“A smooth funding continuum reduces frictions in the capital raising process, which allows entrepreneurs to better focus on building their businesses and avoid early exits,” said Claudio Rojas, CEO of NACO. “NACO remains focused on supporting early-stage capital for Canadian entrepreneurs. In activating more angel activity across both urban centres and emerging regional ecosystems, NACO’s programming has expanded to address the scale-up funding gap between angel and venture capital,” commented Rojas.
NACO is also opening a new regional headquarters in Calgary as part of its support for the western region, which its research shows has untapped pools of capital.
“Expanding angel activity will allow emerging ecosystems, including Western Canada, to successfully diversify their economies, promote inclusive economic prosperity, and benefit from growth in the innovation sector” added Rojas. “Enhancing national connectivity benefits entrepreneurs in all communities and regions across the country. Urban centres have an important role to play in flowing investment into non-urban communities.”
As well as increased interest in angel investing, Canada is also seeing strong venture capital investments.
Ontario success
Northern Ontario has successfully tapped its regional pool of angel capital and is home to the most successful angel investment group in North America, Northern Ontario Angels.
