Five questions with John Ruffolo, CEO of OMERS Ventures
The Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System launched an in-house venture program in 2011, making it one of the few pensions worldwide to invest directly in the asset class. Today, the $85.2 billion OMERS is feeling pretty good about that bet, OMERS Ventures Chief Executive John Ruffolo told PE Hub Canada. OMERS Ventures emerged as an influential investor in North America’s tech sectors, where it has deployed some $370 million to 31 companies. It often uses the clout to draw attention and dollars to Canadian entrepreneurs and startups, which remain a primary focus. PE Hub Canada sat down with Ruffolo to talk about his firm’s strategy, plans to expand into the United States and Europe, and why more institutional investors should embrace VC.
