Startup investors in Ottawa
The angel network, seed funds and programs that take applications from founders in Ottawa, Gatineau and Kanata, what each publishes about itself, and how to reach it.
Who invests in startups in Ottawa?
Ottawa founders usually start with Capital Angel Network, which has backed 180 companies across Ottawa, Gatineau and Kanata. Maple Bridge Ventures, a seed fund for immigrant founders, has an Ottawa office, and Invest Ottawa's accelerator connects growing companies with angels and venture capitalists. National funds such as BDC Capital and Panache Ventures also take applications from Ottawa.
Angel networks in Ottawa
| Network | How it works | Who it looks for | Fees | How to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital Angel Network | Serves Ottawa, Gatineau and Kanata. Screens 40 to 110+ applications a month; a selection committee hears more than 50 pitches a year. Members build their own portfolios and share due diligence. Average investment $200,000 across new and follow-on deals. | Early-stage companies in software, hardware, clean tech, agtech, biotech, SaaS and more | Not stated on site | "Founders apply for investment" (Dealum) on its site; application deadlines are on its 2026 calendar |
Funds that invest in Ottawa startups
| Fund | Stage | Published first cheque | Focus and eligibility | How to pitch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maple Bridge Ventures | Pre-seed, seed | $250,000 to $1 million | Immigrant founders in Canada building in agrifood tech, health tech or enterprise AI; offices in Ottawa, Toronto and Waterloo | "Pitch us" on its site, or [email protected] |
| BDC Capital Seed Venture Fund | Seed | Not published; a $100 million fund | Leads seed rounds across Canada in software and hardware | Contact form on its page |
Mistral Venture Partners, whose team includes Ottawa-based partners, writes first cheques of $750,000 to $1.5 million at pre-seed and seed for AI-native B2B founders in Canada and the US, from a $75 million fund. Its site does not describe how to pitch. Celtic House Venture Partners invests at the early growth stage, after product-market fit, so it suits a later round.
Programs that put founders in front of investors
- Invest Ottawa IO Accelerator. A milestone-driven program for Canadian-owned tech companies with headquarters or a full-time founder in the National Capital Region, a hardware or software product, at least $100,000 in annual revenue or $1 million raised, and at least 40% yearly growth in revenue or headcount. It connects companies with angel investors and venture capitalists when they're ready. Apply through Invest Ottawa's application portal.
Which route fits your company?
| If your situation is… | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| An early-stage tech company in Ottawa, Gatineau or Kanata | Capital Angel Network | Its stated region and stage |
| An immigrant founder in agrifood tech, health tech or enterprise AI | Maple Bridge Ventures | Its published mandate |
| Over $100,000 in revenue (or $1 million raised) and growing 40% a year | Invest Ottawa IO Accelerator | Its published eligibility |
| Looking for a fund to lead a seed round | BDC Capital Seed Venture Fund | It says it leads |
Meeting an organization's criteria means you can apply, not that it will invest.
Work to the angel network's calendar.
Capital Angel Network sets application deadlines through the year, so the date you apply decides when you pitch.
What should you have ready before you apply?
- Capital Angel Network's 2026 deadlines, from its calendar.
- Revenue and growth figures, if you're applying to the IO Accelerator.
- A deck for the fund forms.
For how to run the raise itself, see how to raise a seed round. For the wider Ottawa startup scene, see the Ottawa startup guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Capital Angel Network invest?
Its average investment is $200,000, across new and follow-on deals. Members choose their own investments.
Does Capital Angel Network cover Gatineau?
Yes. It serves Ottawa, Gatineau and Kanata.
Who can join Invest Ottawa's accelerator?
Canadian-owned tech companies with headquarters or a full-time founder in the National Capital Region, at least $100,000 in annual revenue or $1 million raised, and 40% yearly growth in revenue or headcount.
Which Ottawa fund backs immigrant founders?
Maple Bridge Ventures invests $250,000 to $1 million at pre-seed and seed in immigrant founders in Canada.