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Relay Ventures

North America, Ontario, Canada, Toronto

Description

Relay Ventures is a prominent venture capital firm with a dual presence in Toronto, Canada, and Menlo Park, California, positioning itself strategically across North American tech hubs. The firm has carved out a niche specializing in early-stage investments, primarily targeting companies building mobile and connected software solutions. Their investment thesis spans a diverse range of sectors, including fintech, proptech, digital health, and enterprise SaaS, consistently seeking out innovative businesses that leverage connectivity and mobile platforms to disrupt traditional industries or create new markets.

Focusing on pre-seed, seed, and Series A rounds, Relay Ventures is known for its hands-on approach, often leading or co-leading investment rounds. The firm typically deploys initial checks ranging from $500,000 to $5,000,000, demonstrating a commitment to supporting companies from their foundational stages. Beyond capital, Relay emphasizes fostering long-term partnerships, providing significant operational guidance and leveraging its extensive network to help portfolio companies scale. This support extends throughout the startup lifecycle, aiming to accelerate growth and mitigate common early-stage challenges.

With a substantial financial backing, Relay Ventures has successfully raised multiple funds, accumulating over $700 million in assets under management. Their most recent capital raise, Fund V, closed at $200 million, further solidifying their capacity to invest in promising ventures. The firm's portfolio boasts a roster of successful companies such as TouchBistro, Clearco, and Koho, underscoring their ability to identify and nurture high-growth potential. Relay Ventures continues to be a key player in the early-stage venture ecosystem, committed to backing visionary entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of connected technologies.

Investor Profile

Relay Ventures has backed more than 143 startups, with 5 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 42 rounds, about 29% of its total and boasts 52 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Series A, Series B rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, Canada, France.
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, Mobile, Apps.
  • Led 5 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $500K – $5M.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (29%)
  • Series A (22%)
  • Series B (21%)
  • Series Unknown (12%)
  • Series C (10%)
  • Series D (3%)
  • Pre Seed (2%)
  • Series E (1%)

Country Focus

  • United States (54%)
  • Canada (41%)
  • France (3%)
  • United Kingdom (1%)
  • Germany (1%)
  • Turkey (1%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • Mobile
  • Apps
  • Saas
  • Mobile Apps
  • Internet Of Things
  • Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
  • E-commerce
  • Advertising
  • 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 Relay Ventures frequently co-invest with?

First Round Capital
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 7
GrandBanks Capital
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Needham
Co-Investments: 8
Mayfield Fund
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 5
Illuminate Ventures
North America, California, United States, Oakland
Co-Investments: 6
Amazon Alexa Fund
North America, Washington, United States, Seattle
Co-Investments: 6
Hummer Winblad Venture Partners
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 6
BDC Venture Capital
North America, Alberta, Canada, Calgary
Co-Investments: 11
BDC IT Venture Fund
North America, Ontario, Canada, Toronto
Co-Investments: 6
Export Development Canada
North America, Ontario, Canada, Ottawa
Co-Investments: 6
Resolute Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 8

Which angels does Relay Ventures often collaborate with?

TW
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 4
ER
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
EL
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1
PW
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Shared Deals: 2
BL
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Shared Deals: 2
AP
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
GG
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2
HH
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Shared Deals: 1
AD
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
Roger Martin
North America, Canada
Shared Deals: 2

What are some of recent deals done by Relay Ventures?

Trusty Estate

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Trusty assist estate professionals, wealth advisors, and families in confidently preparing for the future.

Pre SeedJul 15, 2025
Amount Raised: $730,308
ALT Sports Data

Carlsbad, California, United States

ALT Sports Data provides sports betting market modeling and real-time trading data.

Data IntegrationInformation ServicesSports
SeedApr 21, 2025
Amount Raised: $5,000,000
PressBox

Bellingham, Washington, United States

AI-powered applications that empower sports & media organizations to scale personalized, engaging, content.

Media and EntertainmentSports
Pre SeedApr 1, 2025
Amount Raised: $825,000
Ownright

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Ownright is a real estate law firm combines with legaltech and proptech by enhancing the legal process with advanced technology solutions.

Legal TechPropTechReal Estate
SeedMar 18, 2025
Amount Raised: $3,145,742
Mave

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Mave is an AI startup empowering real estate agents with innovative tools to enhance client service and streamline processes.

Customer ServicePropTechReal Estate
Pre SeedOct 24, 2024
Amount Raised: $1,443,611
The Curling Group

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The Curling Group is a sports business venture committed to transforming curling through strategic investments and a focus on innovation

Sports
SeedSep 26, 2024
Amount Raised: $5,000,000
The Logic

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The Logic is an online media that covers updates on innovation, venture capital, digital economy, social and e-commerce portals.

E-CommerceInnovation ManagementJournalismMedia and EntertainmentNewsPublishing
Series UnknownJun 4, 2024
Amount Raised: $2,924,573
Eirene

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Simple, Modern Cremation Services.

Funerals
SeedApr 3, 2024
Amount Raised: $3,031,538
ALT Sports Data

Oceanside, California, United States

ALT Sports Data is a proprietary sports trading and customer data company that offers alternative sports disciplines.

Data IntegrationInformation ServicesSports
SeedFeb 1, 2024
Amount Raised: $2,500,000
Friendlier

Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Reverse logistics software to support businesses transitioning from single-use to reusable packaging.

LogisticsPackaging ServicesSoftwareSustainability
SeedDec 12, 2023
Amount Raised: $3,680,251