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ScaleUP Ventures

North America, Ontario, Canada, Toronto

Description

ScaleUP Ventures is a Toronto-based venture capital firm established in 2014, dedicated to investing in and nurturing Canadian technology companies. The firm primarily targets early-stage businesses, focusing on Seed and Series A rounds, with a clear mandate to support innovative entrepreneurs within the Canadian tech ecosystem. Their strategic location in Toronto allows them to be at the heart of one of North America's rapidly growing tech hubs, providing proximity to a diverse pool of startups.

The firm manages multiple funds, demonstrating a significant commitment to the venture landscape. Their first fund, ScaleUP Ventures I, was a $30 million vehicle, which laid the groundwork for their investment thesis. Building on this success, they are currently investing out of their second fund, ScaleUP Ventures II, a substantially larger $100 million fund. This increased capital base allows them to deploy more significant resources into promising ventures. Typically, ScaleUP Ventures provides initial capital ranging from $500,000 to $3 million, with additional reserves allocated for follow-on rounds to support portfolio companies through subsequent growth stages.

Beyond capital deployment, ScaleUP Ventures emphasizes a hands-on approach, aiming to be a strategic partner for its portfolio companies. Their engagement extends to providing operational guidance, leveraging their extensive network, and assisting with talent acquisition and market expansion. To date, the firm has made approximately 25 investments across various technology sectors, showcasing a diverse portfolio. Furthermore, ScaleUP Ventures has successfully navigated the venture lifecycle, achieving 4 exits, which underscores their ability to identify and support companies that can deliver returns. Their focus remains on fostering the growth of Canadian tech leaders, contributing to the nation's innovation economy.

Investor Profile

ScaleUP Ventures has backed more than 30 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 4 rounds, about 13% of its total and boasts 8 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series A, Series B, Seed rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in Canada, United States, Egypt.
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, Security, SaaS.
  • Typical check size: $500K – $3M.

Stage Focus

  • Series A (30%)
  • Series B (23%)
  • Seed (20%)
  • Series C (7%)
  • Series D (7%)
  • Series Unknown (7%)
  • Angel (3%)
  • Private Equity (3%)

Country Focus

  • Canada (77%)
  • United States (20%)
  • Egypt (3%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • Security
  • Saas
  • Analytics
  • Information Technology
  • Big Data
  • Computer
  • Fintech
  • Marketing
  • Developer Apis
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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 ScaleUP Ventures frequently co-invest with?

Spark Capital
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 4
BP
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 3
FundersClub
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3
Information Venture Partners
North America, Ontario, Canada, Toronto
Co-Investments: 4
Inovia Capital
North America, Quebec, Canada, Montréal
Co-Investments: 4
8VC
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3
Valor Equity Partners
North America, Illinois, United States, Chicago
Co-Investments: 4
Y Combinator
North America, California, United States, Mountain View
Co-Investments: 3
OMERS Ventures
North America, Ontario, Canada, Toronto
Co-Investments: 3
BDC Venture Capital
North America, Alberta, Canada, Calgary
Co-Investments: 6

Which angels does ScaleUP Ventures often collaborate with?

JC
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
KM
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
BF
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2
Darian Shirazi
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2
DL
North America, California, United States, Napa
Shared Deals: 2
RY
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
RP
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
David Karp
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
Jane Marshall
North America, Ontario, Canada, Toronto
Shared Deals: 2
IA
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by ScaleUP Ventures?

Penny

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Penny is an AI-based virtual assistant designed to scale direct sales businesses.

ConsultingInformation Technology
Private EquityJun 1, 2022
Amount Raised: $26,760,742
Canalyst

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Canalyst is the leading destination for public company data and analysis.

AnalyticsFinancial ServicesFinTechInformation TechnologySaaS
Series CJan 18, 2022
Amount Raised: $70,000,000
Rose Rocket

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Rose Rocket provides a transportation management platform.

ComputerSoftwareTransportation
Series AOct 13, 2021
Amount Raised: $25,000,000
Coconut Software

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Coconut Software develops a cloud-based, enterprise level appointment scheduling and visitor management platform.

SchedulingSoftwareTask Management
Series BOct 5, 2021
Amount Raised: $22,251,396
Rewind

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Rewind develops an automatic data backup platform.

DatabaseSaaSSecuritySoftware
Series BSep 15, 2021
Amount Raised: $65,000,000
#Paid

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

#Paid is a tech company that operates a creative marketing platform that combines brand and creator collaboration.

Content CreatorsMarketingSocial MediaSocial Media Marketing
Series BAug 26, 2021
Amount Raised: $14,898,618
Nylas

San Francisco, California, United States

Nylas is the cpaas company that empowers businesses worldwide to unlock the power of their communications data.

Developer APIsEmailSoftware
Series CJun 17, 2021
Amount Raised: $120,000,000
Weelo

Cairo, Al Qahirah, Egypt

Weelo is a software development company founded in 2017 and aims to streamline inefficient and complex home delivery processes

Information TechnologyMobile AppsSoftware
SeedMar 29, 2021
Amount Raised: $100,000
Rewind

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Rewind develops an automatic data backup platform.

DatabaseSaaSSecuritySoftware
Series AJan 19, 2021
Amount Raised: $15,000,000
Solink

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Solink is a provider of video security and business analytics solutions for companies.

AnalyticsBig DataBusiness IntelligenceFraud DetectionRetailSecuritySoftware
Series BJun 26, 2020
Amount Raised: $16,804,267