Brightspark Ventures

Brightspark Ventures is a leading Canadian venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage technology companies. Founded in 1999, Brightspark has evolved from a tech incubator into a powerhouse investor in Canada’s tech ecosystem, backing startups from pre-seed to Series A. Their portfolio includes standout companies like Hopper, a unicorn in the travel-tech space, and Potloc, a B2B data platform. The firm invests primarily in sectors like SaaS, fintech, AI, and deep tech, with a mission to democratize venture capital through its innovative model that allows accredited investors to participate via Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs). Their geographic focus is Canada, but their investments also extend into the U.S. market. Brightspark typically leads or co-leads investment rounds, deploying checks ranging from $1 million to $3 million. They focus heavily on finding groundbreaking technologies and entrepreneurial teams capable of reshaping industries. As of 2024, the firm manages over $75 million in assets and has recently launched its second Canadian Opportunities Fund to capitalize on the momentum in the Canadian tech market. Led by partners like Mark Skapinker and Sophie Forest, Brightspark combines decades of experience with a hands-on approach, providing mentorship and operational support to their portfolio companies, driving their success from seed stages to high-profile exits.