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Exit North Ventures, founded in 2019 by Kevin North, is a venture capital firm based in North America. The firm launched its $20 million fund in November 2024, focusing on early-stage Canadian B2B fintech companies. Kevin North, a multi-exit CEO, brings extensive experience in technology sectors such as enterprise software, eCommerce, big data, AgTech, sales enablement, and blockchain. The firm aims to support technology CEOs and sales leaders in navigating challenges and making informed decisions.
Exit North Ventures has a team of experienced professionals, including General Partners Tal Schwartz and Gary Schwartz, who have deep connections in the Canadian fintech ecosystem. The firm targets companies at various growth stages, from friends and family rounds to growth equity, with a particular emphasis on enhancing sales processes and operational efficiency. The firm has established a notable presence in the fintech sector, with a portfolio that includes companies recognized for their innovation and growth.
Exit North Ventures focuses on seed-stage B2B fintech companies in Canada, specifically targeting sectors such as capital markets, insurance, lending, payments, treasury, and wealth management. The firm invests between $250,000 and $1 million per company, with plans to build a portfolio of approximately 30 companies. Their investment strategy emphasizes enhancing sales processes and operational efficiency, leveraging their extensive experience in technology and sales leadership.
The firm is actively engaged in supporting its portfolio companies through various services, including CEO coaching, fractional sales leadership, and operational enhancements. Exit North Ventures aims to be aggressive in its investment approach, particularly in 2025, as macroeconomic conditions improve, including lower interest rates and increased IPO and M&A activity. This proactive strategy positions them to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the fintech landscape.
Exit North Ventures has invested in six notable companies within the fintech sector. The portfolio includes:
Additionally, the firm has achieved notable exits with companies such as SeaMonster, which was acquired by Forma AI in 2024, Terapeak, acquired by eBay in 2017, and Dyadem, acquired by IHS Inc in 2011. These exits highlight the firm's ability to identify and support high-potential companies within the fintech space.
Kevin North - Founder & CEO. Kevin has extensive experience in the technology sector, particularly in enterprise software and eCommerce. He has successfully led multiple exits and is well-versed in the challenges faced by technology companies.
Tal Schwartz - General Partner. Tal is the founder of the Canadian Fintech Newsletter and is a key connector in Canada's fintech ecosystem, bringing valuable insights and relationships to the firm.
Gary Schwartz - General Partner. Gary is the founder of the Canadian Lenders Association and has a background in mobile technology, having founded Impact Mobile. His expertise lies in lending and financial services.
Michael Garrity - Venture Partner. Michael has experience with Financeit and brings a wealth of knowledge in fintech operations.
Katherine Gregory - Venture Partner. Katherine has a background with Paradigm Quest and specializes in mortgage technology.
Catherine Dahl - Venture Partner. Catherine is known for her work with Beanworks, focusing on accounting technology solutions.
Ali Metel - Venture Partner. Ali has experience with LendCare, contributing expertise in consumer lending.
Norm Cappell - Venture Partner. Norm is associated with SAVVYY, bringing insights into financial technology.
To pitch to Exit North Ventures, founders should visit their website at exitnorth.com. It is advisable to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market analysis, and financial projections. The firm prefers to receive pitches through their online portal and typically responds within a few weeks. Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory.
In 2024, Exit North Ventures achieved a significant milestone with the acquisition of SeaMonster by Forma AI. This acquisition highlights the firm's active engagement in the technology sector and its ability to support portfolio companies through successful exits.
Additionally, the firm has seen notable exits with Terapeak, acquired by eBay in 2017, and Dyadem, acquired by IHS Inc in 2011. These successful transactions underscore the firm's capability in identifying high-potential companies within the fintech space.
What are Exit North Ventures' investment criteria?
Exit North Ventures focuses on seed-stage B2B fintech companies in Canada, particularly in sectors like capital markets, insurance, lending, payments, treasury, and wealth management. They typically invest between $250,000 and $1 million per company.
How can I apply or pitch to Exit North Ventures?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the firm's website at exitnorth.com. It is recommended to include a detailed business plan and financial projections in the pitch deck.
What makes Exit North Ventures different from other VC firms?
Exit North Ventures distinguishes itself by providing extensive operational support, including CEO coaching and fractional sales leadership, to enhance the sales processes of portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of Exit North Ventures?
The firm primarily focuses on early-stage companies located in Canada, with a particular emphasis on cities like Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver.
What is the firm's approach to post-investment involvement?
Exit North Ventures actively engages with its portfolio companies by offering strategic support, operational enhancements, and access to a network of industry leaders to help them scale effectively.
What is the fund size and check size for investments?
The firm manages a $20 million fund and typically invests between $250,000 and $1 million in each portfolio company.
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