Kirk Falconer

Velofix, a Vancouver-based full-service mobile bike shop operator, has secured undisclosed financing from a fund managed by Canadian growth equity firm MacKinnon, Bennett & Co (MKB). Launched in 2013 by CEO Chris Guillemet, President Davide Xausa and Vice President Boris Martin, Velofix has since expanded through franchising. The round's proceeds will be used by the company for expanding across North America, enhancing its technology and scaling its marketing activity. Last year, MKB raised more than $50 million for MKB Partners Fund LP to invest in the clean energy, smart city and transportation sectors.

Velofix, a Vancouver-based full-service mobile bike shop operator, has secured undisclosed financing from a fund managed by Canadian growth equity firm MacKinnon, Bennett & Co (MKB). Launched in 2013 by CEO Chris Guillemet, President Davide Xausa and Vice President Boris Martin, Velofix has since expanded through franchising. The round's proceeds will be used by the company for expanding across North America, enhancing its technology and scaling its marketing activity. Last year, MKB raised more than $50 million for MKB Partners Fund LP to invest in the clean energy, smart city and transportation sectors.

StandUp Ventures, part of a small but fast-growing group of Canadian women-focused venture firms, held the second close of its inaugural fund, raising C$18 million ($13.4 million). StandUp Ventures Fund I secured additional commitments from CIBC, Export Development Canada, Northleaf Venture Catalyst Fund II, RBC and Vancity, a news release said. The new limited partners […]

StandUp Ventures, part of a small but fast-growing group of Canadian women-focused venture firms, held the second close of its inaugural fund, raising $18 million. StandUp Ventures Fund I secured additional commitments from CIBC, Export Development Canada, Northleaf Venture Catalyst Fund II, RBC and Vancity, a news release said. The new limited partners joined BDC Capital, which helped anchor the fund’s launch in 2017. With the second close, Fund I surpassed its original goal of $15 million. The Toronto firm, overseen by MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund, is now targeting a final close of $25 million.

U.S. impact venture capital firm S CAP has made an undisclosed investment in Libre Naturals, a Duncan, British Columbia-based maker of allergen-free snacks and cereals. Founded in 2012 by President Alana Elliott, Libre Naturals makes granola bars, protein bars, unbaked granolas and oatmeal cups that are free of the top 10 food allergens as well as gluten-free. Libre Naturals sells its products online and through select retailers in Canada and the United States. It expects to grow distribution across new retail channels over the next few months. S CAP invests in clean technology and food and beverage companies.

U.S. impact venture capital firm S CAP has made an undisclosed investment in Libre Naturals, a Duncan, British Columbia-based maker of allergen-free snacks and cereals. Founded in 2012 by President Alana Elliott, Libre Naturals makes granola bars, protein bars, unbaked granolas and oatmeal cups that are free of the top 10 food allergens as well as gluten-free. Libre Naturals sells its products online and through select retailers in Canada and the United States. It expects to grow distribution across new retail channels over the next few months. S CAP invests in clean technology and food and beverage companies.

Version One Ventures has invested in Dolly, a Seattle, Washington-based same-day retail delivery service. Version One, a Canadian early-stage venture capital firm, backed the US$7.5 million financing of Dolly, announced this month. The round was led by Unlock Venture Partners and joined by Maveron. Launched in 2014 and led by CEO Mike Howell, Dolly provides a peer-to-peer marketplace to connect individuals and businesses with local truck owners to move, deliver or haul items. It will use the funds raised to enter new markets and facilitate plans to expand nationally and globally.

Vancouver-based pharmaceutical company ESSA Pharma Inc (Nasdaq: EPIX; TSX-V: EPI) has agreed to acquire Realm Therapeutics Plc (Nasdaq: RLM), a Malvern, Pennsylvania-based maker of therapies for treating immune-mediated diseases. The all-stock deal values Realm's issued and outstanding shares at about US$21.5 million. It is expected to close by mid-year. The acquisition is supported by ESSA investor Clarus Ventures, a U.S. life sciences venture capital firm acquired by Blackstone Group last year. ESSA is also backed by Omega Funds. Founded in 2009, ESSA is focused on developing therapies for treating prostate and other cancers. It said the acquisition is intended to be supplemented by a financing involving insiders and other investors.

Vancouver-based pharmaceutical company ESSA Pharma Inc (Nasdaq: EPIX; TSX-V: EPI) has agreed to acquire Realm Therapeutics Plc (Nasdaq: RLM), a Malvern, Pennsylvania-based maker of therapies for treating immune-mediated diseases. The all-stock deal values Realm's issued and outstanding shares at about US$21.5 million. It is expected to close by mid-year. The acquisition is supported by ESSA investor Clarus Ventures, a U.S. life sciences venture capital firm acquired by Blackstone Group last year. ESSA is also backed by Omega Funds. Founded in 2009, ESSA is focused on developing therapies for treating prostate and other cancers. It said the acquisition is intended to be supplemented by a financing involving insiders and other investors.