Startup investors in Montreal
The angel network, seed funds and programs that take applications from founders in Montreal and across Quebec, what each publishes about itself, and how to reach it.
Who invests in startups in Montreal?
Montreal founders usually start with Anges Québec, a network of more than 200 angel investors from across the province. Early-stage funds with Montreal offices include Panache Ventures and the fintech fund Luge Capital. Free programs such as District 3 and Centech help founders get ready, and Creative Destruction Lab runs a Montreal site.
One well-known Montreal fund, Real Ventures, says on its site that it is currently focused on its existing companies rather than new investments, so check before you approach it.
Angel networks in Montreal
| Network | How it works | Who it looks for | Fees | How to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anges Québec | More than 200 members from 15 Quebec regions; members have invested close to $171 million in 200 companies | Seed and early-stage startups based in Quebec or planning an office there. A minimum viable product is required; sales are not. All sectors, but not projects whose main goal is research and development. Requests of at least $300,000; rounds that combine non-dilutive and dilutive funding are favoured. | Not stated on site | "Request funding" on its Entrepreneurs page |
Funds that invest in Montreal startups
| Fund | Stage | Published terms | Focus and eligibility | How to pitch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panache Ventures | Pre-seed | Up to $1.5 million, from a $100 million fund | Technology founders in any sector; office in Montreal | Deck submission form |
| Luge Capital | Early stage | Not published. Closed a $96 million second fund in September 2024 | Fintech companies in Canada or the US with a full-time team; offices in Montreal and Toronto | "Investment Opportunity" form on its contact page |
Programs that put founders in front of investors
- District 3. Free programs that take no equity, and founders keep their IP. Validation is for early-stage startups testing their business model; Launch & Grow is for startups with proven traction and includes fundraising preparation, pitch practice and introductions to investors. Apply through its site.
- Centech. A free 12-week Accélération program for technology ventures built on science and engineering, plus a 2-year Propulsion program. Applications open through calls for projects; the current Accélération call runs until December 1, with information sessions on November 3 and November 26, 2026.
- Creative Destruction Lab, Montreal. A non-profit program for science- and technology-based ventures. No fees and no equity; mentors may invest separately.
Which route fits your company?
| If your situation is… | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Quebec-based, with a minimum viable product, raising $300,000 or more | Anges Québec | Its published criteria |
| A fintech company in Canada or the US with a full-time team | Luge Capital | Its stated scope |
| Early stage and testing your business model, without giving up equity | District 3 Validation | Free, no equity |
| A science- or engineering-based technology venture | Centech; Creative Destruction Lab | Their stated focus; both free |
Meeting an organization's criteria means you can apply, not that it will invest.
Check whether a fund is investing before you pitch it.
Some well-known funds pause new investments between funds; Real Ventures says on its own site that it is focused on existing companies right now.
What should you have ready before you apply?
- A minimum viable product, which Anges Québec requires.
- Any non-dilutive funding you have or expect, since Anges Québec favours combined rounds.
- A deck for the fund forms (Panache, Luge).
For how to run the raise itself, see how to raise a seed round. For selling in Quebec and the Charter of the French language, see selling in Quebec.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be in Quebec to pitch Anges Québec?
Anges Québec favours companies based in Quebec or planning to open an office there.
How much do I need to raise to apply to Anges Québec?
At least $300,000.
Do I need revenue for Anges Québec?
No. It requires a minimum viable product but not sales.
Is Real Ventures investing?
Its site says it is currently focused on supporting its existing companies, with follow-on investments in progress, so new investments are not its focus right now.
What does District 3 cost?
Nothing. Its programs are free, it takes no equity, and founders keep their IP.