Fundraising

Defy Partners to raise $125 mln maiden venture fund

Defy Partners has set out to raise a $125 million maiden venture fund, according to a filing with the SEC.

Five Questions with MaRS IAF’s Michelle McBane and BDC’s Michelle Scarborough

GV's Toney plans to spinoff venture fund Plexo Capital

Five Questions with MaRS IAF’s Michelle McBane and BDC’s Michelle Scarborough

While female founders are a growing presence in North America’s tech sectors, a wealth of anecdotal and statistical data show women-led startups face barriers to accessing risk capital. This week an important step was taken to reverse the trend in Canada. StandUp Ventures Fund I, a women-focused pre-seed and seed fund, raised an initial commitment and closed its debut deal. The fund, managed by MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund, is earmarked for investments in technology companies that have at least one female founder in the C-suite. PE Hub Canada sat down with BDC Capital Managing Director Michelle Scarborough and MaRS IAF Investment Director Michelle McBane to talk about the fund, its goals, and challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.

Meet the firm that wants to turn fundraising upside down with the blockchain

Startup studio Coplex launches $5 mln fund

David Lee's Refactor raises $20.5 mln for Refactor Cacao

David Lee's Refactor Capital has raised $20.5 million for a Refactor Cacao venture fund, according to a filing with the SEC.

GoldPoint closes fourth mezzanine fund at $1.3 bln

New York Life affiliate GoldPoint Partners said it closed a fourth mezzanine fund, GoldPoint Mezzanine Partners IV, on April 17 with $1.3 billion of commitments.

Obvious Ventures closes Fund II with $191,919,191. (Read on.)

Sorenson to raise $100 mln venture fund

Sorenson Capital has set out to raise a $100 million venture fund, according to a filing with the SEC.