Canada's venture capital landscape has seen significant growth, with Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia ranking among the top 20 regions for VC investment in North America. Between 2013 and 2017, foreign VC investment in Canada rose over 120%, and total venture capital investment reached its highest level since 2001 at $3.5 billion in 2017. VC-backed firms demonstrate superior performance and growth compared to non-VC-backed firms, marking VC as a crucial driver for innovation and economic prosperity in Canada.

1. Increased access to capital
Ontario, Quebec and
B.C. rank among the
top 20 regions for VC in
North America
(No. 7, No. 8, No. 14)
The average financing
round increased 66%
between 2012 and 2017
(to $6M)
$629,000
Year 1 Year 3 Year 5
$2M
More than 3x
spent on R&D
$43,000$66,000
Foreign VC investment
in Canada increased
by over 120% between
2013 and 2017
2017
19%29%
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Year 1 Year 3 Year 5
VC-backed firms ›
High-growth and successful exits ahead
Where the deals flow
37%
Quebec
40%
Ontario
2%
Alberta, Saskatchewan
and Manitoba
18%
British Columbia
3%
Atlantic
Canada’s venture
capital landscape
In 2017
$3.5Bin venture capital was invested
in Canadian companies.
10%
more than
the year
before and
at its
highest level
since 2001.
Total venture capital invested in Canada annually
Higher investment returns a key factor in improved performance of VC in Canada
Information and
communications
technologies
70%
VC-backed companies
outperform, outcompete and outlast
‹ Non-VC-backed firms
Higher long-term
survival rates
More investment in R&D
Greater employee growth
Greater high-value employment
Stronger revenue
VC-backed firms
Non-VC-backed firms
VC-backed firms
Non-VC-backed firms
VC-backed firms
Non-VC-backed firms
VC-back firms
Non-VC-backed firms
VC-backed firms
Non-VC-backed firms
137%almost
2.5x
the sales
growth
94%
80%
98%
91%
VS
34%
51%42%
4%
-4%
7%
61%
Life sciences
20%
Average wages Growth in average wages
2.0
1.6
1.9
3.2
3.5
2.4
Sources:
Canada’s Venture Capital Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities, BDC Capital, 2017—Venture Capital as a Catalyst for High Growth, Ryan Kelly
and Hankook Kim, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 2013—VC & PE Canadian Market Overview 2017, the Canadian Venture Capital
and Private Equity Association (CVCA), 2018—Cambridge Associates, Preqin, BDC internal data , Thomson Reuters
Canada’s VC ecosystem has made tremendous progress in recent years. VC is an essential
ingredient in developing international champions and building a more innovative, prosperous
country for the benefit of all.
Top deal Top exit
For more information,
go to bdc.ca/venturecapital
Lightspeed: $207M Luxury Retreats: $392M
Percentage of dollars invested in 2017
Agri-business,
cleantech and other
10%
bdc.ca BDC@bdc_ca BDC
* We are a limited partner in venture capital funds representing about 70% of the venture capital being actively invested in Canada.
The 10-year internal rate of return of Canadian VC funds excludes any foreign funds, private equity funds, accelerators, company creation
studios, funds of funds and BDC internal funds.
BDC* VC Funds Cambridge U.S. VC Benchmark
- 10
% September 2014 % September 2017
0
10
119%
C$ billions
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
76%
10-year IRR