Manulife Financial

Manulife Financial, a prominent Canada-based financial services company with extensive operations across Asia, Canada, and the United States, conducts its venture and growth equity investments primarily through Manulife Investment Management's Private Markets group. This division is a significant player in the global private capital landscape, focusing on a diverse range of alternative asset classes including private equity, private credit, infrastructure, timberland, and agriculture. Their approach to venture-style investments leans heavily towards strategic growth equity rather than early-stage seed or Series A funding.

Manulife's investment strategy is characterized by a focus on later-stage, growth-oriented companies that align with their core business interests, particularly in sectors such as fintech, healthtech, and insurtech. They often participate in larger funding rounds, co-investing alongside other institutional investors to provide substantial capital for expansion and market penetration. Their involvement typically aims to secure significant minority stakes in promising companies, leveraging their financial expertise and extensive network to support portfolio growth.

As a global asset manager, Manulife Investment Management commands substantial resources, managing approximately C$897 billion (US$678 billion) in assets as of the fourth quarter of 2023. This considerable asset base enables them to make meaningful commitments to their portfolio companies. For instance, Manulife has notably participated in significant funding rounds, such as Amwell's $120 million Series C round and Biofourmis's $300 million Series D round, demonstrating their capacity to contribute substantial capital to high-growth enterprises. Their direct investments typically reflect a strategic commitment to companies that have proven market traction and are poised for significant scale, distinguishing their approach from traditional early-stage venture capital firms.