in Canada. The impact of IAF's investments extends significantly beyond the initial capital; its portfolio companies have collectively raised over $1.6 billion in follow-on funding from other investors, a testament to the quality of ventures IAF backs and its catalytic role in attracting further investment. Furthermore, these companies have been instrumental in job creation, contributing to over 6,000 new positions within the Canadian economy, solidifying IAF's contribution to economic development and innovation.