Private Equity
The Sampler App Inc, an online product sampling management and analytics platform, has received $645,000 in funding. The backers of the round included MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund, Export Development Canada, Ryerson Futures and several angel investors. Founded in 2013, Sampler has developed software-as-a service technology that integrates into the marketing channels of brands, and encourages online sharing of product samples. The company said funding proceeds will support its technology, sales, marketing teams in Toronto, as well as the launch of its New York branch in 2015.
3 min read · 03 December 2014
BlueDot, a social benefit enterprise spun out of the University of Toronto's St. Michael's Hospital, has received Series A funding. The undisclosed investment was made by Hong Kong-based Horizons Ventures, the private investment arm of Asian businessman Li Ka-shing. Founded by Dr. Kamran Khan, Blue Dot is a technology company focused on assembling data to track and analyze risks posed by global infectious diseases. MaRS Innovation previously provided seed funding to the company and helped it incorporate and establish a go-to-market plan. Ontario Centres of Excellence also provided commercialization grants.
5 min read · 03 December 2014
Newtopia has secured a follow-on investment from Bloom Burton & Co, a Canadian investment banking firm specializing in the health sector. The value of the investment round was not disclosed, however, Techvibes reported it to be $2 million. Based in Toronto, Newtopia is a personalized health coaching company focused on helping individuals achieve weight loss and make healthy living decisions. Earlier this year, it received funding from insurance underwriter Argo Group US Inc. It has also been backed by Canadian venture capital firm BDC Capital and a number of angel investors.
3 min read · 03 December 2014
FATHOM, a provider of data solutions technology to water utilities, has raised a new strategic investment. The undisclosed deal was co-led by XPV Capital Corp, a Canadian venture capital firm focused on emerging water companies, and U.S. firm Silver Lake Kraftwerk. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, FATHOM has developed a software-as-a service platform that helps water utilities grow revenue, reduce costs and enhance customer service. It plans to use the capital infusion for product development and expansion of its market position. Last February, XPV obtained a commitment for its second fund, XPV Water Fund II, from Northleaf Venture Catalyst Fund.
4 min read · 03 December 2014
Borrowell has secured $5.4 million in seed-stage financing and commitments. The funds came from a mix of angel and corporate investors, including Equitable Bank, Oakwest Corp, Roger Martin, John Bitove and Dan Debow. Planning on an official launch in early 2015, the Toronto-based Borrowell has established an online lending platform intended to provide consumers with better borrowing options. Investment proceeds will be used to support the platform's launch and help the company in hiring new employees.
2 min read · 03 December 2014
Naurex Inc, a U.S.-based biopharmaceutical company that develops novel drugs for diseases of the central nervous system, has closed a US$80 million Series C financing. Investors in the round included existing backer Genesys Capital, a Canadian life sciences venture capital firm. Adams Street Partners, Baxter Ventures, Druid BioVentures, Latterell Venture Partners, PathoCapital and Savitr Capital were among the other investors. Naurex, which is headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, said the deal's proceeds will support the ongoing clinical development of its lead compounds, including GLYX-13, which treats major depressive disorder.
4 min read · 03 December 2014
Enevate Corp has disclosed that Infinite Potential Technologies LP, a fund affiliated with former Blackberry Ltd co-founder Mike Lazaridis, has provided it with financing. The investment's value was not released. Concurrent with the funding announcement, Enevate, a U.S. advanced rechargeable energy storage technology company, said Lazaridis has joined its board of directors and will contribute to its transition from R&D to mass production. Infinite Potential Technologies forms part of Quantum Valley Investments, a Waterloo, Ontario-based firm established by Lazaridis and Doug Fregin to invest in early-stage quantum technology companies.
3 min read · 02 December 2014
Videogami Inc has secured undisclosed funding from York Angel Investors. Headquartered in Toronto, Videogami has developed a cloud-based platform that allows fans to engage in live video of concerts and sporting events, and save and share content with their social networks. The company was founded in 2013. Based in Toronto, York Angel Investors is a group of accredited investors who typically invest between $150,000 and $1 million in early-stage technology companies.
2 min read · 02 December 2014
Emerald Technology Ventures, which has offices in Toronto and Zurich, Switzerland, has led an undisclosed growth investment in Optimatics, a provider of software platforms and tools that enable optimal water services. As a result of the funding deal, Emerald investment director Dr. Helge Daebel has joined the company's board of directors. Established in 1996, Optimatics operates from offices in Overland Park, Kansas and Adelaide, Australia. Emerald is focused on investing in the areas of energy, water, advanced materials and industrial information technology.
3 min read · 02 December 2014
Redlen Technologies Inc recently raised an additional $2 million in funding. BC Advantage Funds (VCC) made a $1.5 million preferred share investment in the company, with a further $500,000 coming from Redlen shareholders and directors. Headquartered in Saanichton, British Columbia, Redlen is a maker of high-resolution cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) semiconductor materials, radiation detectors and modules for the medical and security imaging industries. In March, the company secured $5.5 million in a round led by Canadian venture capital firm Pangaea Ventures.
2 min read · 01 December 2014
