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Portage Ventures is a global venture capital firm focused exclusively on fintech and financial services. Founded in 2016 by Adam Felesky and Paul Desmarais III, the firm is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, with additional offices in Toronto, New York City, San Francisco, and Paris. Portage is part of Sagard, which manages $33 billion in assets under management (AUM). The firm has raised significant capital through its funds, including Fund III at $655 million and Fund IV at $429 million.
Over the past eight years, Portage has built a diverse portfolio of 73 companies across 13 countries, achieving notable milestones such as three unicorns and seven acquisitions. The firm has a strong commitment to investing in innovative fintech solutions, with over half of its investments concentrated in the United States, while also maintaining a presence in Europe, Australia, Canada, and Israel.
Portage Ventures invests in fintech and financial services companies at various stages, from seed to Series C. The firm focuses on sectors including insurance, consumer and SMB finance, wealth and asset management, and fintech infrastructure enablers. Their investment strategy is driven by a deep understanding of market dynamics, allowing them to identify opportunities and provide flexible capital to startups.
Portage employs two main strategies: Portage Ventures, which targets early-stage investments, and Portage Capital Solutions, aimed at later-stage businesses. The firm typically writes checks ranging from $2 million to $45 million, reflecting their commitment to supporting companies as they scale. Their geographic focus spans North America and Europe, with a significant portion of their investments directed towards U.S.-based companies.
Portage Ventures has a diverse portfolio of 73 companies, showcasing their commitment to the fintech sector. Notable portfolio companies include:
Adam Felesky: Co-Founder & CEO of Portage Ventures, Adam has extensive experience in the fintech sector and has led numerous successful investments.
Paul Desmarais III: Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Sagard and Co-Founder of Portage, Paul brings a wealth of knowledge in financial services and investment management.
Stephanie Choo: General Partner and Co-Head of Portage Ventures, Stephanie has a strong background in venture capital and fintech investments.
Daniel Ballen: General Partner at Portage Capital Solutions, Daniel specializes in later-stage investments and has a track record of successful exits.
Hélène Falchier: General Partner at Portage Ventures, Hélène focuses on early-stage fintech companies and has significant experience in the sector.
Sahil Khatod: Principal at Portage Capital Solutions, Sahil is involved in sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities.
Devon Kirk: General Partner at Portage Capital Solutions, Devon has expertise in business development and strategic partnerships.
Ricky Lai: General Partner at Portage Ventures, Ricky has a strong background in technology and cybersecurity investments.
To pitch Portage Ventures, founders should send their proposals via email to info@p3vc.com. A well-structured pitch deck is essential, including details about the business model, market opportunity, competitive landscape, and team qualifications. Portage appreciates concise and clear presentations that highlight the startup's potential for growth.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, but cold emails are also accepted.
Portage operates two main investment strategies: Portage Ventures and Portage Capital Solutions. Portage Ventures focuses on early-stage fintech and financial services innovators, while Portage Capital Solutions serves as a capital partner for later-stage businesses in the fintech sector. Each program is designed to provide tailored support and resources to help companies grow and succeed in the competitive financial landscape.
In January 2026, Portage Ventures made a significant investment in KidKare, further expanding its portfolio in the fintech space. Additionally, Ansel Health received $20 million in funding from Portage, showcasing the firm's commitment to innovative health solutions.
Throughout 2025, Portage was active in the fintech sector, completing 17 investments and maintaining a focus on companies that leverage technology to enhance financial services. Their recent blog posts highlight trends such as AI disruption in financial services and notable funding rounds for portfolio companies like Alpaca and Benepass.
What are Portage's investment criteria?
Portage Ventures focuses on fintech and financial services companies across all stages, from seed to Series C. They look for innovative solutions in sectors such as insurance, consumer finance, and wealth management.
How can I apply or pitch to Portage?
Founders can pitch to Portage by sending an email to info@p3vc.com. It is advisable to include a detailed pitch deck outlining the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Portage different from other VC firms?
Portage has a dedicated focus on fintech, leveraging deep industry expertise and a global network to support portfolio companies. Their in-house experts provide valuable insights into go-to-market strategies and technology.
What is Portage's geographic scope?
Portage primarily invests in North America and Europe, with a significant portion of their portfolio companies based in the United States. They also explore opportunities in Australia and Israel.
What is Portage's post-investment involvement like?
Portage actively engages with its portfolio companies, offering support in areas such as business acceleration, M&A, and technology. Their extensive network of over 190 portfolio companies and 440 professionals enhances this support.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Portage typically invests between $2 million and $45 million, depending on the stage and needs of the company.
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