MaRS relaunches Capital Programme to connect startups with global VC

MaRS Discovery District has relaunched its Capital Programme to provide global investors with curated access to early-stage Canadian technology startups.

The revamped Capital Programme aims to connect both domestic and international investors to a select portfolio of seed and Series A companies that are currently fundraising. The initiative supports startups by assisting with the development of their capital strategy, refining their pitch, and providing them with relevant market intelligence.

In the previous year, MaRS-supported ventures collectively raised more than USD $1.1 billion, highlighting the scale and impact of its ecosystem. The relaunched Capital Programme is structured to build upon this momentum by delivering targeted dealflow to investors seeking exposure to Canadian innovation.

Liam Gill, Head of the Capital Programme at MaRS, outlined the organisation's approach and the value provided to investors.

"Our job is to find Canada's most promising startups, get them investor-ready, then deliver highly curated dealflow to investors," says Liam Gill, who heads up the Capital Programme at MaRS.

The focus is on giving investors early visibility into opportunities and reducing the time spent on identifying suitable ventures. According to Gill, the Programme also aims to lower the barriers for international investors examining the Canadian market.

"Our goal is to make it easier to invest in Canada. In 2024, 13 percent of all venture capital deployed in Canada went to MaRS-supported ventures. If you want to find Canada's next breakout startup, they are likely at MaRS," says Gill.

The Capital Programme annually selects between 20 and 30 high-potential startups that operate in sectors termed as strategic. These sectors include artificial intelligence, defence and dual-use technologies, enterprise solutions, climate technology, health, and educational technology.

MaRS Connect

In addition to the physical and advisory components of the Capital Programme, investors are provided with access to MaRS Connect. This digital platform offers detailed profiles of participating startups, up-to-date traction data, and real-time insights into fundraising activities by sector. The platform also hosts curated demo events and facilitates warm introductions to startups.

MaRS Connect is designed to act as a signal for qualified opportunities, reflecting insights and developments from across Canada's innovation economy as observed by MaRS staff engaging with hundreds of ventures.

Global reach

The program is structured with global investors in mind, in particular investors and venture funds from the United States interested in entering the Canadian market. Through the Capital Programme, MaRS serves as a gateway for these groups, providing access to startups that have already begun to establish themselves in their fields of operation.

"Canada produces exceptional talent and IP," says Gill. "We offer a low-friction, efficient way to access companies that are already proving themselves in-market."

The trusted-access model of the MaRS Capital Programme aims to differ from traditional sourcing approaches, where investors often rely on inbound pitches or informal networks. According to Gill, the structure provided by MaRS offers a scalable alternative.

"The best opportunities often don't show up in your inbox, they show up through trusted networks," says Gill. "We've built MaRS Capital to be that trusted network, at scale."

Addressing the funding gap

The relaunch places emphasis on a persistent challenge for Canadian startups, referred to as the "seed-to-scale" gap. This issue often sees promising companies relocating to the United States in search of late seed or Series A capital. By providing structured support and a direct connection to global investors, MaRS hopes to help keep these companies operating and growing within Canada.

"We're making it easier for great Canadian companies to raise here and easier for global investors to find them," says Gill. "That''s a win for both sides."