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Relay Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2008, headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with additional offices in Calgary, Alberta, and San Francisco, California. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage technology companies, particularly those led by founders with innovative ideas. Since its inception, Relay Ventures has established a strong reputation in the Canadian venture capital landscape.
As of early 2026, Relay Ventures has funded over 130 companies, with a total deployment exceeding C$355 million across its fund history. The firm has successfully exited more than 50% of its portfolio through mergers and acquisitions or IPOs. Notable milestones include backing companies like ecobee and theScore, which have achieved significant market presence and successful exits.
Relay Ventures is committed to supporting diverse founding teams, as evidenced by its signatory status with Beyond The Billion. The firm has also partnered with notable limited partners such as BDC Capital and Alberta Enterprise Corp, further solidifying its position in the venture capital space.
Relay Ventures invests primarily in early-stage technology companies, focusing on sectors such as proptech, fintech, Urbantech, and Sportstech. The firm targets pre-seed and seed stages, emphasizing innovative solutions and strong founder leadership. Investments are concentrated in North America, where Relay Ventures seeks to identify and support founders with transformative ideas.
The firm typically leads investment rounds and is willing to incubate companies as they scale. Relay Ventures looks for founders who demonstrate a clear vision and the ability to execute their ideas effectively. The firm’s investment strategy is characterized by a hands-on approach, providing not only capital but also access to a network of resources and expertise to help portfolio companies thrive.
Relay Ventures has a diverse portfolio that includes notable companies across various sectors. Key portfolio companies include:
Relay Ventures has a strong track record of successful exits, with over 50% of its portfolio companies having exited via M&A or IPO.
John Albright: Co-Founder and Managing Partner. Albright has a background in venture capital and has led numerous successful investments in technology companies.
Kevin Talbot: Co-Founder and Managing Partner. Talbot brings extensive experience in early-stage investing and has been instrumental in shaping Relay Ventures' investment strategy.
Additional team members include Geoff, Alex, Irfhan, Jeannette, Courtney, Stephanie, Hannah, Horace, and Spiros, who contribute diverse expertise across various sectors.
To pitch Relay Ventures, founders should send their proposals via email to toronto@relay.vc. It is important to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background. Founders can expect a response within a few weeks, depending on the volume of inquiries.
In January 2026, Relay Ventures invested in Mave AI, a business productivity software company. This marks the firm's most recent confirmed deal.
In June 2024, Relay Ventures made a C$1.5 million investment in Dark Slope, a virtual production and gaming studio.
Relay Ventures participated in a $26.5 million bought deal financing for theScore prior to its acquisition by Penn National Gaming.
The firm continues to actively deploy capital from Fund V as of early 2026, demonstrating ongoing investment activity and commitment to supporting early-stage technology companies.
What are Relay Ventures' investment criteria?
Relay Ventures focuses on early-stage technology companies in sectors such as proptech and fintech. The firm primarily invests at the pre-seed and seed stages, looking for innovative solutions and strong founder leadership.
How can I apply or pitch to Relay Ventures?
Founders can pitch Relay Ventures by sending an email to toronto@relay.vc. It is advisable to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Relay Ventures different from other VC firms?
Relay Ventures emphasizes partnerships with founders rather than just funding companies. The firm provides access to a network of resources and expertise to help startups grow and scale effectively.
What is Relay Ventures' geographic scope?
The firm primarily invests in North America, focusing on early-stage technology companies within this region.
What is Relay Ventures' post-investment involvement like?
Relay Ventures actively engages with its portfolio companies, often leading investment rounds and providing ongoing support as companies scale. The firm is known for its willingness to incubate founders and assist them throughout their growth journey.
What are the typical fund sizes and check sizes for Relay Ventures?
Relay Ventures has raised multiple funds, including Fund III at US$150 million and Fund V, which is currently active. Check sizes vary but are typically aligned with early-stage investment standards.
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