Ryan Holmes

Ryan Holmes, widely recognized as the founder and former CEO of Hootsuite, has transitioned into an active and influential angel investor, primarily focusing on the burgeoning Canadian technology ecosystem. Leveraging his deep operational experience gained from scaling a global SaaS company, Holmes brings a unique founder-centric perspective to his investment decisions. He is particularly keen on supporting early-stage ventures, often participating in angel and seed rounds, though he has also made strategic investments in Series A funding for select high-potential companies.

His investment thesis often gravitates towards B2B software, SaaS platforms, and companies that address market inefficiencies or offer innovative solutions in the digital space, mirroring his background at Hootsuite. Holmes is known for providing not just crucial early capital but also invaluable strategic guidance, mentorship, and access to his extensive network within the tech industry. His portfolio, as tracked by platforms like Crunchbase, includes over 20 distinct investments, showcasing his commitment to fostering the next generation of tech leaders across Canada.

Among his notable investments are companies such as Thinkific, Later, Bench, VanHack, Jane.app, Trulioo, and Dooly. Many of these ventures are based in Vancouver or are Canadian-founded, underscoring his dedication to strengthening the local and national tech landscape. His typical first checks range from approximately $50,000 for smaller participations up to $300,000 for more significant angel or seed contributions, positioning him as a substantial early-stage supporter.

Holmes's involvement in a startup is often seen as a significant vote of confidence, offering founders the benefit of his entrepreneurial journey and insights into navigating the complexities of scaling successful technology ventures from inception to global reach. His continued activity as an investor solidifies his role as a key figure in the Canadian startup community.