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Graphite Ventures is a Canadian venture capital firm founded in 2008, dedicated to addressing the seed-stage investment gap in the Canadian venture capital ecosystem. The firm is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, and has expanded its presence to major cities including Montreal, Ottawa, Waterloo, and Calgary. Graphite Ventures focuses on supporting seed-stage B2B technology companies, aiming to help founders build capital-efficient growth businesses.
Currently, Graphite Ventures manages a fund size of CAD $110 million and has invested in 25 companies. The firm has established itself as a significant player in the Canadian startup ecosystem, recognized for its commitment to sustainable business practices. Notable milestones include the successful launch of Fund IV, which has positioned Graphite Ventures as one of Canada's most active institutional seed investors.
Graphite Ventures specializes in seed-stage investments in B2B technology companies, with a strong emphasis on sectors such as fintech, healthcare, cybersecurity, industrial, biotech, and SaaS. The firm typically invests between $500,000 and $1.5 million, prioritizing capital-efficient growth strategies. Their investment thesis centers on supporting companies that have validated their product-market fit and are ready to scale their go-to-market strategies.
The firm seeks founders who demonstrate a clear vision and the ability to execute their business plans effectively. Graphite Ventures prefers to engage with companies that are addressing significant market needs and have a sustainable business model. Their approach includes providing strategic guidance and access to a network of industry contacts, which helps portfolio companies navigate the challenges of growth and fundraising.
Graphite Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of 25 companies, focusing on innovative B2B technology solutions. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects Graphite Ventures' commitment to investing in companies that leverage technology to create impactful solutions across various sectors.
Aaron Bast: General Partner with a background in venture capital and technology. He has led numerous successful investments in the B2B sector.
Lance Laking: General Partner based in Ottawa, known for his expertise in scaling technology companies and building strategic partnerships.
Craig Leonard: General Partner located in Toronto, with a strong track record in investment management and operational support for startups.
Omi Velasco: Principal based in Calgary, focusing on leading deals in Western Canada and supporting portfolio companies in their growth journeys.
Marley Cooper: VP Finance, responsible for managing financial operations and investor relations.
Steve Currie: Head of Partnerships, specializing in building relationships with industry stakeholders and enhancing portfolio company visibility.
Mohamed Elabshihy: Senior Associate with experience in evaluating investment opportunities and supporting due diligence processes.
Ingrid Gahol: Manager of Reporting and Administration, overseeing internal operations and reporting.
Kevin Madill: Partner with a focus on strategic investments in the B2B technology sector.
Mackenzie Puklicz: Associate involved in sourcing and evaluating new investment opportunities.
Jude Sacramenthas: VP of Ecosystems, working to enhance the firm's presence in the Canadian startup community.
Jordan Nyinabangi: Associate contributing to deal sourcing and portfolio management.
Rebecca Brunke: Administrative Assistant supporting the team with operational tasks.
Sandra Castle: Project Manager, responsible for overseeing various initiatives within the firm.
To pitch Graphite Ventures, founders should use the preferred channel available on their website. A well-structured pitch deck is essential, including details about the business model, market opportunity, and growth strategy. Graphite Ventures appreciates concise presentations that clearly outline the startup's value proposition.
Response times can vary, but founders can generally expect feedback within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, as they can facilitate a more favorable review process. Founders are encouraged to reach out through their website for any specific application forms or additional information.
In March 2026, Graphite Ventures announced investments in several Canadian startups, including WaitWell, a Calgary-based queue management solution, and Maxa, an AI analytics firm based in Montreal. These investments reflect the firm's commitment to supporting innovative B2B technology companies across Canada.
Graphite Ventures has deployed approximately 25% of its Fund IV, which has a total size of CAD $110 million. The firm continues to be recognized as one of Canada's most active institutional seed investors, with a focus on capital-efficient growth strategies.
What are Graphite Ventures' investment criteria?
Graphite Ventures focuses on seed-stage B2B technology companies in Canada. They prioritize sectors such as fintech, healthcare, cybersecurity, industrial, biotech, and SaaS. The firm typically invests between $500,000 and $1.5 million in companies that have validated their product-market fit and are ready to scale.
How can founders apply or pitch to Graphite Ventures?
Founders can pitch Graphite Ventures through their website. They encourage startups to provide a clear overview of their business model, market opportunity, and growth strategy. A well-structured pitch deck is essential for consideration.
What makes Graphite Ventures different from other investors?
Graphite Ventures emphasizes capital-efficient growth strategies and sustainable business practices. Their hands-on approach includes providing strategic guidance and access to a network of industry contacts, which helps portfolio companies navigate growth challenges.
What is the geographic scope of Graphite Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in Canadian startups, with a presence in major cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Waterloo, and Calgary. They focus on companies that are addressing significant market needs within these regions.
What is Graphite Ventures' post-investment involvement like?
Graphite Ventures takes an active role in supporting its portfolio companies. They provide mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to resources that help founders build sustainable businesses. The firm also assists in navigating fundraising challenges.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Graphite Ventures typically invests between $500,000 and $1.5 million in seed-stage companies. They may also participate in follow-on rounds depending on the growth trajectory of the portfolio companies.
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