Desjardins Venture Capital

Desjardins Venture Capital serves as the dedicated venture capital fund management arm of Mouvement Desjardins, Canada's largest financial cooperative. Based in Lévis, Quebec, this entity plays a crucial role in fostering economic development and innovation within the province by providing growth capital to promising businesses. Its mandate extends to supporting a diverse range of Quebec-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a particular emphasis on the technology sector.

Under its umbrella, Desjardins Venture Capital manages several specialized funds, including the Desjardins Innovatech fund, the Desjardins Capital de risque Growth fund, and the Desjardins Capital de risque Seed fund. These distinct vehicles allow the firm to cater to companies at various stages of their lifecycle, from early-stage startups to more mature businesses seeking expansion capital. The broader Desjardins Capital, which encompasses Desjardins Venture Capital's activities, has demonstrated a significant commitment to the Quebec economy, having made over 550 investments totaling more than $2.2 billion since its inception.

The firm's investment strategy is characterized by its long-term perspective and commitment to providing patient capital. For instance, the Desjardins Innovatech fund, launched in 2017, was established with a substantial C$100 million allocation specifically to support technology companies. Typical first cheque sizes for Desjardins Venture Capital, particularly through its Innovatech fund, generally range from C$250,000 to C$10 million. This translates to approximately US$182,500 to US$7,300,000, reflecting its capacity to support both emerging ventures and those requiring more substantial growth financing. The firm not only provides capital but also offers strategic guidance and access to Desjardins' extensive network, aiming to accelerate the growth and success of its portfolio companies.