After a couple of years of slower growth, Canada’s venture system is re-energized and poised to resume its expansion.
The capital needed to grow category-leading companies up north is beyond the capacity of LPs in Canada, which could make fundraising by VC managers more difficult.
Venture funds managed to raise just $15bn worldwide in Q1, a 53% decrease from about $32bn in the same quarter a year earlier.
The average fund size dropped to $115m in Q1 2024, its lowest point in about five years, according to new research from Venture Capital Journal.
Just how tough is it to raise a sophomore fund? OpenLP boldly predicts 'we could see up to 347 first-time managers exit the market' if success rates drop 5-15% from historical averages.
In just 12 months, Venture Capital Journal's list of climate-focused funds has grown to 44 funds that have raised a combined $9.5bn.
They make up just a small portion of the venture industry, but women who have managed to break into the business are thriving, judging by Venture Capital Journal's most popular stories this week.
Alaska Permanent, CalPERS and New Mexico SIC are more interested in growth equity since valuations have come down for growth-stage companies.
Allen Waldrop of Alaska Permanent Fund says the fundraising slowdown has given LPs more time to evaluate managers and find those who will outperform the broader market.
Four VC firms are betting that leveraging each other’s scientific knowledge, deal flow and professional networks can better support founders and help identify customers to help their portfolio companies survive amid capital constraints.