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Rhino Ventures, formerly known as Vancouver Founder Fund, is a venture capital firm based in Vancouver, British Columbia, founded in 2015. The firm has established itself as a significant player in Western Canada's technology sector and has expanded its investment reach across Canada and internationally. Rhino Ventures focuses on partnering with entrepreneurs to build, acquire, and scale market-leading platforms, particularly in the fintech, healthcare, and commerce sectors.
As of now, Rhino Ventures manages a total of $90 million across its funds, with Fund III closing at $120 million CAD in October 2021, exceeding its target by $20 million. The firm has a diverse portfolio that includes notable exits such as Thinkific, which went public in May 2021, and other successful companies like Beanworks and Askott Entertainment. Rhino Ventures continues to play a pivotal role in supporting early-stage companies, leveraging its extensive network and expertise.
Rhino Ventures adopts a sector-agnostic investment strategy, targeting early-stage companies from pre-seed to Series A. The firm invests between $500,000 and $5 million in various sectors, including B2B, fintech, direct-to-consumer e-commerce, healthcare, and enterprise services. This broad approach allows Rhino to support a diverse range of businesses while emphasizing entrepreneurial enablement.
The firm seeks technology-driven companies with low burn rates and a strong focus on cash flow. Rhino Ventures aims to build market-leading platforms by providing not only capital but also strategic support to help entrepreneurs navigate challenges and scale effectively. The firm has a particular interest in companies that demonstrate durable competitive advantages and innovative solutions.
Rhino Ventures has a diverse portfolio that includes several notable companies:
Six out of twenty companies from Rhino's earlier funds have successfully exited, showcasing the firm's ability to identify and nurture high-potential startups.
David Hogarth - Partner. David has extensive experience in venture capital and has been involved in numerous successful investments across various sectors.
Jay Rhind - Partner. Jay brings a wealth of knowledge in technology and entrepreneurship, having worked with several startups in different capacities.
Fraser Hall - Partner. Fraser has a strong background in finance and has played a key role in managing Rhino's investment strategy and portfolio.
In October 2021, Rhino Ventures closed Fund III at $120 million CAD, exceeding its target by $20 million. This fund marks a significant milestone for the firm as it expands its investment capabilities across Canada and internationally.
Rhino Ventures continues to support its portfolio companies, with notable exits including Thinkific, which went public in May 2021, and several acquisitions of companies like Beanworks and Askott Entertainment.
What are Rhino Ventures' investment criteria?
Rhino Ventures invests in early-stage companies across various sectors, including fintech, healthcare, and commerce. They focus on businesses with low burn rates and strong cash-flow potential, typically providing check sizes ranging from $500,000 to $5 million.
How can I apply or pitch to Rhino Ventures?
Founders interested in pitching to Rhino Ventures should prepare a detailed presentation that outlines their business model, market opportunity, and financial projections. While specific application channels are not disclosed, reaching out through their website or networking within the venture capital community is advisable.
What makes Rhino Ventures different from other venture capital firms?
Rhino Ventures emphasizes entrepreneurial enablement, providing not just capital but also strategic support to help portfolio companies scale effectively. Their sector-agnostic approach allows them to invest in a wide range of industries, enhancing their ability to identify promising startups.
What is the geographic scope of Rhino Ventures' investments?
Initially focused on Western Canada, Rhino Ventures has expanded its investment reach across Canada and internationally, including cities like Toronto and London, UK.
What is Rhino Ventures' post-investment involvement like?
Rhino Ventures actively supports its portfolio companies by leveraging its extensive network and expertise. They assist entrepreneurs in navigating challenges and scaling their businesses effectively, which is a key aspect of their investment strategy.
What is the size of Rhino Ventures' funds?
Rhino Ventures currently manages a total of $90 million across its funds, with Fund III closing at $120 million CAD in October 2021, exceeding its initial target.
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