Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
ArcTern Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2012 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with additional offices in San Francisco, USA, and Oslo, Norway. The firm emerged from the MaRS Innovation ecosystem, previously known as the MaRS Cleantech Fund, and has established itself as a leading Canadian climate tech VC. ArcTern Ventures focuses on investing in technology companies that address climate change and sustainability challenges.
As of 2024, ArcTern Ventures manages a fund size of $335 million, making it one of the largest cleantech venture funds in Canada. The firm has deployed eight investments from its third fund, which closed oversubscribed, nearly doubling the size of its previous fund. ArcTern Ventures primarily targets early growth-stage companies, particularly those in Series A and B funding rounds, with a strong emphasis on maximizing greenhouse gas emissions abatement.
ArcTern Ventures invests across various sectors that contribute to sustainability and climate solutions. Key focus areas include clean energy, energy efficiency and storage, circular economy, advanced manufacturing and materials, mobility, and food systems. The firm seeks to back entrepreneurs developing technologies that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ecological impacts.
Investment checks typically range from $1 million to $5 million, allowing the firm to support companies at different stages of growth. ArcTern Ventures operates primarily in North America but maintains a global investment perspective, aiming to identify and support innovations that can disrupt industries while providing financial returns through carbon-neutral transitions.
ArcTern Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of companies that exemplify its commitment to climate tech and sustainability. Notable portfolio companies include:
Murray McCaig - Co-Founder and Managing Partner. He has extensive experience in venture capital and has led numerous investments in the climate tech sector.
Mira Inbar - Partner. Mira brings a strong background in sustainability and technology investments, contributing to the firm's strategic direction.
Marc Faucher - Managing Partner. Marc has a proven track record in scaling technology companies and focuses on operational support for portfolio firms.
Tom Rand - Co-Founder and Partner. Tom is known for his expertise in clean technology and has been instrumental in shaping the firm's investment thesis.
Tyler Christie - Partner. Tyler specializes in energy efficiency and storage investments, leveraging his background in engineering and finance.
Nikhil Shukla - Partner. Nikhil focuses on mobility and food systems, bringing a wealth of knowledge in these sectors.
Shannon Whitaker - Principal. Shannon supports portfolio companies with strategic guidance and operational scaling.
Keegan Pinto - Principal. Keegan is involved in sourcing and evaluating new investment opportunities.
Dinesh Ganesan - Principal. Dinesh focuses on technology investments and supports portfolio companies in their growth journeys.
Jackson Wright - Associate. Jackson assists in research and analysis for potential investments.
Jon Dogterom - Advisor, Investment Committee. Jon provides strategic insights and guidance to the investment team.
Andy Chisholm - Advisor, Investment Committee. Andy brings extensive experience in finance and investment strategy.
Louisa Liu - Chief Financial Officer. Louisa oversees the firm's financial operations and reporting.
Shamma Urbee - Senior Finance Associate. Shamma supports financial analysis and reporting for the firm.
Sophie Vaughan - Head of Impact and Investor Relations. Sophie manages relationships with investors and focuses on the firm's impact initiatives.
To pitch ArcTern Ventures, founders should use the preferred channel available on their website. A comprehensive pitch deck is essential, including details about the technology, market opportunity, team, and financial projections. Response times may vary, but founders should expect a thorough review process.
In March 2024, ArcTern Ventures announced the successful closing of its third fund, raising $335 million USD (C$450 million), which was oversubscribed and nearly double the size of its previous fund. This fund positions ArcTern as Canada's largest cleantech venture fund.
As of March 2024, the firm has deployed eight investments from Fund III, focusing on mobility and home electrification sectors. This activity underscores ArcTern's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the climate tech space.
What are ArcTern Ventures' investment criteria?
ArcTern Ventures focuses on early growth-stage companies addressing climate change and sustainability challenges. They invest in sectors such as clean energy, energy efficiency, circular economy, advanced manufacturing, mobility, and food systems.
How can I apply or pitch to ArcTern Ventures?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the firm's website at arcternventures.com. A well-prepared pitch deck should include details about the technology, market opportunity, team, and financial projections.
What makes ArcTern Ventures different from other VCs?
ArcTern Ventures specializes in climate tech investments, leveraging its extensive network and expertise in sustainability to support portfolio companies. Their focus on maximizing greenhouse gas emissions abatement sets them apart.
What is the geographic scope of ArcTern Ventures?
The firm primarily operates in North America but also has a global investment perspective, allowing them to identify and support innovative solutions worldwide.
What is the typical fund size and check size for investments?
ArcTern Ventures manages a fund size of $335 million, with typical check sizes ranging from $1 million to $5 million for portfolio companies.
What kind of post-investment involvement does ArcTern Ventures have?
ArcTern Ventures provides strategic guidance, access to a robust network of industry experts, and support in scaling operations for its portfolio companies.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.