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Founded in 2020, Sandpiper Ventures is one of Canada's pioneering all-women GP-led venture capital funds. Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the firm was established by a group of experienced women with diverse industry expertise. Sandpiper Ventures focuses on identifying and investing in tech-enabled companies that are often overlooked by traditional venture capital. The fund closed its $20 million Fund I in 2022-2023, which was oversubscribed, and is currently raising a $50 million Fund II, targeting 14-16 portfolio companies.
Sandpiper Ventures aims to capitalize on structural inefficiencies in the market to deliver superior returns. The firm emphasizes investing in companies where at least one woman holds a C-level position with meaningful ownership. This focus not only supports gender diversity in leadership but also seeks to uncover high-performing, capital-efficient companies that conventional venture capital may miss.
Sandpiper Ventures invests in early-stage companies across several sectors, including AI, healthcare, climate, SaaS, and consumer technology. The fund targets investments from pre-seed to Series A stages, employing a disciplined investment strategy to identify high-performing, capital-efficient opportunities. The firm specifically seeks companies that are often overlooked by traditional venture capital, emphasizing a filter that requires at least one woman in a C-level role with meaningful equity ownership.
The investment strategy is rooted in the belief that structural market inefficiencies can lead to superior returns. Sandpiper Ventures aims to uncover opportunities that deliver measurable alpha, focusing on tech-enabled companies that demonstrate strong growth potential. The firm’s approach combines sector expertise with a commitment to supporting women-led businesses, thereby enhancing the likelihood of success for its portfolio companies.
Sandpiper Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of 14 companies, showcasing its commitment to investing in women-led tech startups. Notable portfolio companies include:
Sandpiper Ventures has created significant impact, contributing to 184 jobs in Atlantic Canada and generating a $28 million GDP contribution to the regional economy.
Cathy Bennett: Founding and General Partner with extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship.
Rhiannon Davies: Founding and Managing Partner, known for her leadership in early-stage investments and strategic growth.
Sarah Young: Founding and General Partner, bringing a wealth of knowledge in technology and operational efficiency.
Lauren Ledwell: Venture Partner, recently joined as Investment Principal, enhancing the firm's deal sourcing capabilities.
Andrea Barrios: Senior Associate, contributing to investment analysis and portfolio management.
Tara Wickwire: Brand and Network Lead, focusing on building relationships within the startup ecosystem.
Tope Salawudeen: Senior Analyst, involved in market research and due diligence processes.
Mark Fraser: Chief Strategy Officer, overseeing strategic initiatives and partnerships.
Steven Carr: Chief Financial Officer, managing financial operations and fund performance.
To pitch to Sandpiper Ventures, founders should visit their website at sandpiper.vc and send inquiries to info@sandpiper.vc. It is recommended to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background. Founders should expect a response within a reasonable timeframe, although specific timelines are not publicly disclosed. Warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.
In February 2023, Sandpiper Ventures made notable investments in two companies: **QuickFacts**, an insurance brokerage software platform, and **Gotcare**, an AI platform that matches homecare clients with caregivers. These investments reflect the firm's commitment to supporting tech-enabled solutions in the healthcare and insurance sectors.
Additionally, Lauren Ledwell joined Sandpiper Ventures as Investment Principal, signaling an expansion of the team and active deal sourcing efforts. The firm is currently raising its second fund, targeting $50 million, with plans to invest in 14-16 companies.
In 2025, the Provincial Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced an investment in women-led tech through Sandpiper Ventures, further validating the firm's impact and mission.
What are Sandpiper Ventures' investment criteria?
Sandpiper Ventures focuses on early-stage investments in tech-enabled companies across various sectors, including AI, healthcare, climate, SaaS, and consumer technology. The firm specifically targets companies where at least one woman holds a C-level position with meaningful equity ownership.
How can I apply or pitch to Sandpiper Ventures?
Founders can pitch their startups by visiting the Sandpiper Ventures website at sandpiper.vc and using the contact email info@sandpiper.vc. It is advisable to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Sandpiper Ventures different from other venture capital firms?
Sandpiper Ventures is distinguished by its all-women GP-led team and its commitment to investing in women-led tech companies that are often overlooked by traditional venture capital. The firm aims to capitalize on structural inefficiencies in the market to deliver superior returns.
What is the geographic scope of Sandpiper Ventures?
Sandpiper Ventures invests in companies across Canada, with a particular emphasis on startups based in Atlantic Canada.
What is the fund size and check size for investments?
Sandpiper Ventures closed its first fund at $20 million and is currently raising a $50 million Fund II. While specific check sizes are not publicly disclosed, they typically align with seed-stage investments.
What type of post-investment involvement does Sandpiper Ventures have?
Sandpiper Ventures provides strategic support and resources to its portfolio companies, leveraging the expertise of its all-women GP team to enhance growth and operational efficiency. The firm emphasizes building strong relationships with founders and offers guidance in navigating early-stage growth challenges.
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