Managers

Impression Ventures closes Fund II at $30 mln, hires Maor Amar

Canadian venture capital firm Impression Ventures has closed its second fund at more than $30 million. Impression Ventures Fund II, which invests in early-stage financial technology companies in Canada, was backed by a range of global limited partners, including institutional investors, family offices and entrepreneurs, as well as almost two dozen current and former senior bank and financial executives. Impression also announced the hire of Maor Amar as a managing partner. Amar, who previously worked at BMO Capital Markets and UBS Investment Bank, operates from Montréal. Toronto-based Impression was founded in 2013 by Managing Partner Christian Lassonde.

Grove Ventures collects $76.8 mln for inaugural Israeli startups fund

Grove Ventures LP has raised $76.8 million for its maiden fund, according to an SEC filing. The target is $100 million. Grove Ventures backs Israeli early-stage startups.

Data spotlight: Edtech deals on the rise

Data spotlight: Deal count, value largely down in May 2017 compared with year before

First Analysis targets $115 mln for 12th fund

First Analysis is seeking to raise $115 million for its 12th fund, according to an SEC filing. Based in Chicago, the venture firm focuses on technology/software, healthcare, services and clean-tech/chemicals sectors.

NBIF makes commitment to 500 Startups Canada's debut fund

New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF) has made an undisclosed commitment to the debut venture capital fund of 500 Startups Canada. The investment is part of a partnership struck between NBIF and 500 Startups Canada to seed and grow more startups located in New Brunswick and across Atlantic Canada. 500 Startups Canada's US$30 million fund, launched in 2016, announced its initial close in January. With the NBIF deal, it has partners or associates in each Canadian innovation hub, including Vancouver, Waterloo, Toronto, Montréal and Fredericton. Last month, 500 Startups Canada led the pre-Series A financing of Attendease.

CRV adds Dylan Morris to its growing bioengineering practice

BitPesa CEO: Cryptocurrency regulations could parallel internet laws

Geekdom Fund raises $20 mln for second venture fund

The Geekdom Fund has raised $20 million for a second venture fund, according to a filing with the SEC.

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