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Rhiza Capital is a Certified B Corporation based in Sechelt, British Columbia, co-founded in 2015 by Community Futures Sunshine Coast and Sunshine Coast Credit Union. The firm operates as a financial intermediary, addressing financing challenges associated with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Rhiza Capital aims to connect root capital to impact ventures, fostering local economies and promoting healthy communities.
Currently, Rhiza Capital manages approximately $5 million in assets under management (AUM) and has invested in 15 companies across various sectors. The firm emphasizes place-based investing, particularly in underserved regions and among indigenous entrepreneurs. Rhiza Capital operates multiple investment funds, including the Coast Venture Root Three and Coast CIC, which focus on high-growth, high-impact companies and social ventures, respectively.
Rhiza Capital's commitment to financing ventures that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals makes it a compelling partner for organizations focused on social and environmental impact. The firm actively engages with its community through newsletters and articles that highlight its impact and investment strategies.
Rhiza Capital invests primarily in seed and early-stage companies that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The firm focuses on sectors such as healthcare, food-agtech, cleantech, community economic development, and nonprofit/social-impact software. Rhiza emphasizes both financial returns and positive social or environmental impact, particularly in underserved regions and among indigenous entrepreneurs.
The investment strategy includes check sizes averaging around C$200,000, with a focus on ventures that can demonstrate measurable social and environmental outcomes alongside financial viability. Rhiza Capital develops funds, partnerships, and financial products to support local and social ventures across Canada, ensuring that investments contribute to sustainable growth and community well-being.
Rhiza Capital's portfolio includes a diverse range of companies that contribute to various UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Tom Budai: Managing Director at Rhiza Capital, Budai has over a decade of experience in investment banking, corporate development, and equity financings. His expertise includes strategic reviews and valuation assessments.
Shelley McDade: CEO of Sunshine Coast Credit Union and a board director at Rhiza Capital, McDade brings extensive experience in community finance and cooperative banking.
Dawn Bezaire: CFO of Sunshine Coast Credit Union and a board director at Rhiza Capital, Bezaire has a strong background in finance, forecasting, sustainability, and governance.
Vickie Morris: A retired urban planner, Morris serves as a board director at Rhiza Capital, contributing her expertise in land development and social infrastructure funding.
To pitch Rhiza Capital, founders should send an email to general@rhizacapital.ca. The pitch should include a clear outline of how the venture aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, along with details on measurable social or environmental outcomes.
It is advisable to include information about the business model, financial projections, and the specific impact the venture aims to achieve. Rhiza Capital appreciates pitches that demonstrate a strong connection to local communities and address pressing social or environmental challenges.
Rhiza Capital operates several investment funds aimed at supporting local and social ventures:
In March 2021, Rhiza Capital co-led a seed round for Trellis, a fundraising software platform for charities, alongside MAVAN Capital Partners. This investment highlights Rhiza's commitment to supporting high-impact ventures.
Rhiza Capital continues to promote its investment funds, including the Coast Venture Root Three and Coast CIC, which focus on high-growth, high-impact companies and social ventures, respectively. The firm actively engages with its community through newsletters and articles that showcase its impact and investment strategies.
What are Rhiza Capital's investment criteria?
Rhiza Capital focuses on seed and early-stage companies that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing both financial returns and positive social or environmental impact.
How can I apply or pitch to Rhiza Capital?
Founders can pitch Rhiza Capital by sending an email to general@rhizacapital.ca. It is important to clearly outline how the venture aligns with the UN SDGs and demonstrate measurable social or environmental outcomes.
What makes Rhiza Capital different from other investors?
Rhiza Capital is a Certified B Corporation that prioritizes impact investing, focusing on ventures that create social and environmental benefits alongside financial returns. The firm emphasizes place-based investing, particularly in underserved regions and among indigenous entrepreneurs.
What is Rhiza Capital's geographic scope?
Rhiza Capital primarily invests in Canada, with a strong focus on British Columbia and the Sunshine Coast region.
What is the average check size for investments?
The average investment size from Rhiza Capital is approximately C$200,000, although this can vary based on the specific venture and its needs.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Rhiza Capital have?
Rhiza Capital provides strategic support and guidance to its portfolio companies, helping them align their business models with measurable social and environmental impacts.
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