Invest Nova Scotia — Investment
grant_single|update January 24, 2025
NS, Canada
Early stage investment for Nova Scotia innovators
grant_single_labels|menu_summary
grant_single_labels|menu_preview
grant_single_labels|menu_terms_and_conditions
grant_single_labels|menu_projects
grant_single_labels|menu_admissibility
grant_single_labels|menu_criteria
grant_single_labels|menu_apply
grant_single_labels|menu_otherInfo
grant_single_labels|menu_contact
grant_single_labels_website|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Loans and Capital investments
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
- Finance and insurance
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Nova Scotia
- Invest Nova Scotia
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels_website|preview
Venture capital fund targeting emerging venture-grade technology companies with high growth potential and attractive risk-return prospects in Nova Scotia.
grant_single_labels_website|terms_and_conditions
This investment provides strategic financing options to enhance the growth potential of Nova Scotia-based high-growth start-ups. The funding terms ensure alignment with industry standards and collaboration with various partners.
- Investments are made alongside private and public limited partners, following standard industry terms.
- The maximum investment from Invest Nova Scotia is up to 25% of the fund's total committed capital, capped at $10 million.
- Management fees and carried interest apply as per standard industry practices.
grant_single_labels_website|projects
This grant supports venture capital funds that invest in high-growth start-ups in Nova Scotia. The eligible projects focus on fostering a robust venture capital ecosystem and enhancing the availability of capital for innovative enterprises in the province.
- Developing and managing venture capital funds targeting high-growth Nova Scotia-based start-ups.
- Strategies to maintain a strong presence in Nova Scotia to build a pipeline of local start-up investments.
- Initiatives that attract additional capital from limited partners and co-investors to the region.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 7,000,000
Establishment of a venture fund supporting AI start-ups
$ 8,000,000
Funding a venture capital initiative for green technology startups
$ 7,500,000
Development of a venture capital fund to support Fintech start-ups
$ 7,500,000
Creation of a venture capital fund to support blockchain start-ups
$ 7,000,000
Creation of a venture capital fund supporting health tech start-ups
$ 6,900,000
Creation of a venture capital fund for agricultural technology start-ups
grant_single_labels_website|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for this grant require venture capital funds to meet several key conditions.
- Applicants must be venture capital funds that are currently raising a venture capital fund.
- They must commit to deploying 100% of Invest Nova Scotia’s investment in Nova Scotia-based high-growth start-ups.
- The funds must be committed to maintaining a Nova Scotia presence to develop a pipeline of Nova Scotia-based start-ups and current investment opportunities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants are venture capital funds that are currently raising a venture capital fund, committed to deploying 100% of Invest Nova Scotia's investment in Nova Scotia-based high-growth start-ups, and committed to maintaining a presence in Nova Scotia to develop a pipeline of start-ups and investment opportunities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This fund investment aims to bolster Nova Scotia's venture capital ecosystem through collaboration with venture capital funds. The eligible activities are centered around investing in and nurturing high-growth start-ups within Nova Scotia.
- Investing in high-growth start-ups based in Nova Scotia to help them scale and succeed.
- Fostering diverse and sustainable portfolios of venture capital funds in Nova Scotia.
- Attracting additional capital through partnerships with other venture capital entities.
- Focusing on start-ups from underserved regions or those led by underrepresented founders in Nova Scotia.
- Developing infrastructure and resources required for a vibrant local venture capital market.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant supports venture capital funds investing in Nova Scotia-based high-growth start-ups. Eligible geographical areas focus on fostering economic growth within Nova Scotia.
- Investments targeting high-growth start-ups located within Nova Scotia.
grant_single_labels_website|criteria
The evaluation and selection of venture capital funds for investment by Invest Nova Scotia are based on the following criteria to strengthen the venture capital ecosystem in the province.
- Management: fund management or venture investing experience; operational experience; investment and sector networks; demonstrated track record; expertise and skillsets; diversity; team composition; succession plan.
- Investment Thesis: investment strategy; unique competitive advantage or differentiator; deal flow; governance structure including due diligence, selection and approval processes.
- Fund Structure: management fees; compensation structure; governance and reporting frameworks (e.g., investment committee and limited partner advisory committee); ESG and DEI strategies.
- Traction: market validation; committed and pipeline capital; investments made to date; fundraising strategy.
- Nova Scotia Impact: strength of Nova Scotia presence; focus on key strategic sector(s); focus on underserved founders or regions; ability to attract outside capital via limited partners and co-investors.
grant_single_labels_website|apply
1
Initial Contact
Reach out to Invest Nova Scotia via email at info@investnovascotia.ca or call 1.800.260.6682 or 902.424.8670 to express interest and gather more information about the application process.
2
Expression of Interest
Submit an expression of interest outlining the venture capital fund’s goals, management team, and commitment to investing in Nova Scotia-based start-ups.
3
Application Review
Upon submission, Invest Nova Scotia will review the expression of interest and determine if it meets their criteria for further consideration.
4
Interview Process
If shortlisted, participate in an interview conducted by internal and external venture capital professionals.
5
Due Diligence
Undergo a thorough due diligence process assessing various criteria such as management experience, investment thesis, and Nova Scotia impact.
6
Final Application Submission
Submit any additional documentation requested during due diligence to complete the application process.
grant_single_labels_website|otherInfo
Invest Nova Scotia offers venture capital funds investing in high-growth start-ups access to investments with a focus on developing the venture capital ecosystem in Nova Scotia.
- Focus on strengthening Nova Scotia’s venture capital ecosystem
- Increase venture capital available to Nova Scotia’s high-growth start-ups
- Diversify access to venture capital
- Evaluation includes fund management experience, investment thesis, fund structure, and Nova Scotia impact
- Commitment to deploying 100% of Invest Nova Scotia’s investment in Nova Scotia-based high-growth start-ups
- Maximum investment size is up to 25% of total committed capital in a fund, up to $10 million
grant_single_labels_website|contact
info@investnovascotia.ca
1.800.260.6682
Apply to this program
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
Nova Scotia, Canada
Financing to accelerate growth in Atlantic Canada
Tax Creditsgrant_card_status|open
Nova Scotia, Canada
Tax incentive encouraging investment in innovative Nova Scotia businesses
Tax Creditsgrant_card_status|open
Nova Scotia, Canada
Refundable tax credit for interactive digital media development in Nova Scotia
Tax Creditsgrant_card_status|closed
Nova Scotia, Canada
Tax credit for R&D in Nova Scotia
Tax Creditsgrant_card_status|closed
Nova Scotia, Canada
Tax credit for digital animation in Nova Scotia
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
Nova Scotia, Canada
Funding for innovation, infrastructure and science projects in the Atlantic
Wage Subsidies And Internsgrant_card_status|open
Nova Scotia, Canada
Financial incentives for Nova Scotia employers with a labour need
Wage Subsidies And Internsgrant_card_status|open
Nova Scotia, Canada
Subsidized intern to help combat climate change
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
Nova Scotia, Canada
Support for Nova Scotia skills development
Expert Advicegrant_card_status|open
Nova Scotia, Canada
Development support for Atlantic exporting companies