Private Equity
Fundraising is off to a great start in 2016 despite a weak loonie, and venture funds south of the Canadian border shared in the excitement
3 min read · 24 February 2016
The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Canada's second-largest pension fund manager, reported weighted average returns of 9.1 percent in 2015, benefiting from diversifying out of equities and bonds into higher-yielding assets such as infrastructure and real estate, Reuters reported. The Caisse said its net assets had grown to $248 billion at the end of 2015, compared with $225.9 billion at the end of 2014.
1 min read · 24 February 2016
OMERS Ventures Managing Director Jim Orlando discusses hot target areas for the firm in the year ahead
5 min read · 24 February 2016
Battery Ventures raised two new funds totaling $950 million. The main fund, Battery Ventures XI, pulled in $650 million. A side fund raised $300 million. Both vehicles reached their target investment levels. Battery will continue to invest in companies from the seed stage all the way to private equity deals. It typically deploys capital in increments of a few hundred thousand dollars up to deals worth $100 million.
3 min read · 23 February 2016
500 Startups has announced the launch of two new funds, including a $25 million fintech fund and a $25 million vehicle focused on India.
1 min read · 23 February 2016
The Fonds de solidarité FTQ was Canada's most active public non-governmental venture capital firm in 2015, according to data released by the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (CVCA), accounting for 20 financings. The Fonds was also ranked as the second most active private equity investor in Canada last year, accounting for 53 deals. Based in Montréal, the Fonds held net assets of $11.2 billion as of November 2015. Its venture and private equity strategy reflects a mix of both direct and fund investments.
2 min read · 23 February 2016
IDG Ventures is raising $200 million for a third Indian fund, according to a filing with the SEC.
1 min read · 22 February 2016
Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins (CRCD), a retail fund managed by Canadian private equity firm Desjardins Capital de risque, generated net income of $74.8 million in 2015 for an annual return of 4.9 percent. As a result, net assets rose to more than $1.6 billion at the end of December. CRCD, which is celebrating its 15th year of operation, said it has supported the growth of 402 companies. Last year alone, the fund reported a total of $173 million in new commitments going to Québec-based startups, expansion projects, mature companies and business transfers.
3 min read · 19 February 2016
From DFJ and Brooklyn Bridge to iNovia and Index, a summary of recent fundraising activity from around the globe
10 min read · 19 February 2016
Canadian early-stage venture capital firm Brightspark Ventures has unveiled a curated investment platform available exclusively to domestic accredited investors. The investment model, the first of its kind in Canada according to Brightspark, will invest in five to seven technology companies annually. Brightspark is being backed in its initiative by Kensington Venture Fund, a venture fund of funds managed by alternative assets investor Kensington Capital Partners, as well as investors in Brightspark's network. Founded in 1999, Brightspark is led by Managing Partners Mark Skapinker and Sophie Forest.
2 min read · 18 February 2016
