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Thin Air Labs is a venture capital and consulting firm based in Calgary, Alberta, founded to assist scaling startups in accessing non-dilutive capital. The firm operates a fully deployed $20 million sector-agnostic fund, supporting early-stage companies across Canada and internationally. Established to create meaningful human impact, Thin Air Labs combines direct venture investment with consulting services, enabling founders to navigate funding opportunities effectively.
The firm has a strong focus on the Prairie tech ecosystem, emphasizing healthcare and industrial sectors. Thin Air Labs has invested in 30 early-stage companies, helping them secure grants, subsidies, and tax credits. Their office is located at Suite 202, 838-11th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB, T2R 0E5, Canada. The firm has been active since at least 2022, with a commitment to enhancing the growth of impactful startups.
Thin Air Labs specializes in funding strategy, grant writing, and managing applications for non-dilutive funding, including tax credits. The firm targets early-stage startups, particularly in the healthcare and industrial sectors, providing them with essential resources to secure funding without diluting equity. Their investment strategy includes pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, allowing for a diverse range of investment opportunities.
The firm operates a fully deployed $20 million fund, which is sector-agnostic, enabling investments across various industries. Thin Air Labs emphasizes the importance of helping founders navigate complex funding landscapes, ensuring they can access grants and subsidies effectively. Their approach combines direct investment with consulting services, making them a unique player in the venture capital space.
Thin Air Labs has invested in a diverse array of notable companies, including:
In addition to these companies, Thin Air Labs has invested in 30 early-stage ventures, demonstrating their commitment to supporting impactful startups across various sectors.
James Lochrie: Managing Partner, CEO. James has extensive experience in venture capital and startup development, leading numerous successful investments.
Leah Sarich: Head of Story & Public Relations. Leah specializes in communications and public relations, enhancing the visibility of portfolio companies.
Dr. Ania Sergeenko: Funding Catalyst Manager, Customer Excellence. Ania brings expertise in funding strategies and customer engagement.
William Lee: Engineering Lead. William has a background in engineering and technology, providing technical insights to portfolio companies.
Ansh Dhawan: Analyst. Ansh supports investment analysis and portfolio management.
Ken Lee: Account Executive. Ken manages relationships with portfolio companies and stakeholders.
Dr. Chris McCoy: Portfolio Lead. Chris oversees the performance and growth of portfolio companies.
Syedah Salwa Ali, MSc: Funding Strategist. Syedah specializes in securing non-dilutive funding for startups.
Dr. Lindsay Phillips: Funding Strategist. Lindsay provides expertise in grant writing and funding applications.
Erin Creegan-Dougherty, MBA: Funding Strategist. Erin focuses on developing funding strategies for portfolio companies.
Aida Vien, MBT: Funding Strategist. Aida assists startups in navigating funding opportunities.
Victoria Fong, MASc: Funding Strategist. Victoria provides insights into securing grants and subsidies.
Anup Jay, MBT: Delivery Support Specialist. Anup supports the operational needs of portfolio companies.
To pitch to Thin Air Labs, founders should use the contact email leah@thinairlabs.ca or visit their website at thinairlabs.ca. It is essential to include a comprehensive business plan and a clear outline of the funding strategy in the pitch deck. Founders should expect a response within a few weeks, and warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.
Thin Air Labs runs the Funding Catalyst Program, which assists startups in developing funding strategies and managing grant applications. This program is designed to help early-stage companies secure non-dilutive funding, including government grants and tax credits. Startups interested in this program can apply through the Thin Air Labs website or by contacting the firm directly.
In recent months, Thin Air Labs has actively invested in early-stage companies, showcasing their commitment to supporting impactful startups. Notable investments include funding for Clinify, which secured a national EMR contract in Nigeria, and Mikata, recognized by Time Magazine as one of the World’s Top HealthTech Companies of 2025.
Additionally, FulcrumAir received $1.8 million in funding from PrairiesCan, while Aqua Pure Technologies secured $720,000 from Emissions Reduction Alberta. These investments highlight Thin Air Labs' focus on helping startups access non-dilutive funding and their active role in the Prairie tech ecosystem.
What are Thin Air Labs' investment criteria?
Thin Air Labs focuses on early-stage startups in the healthcare and industrial sectors. They prioritize companies that are impact-oriented and capable of accessing non-dilutive funding, such as grants and tax credits.
How can I apply or pitch to Thin Air Labs?
Founders can pitch their ideas by visiting the Thin Air Labs website at thinairlabs.ca or by emailing leah@thinairlabs.ca. It is recommended to include a detailed business plan and funding strategy in the pitch.
What makes Thin Air Labs different from other venture firms?
Thin Air Labs combines venture capital with consulting services, specifically focusing on helping startups secure non-dilutive funding. Their expertise in grant writing and funding strategy sets them apart from traditional venture capital firms.
What is the geographic scope of Thin Air Labs' investments?
The firm invests globally, with a particular emphasis on early-stage startups in North America, especially within the Prairie tech ecosystem.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Thin Air Labs operates a $20 million fund, which allows them to make significant investments in early-stage companies, although specific check sizes may vary based on the startup's needs and funding strategy.
What kind of post-investment support does Thin Air Labs provide?
Thin Air Labs offers ongoing support in securing non-dilutive funding, including assistance with grant writing and funding strategy. Their team of experts helps portfolio companies navigate the complexities of funding applications.
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