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.
Evok Innovations, founded in 2016, is a venture capital firm based in Vancouver, BC. The firm was established with the mission to invest in and support entrepreneurs developing innovative technologies aimed at transforming foundational industries, particularly in energy and heavy industry. Evok was launched with Suncor and Cenovus as founding partners and has since expanded its focus to include critical minerals, attracting strategic limited partners such as Rio Tinto, Vale, and Mitsubishi.
Currently, Evok manages approximately $300 million in assets under management (AUM) and has made 16 investments in early- to mid-stage companies. The firm primarily targets Series A and B funding rounds, focusing on North American startups. Notable milestones include the first close of its second fund in March 2022, which aims to accelerate industrial decarbonization.
Evok Innovations targets investments in early- to mid-stage companies, typically in Series A and B rounds, across North America. The firm focuses on sectors such as energy, critical minerals, industrial optimization, and adaptation & resilience. Evok prioritizes proven technologies with clear cost advantages and strong market potential. Their investment strategy emphasizes hard-tech solutions that can scale effectively in foundational industries.
Evok's investment thesis highlights the importance of supporting entrepreneurs who are developing innovative technologies aimed at transforming energy and heavy industry. The firm seeks companies that demonstrate commercial viability and the potential for significant impact in industrial decarbonization. This includes a focus on carbon capture, clean hydrogen, and advanced materials.
Evok Innovations has a diverse portfolio of 16 companies, each contributing to the firm's focus on industrial decarbonization and optimization. Notable portfolio companies include:
Mike Biddle: Partner with extensive experience in scaling cleantech companies and a background in venture capital.
Naynika Chaubey: Partner known for her expertise in industrial decarbonization and investment strategy.
Jane Kearns: Partner with a long history in cleantech investing, focusing on innovative technologies.
Marty Reed: Managing Partner and Co-Founder, instrumental in establishing Evok's investment strategy.
Don Duval: Principal with a strong background in technology commercialization and venture capital.
Natalie LeSage: Senior Analyst specializing in market analysis and investment evaluation.
Bill Shmygol: Associate with experience in supporting portfolio companies and operational strategy.
Michelle Chambers: Chief Financial Officer overseeing financial operations and fund management.
Emma Gaiger: Manager of Operations, responsible for internal processes and portfolio support.
Darren Love: Senior Associate focused on deal sourcing and due diligence.
Scott Gingrich: Analyst contributing to investment research and portfolio management.
Erin Madro: Principal with expertise in industrial technologies and market trends.
Val Chiykowski: Senior Associate involved in portfolio company support and operational guidance.
To pitch to Evok Innovations, founders should use the contact information provided on their website. A well-structured pitch deck should include details about the technology, market opportunity, and the founding team. Evok prefers to receive pitches via email at info@evokinnovations.com.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are beneficial, especially from industry contacts or existing portfolio companies.
In March 2022, Evok Innovations announced the first close of its second fund, targeting $300 million to accelerate industrial decarbonization in North America. This fund aims to support early- to mid-stage companies developing innovative technologies in energy and critical minerals.
Evok has also expanded its focus to include critical minerals, partnering with strategic players such as Rio Tinto, Vale, and Mitsubishi. This expansion reflects the firm's commitment to addressing the challenges of industrial decarbonization.
What are Evok Innovations' investment criteria?
Evok Innovations invests in early- to mid-stage companies, typically in Series A and B funding rounds. The firm focuses on sectors such as energy, critical minerals, and industrial optimization, prioritizing proven technologies with clear cost advantages and strong market potential.
How can I apply or pitch to Evok Innovations?
Founders can pitch to Evok Innovations through their website at evokinnovations.com. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan and information about the technology and market potential in the pitch deck.
What makes Evok Innovations different from other venture capital firms?
Evok Innovations specializes in hard-tech solutions for industrial decarbonization, with a strong focus on foundational industries. The firm has a unique partnership base that includes major players like Suncor, Cenovus, and Rio Tinto, providing portfolio companies with access to valuable industry insights and networks.
What is the geographic scope of Evok Innovations' investments?
Evok Innovations primarily invests in companies located in North America, focusing on both Canadian and U.S. startups that are developing innovative technologies in energy and climate sectors.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Evok Innovations have?
Evok Innovations actively supports its portfolio companies by providing strategic guidance, facilitating access to additional capital, and leveraging its extensive network of industry partners to help entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of industrial markets.
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.