NBIF Venture Capital Fund
NB, Canada
Venture capital for high-risk, growth oriented New Brunswick companies
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateMay 21, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Loans and Capital investments
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- New Brunswick Innovation Foundation
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grant_card_status|closed
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If you're on the verge of taking your product to market, you may be able to access $200,000 to $500,000 in venture capital.
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This grant is available to companies located in the province of New Brunswick, Canada. The eligible location is aimed at supporting the regional start-up ecosystem and ensuring local economic growth.
- Companies based in New Brunswick.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$400,000
Enhancing software for remote education
$325,000
Developing a mobile app for mental health services
$400,000
Developing advanced AI systems for financial institutions
$300,000
Creating a marketing campaign for eco-friendly products
$300,000
Establishing a food cooperative for local farmers
$350,000
Launching a new e-commerce platform for artisan crafts
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this venture capital investment is determined by specific criteria related to the start-up's profile and potential for growth.
- The company must be a start-up based in New Brunswick with demonstrated market traction.
- The company should have meaningful revenue generation and a growing team to support increased product demand.
- The management team should include co-founders and be well-rounded with domain or technical expertise in the market space.
- There should be interest from new investors and successful acquisition of non-dilutive capital, such as grants or loans.
- The company must have a minimum viable product and ideally possess potential for intellectual property.
- A large addressable and target market should be identified with globally relevant market validation from customers.
- The company must have a minimum of 12-18 months of financial runway.
- Three-year financial projections are required, including monthly details for the first year and quarterly details for the following two years.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This venture capital fund offers seed investment for New Brunswick start-ups exhibiting market traction and preparation for scaling-up. The program seeks companies with specific traits that ensure success and rapid growth.
- Companies generating meaningful revenue and showing market traction.
- A well-rounded team located in New Brunswick, including co-founders and management with domain expertise.
- Start-ups capable of securing interest from new investors.
- Businesses that have previously received non-dilutive capital such as grants or loans.
- Proven potential for rapid scaling and a large addressable target market.
- Globally relevant products with market validation from customers.
- A track record or potential for securing intellectual property, though not mandatory.
- Demonstrated minimum viable product and a unique business model.
- Ability to show financial projections (12-18 months runway) with detailed forecasts.
- Outline of a strategic plan for raising additional funding rounds.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant.
- Companies without customers or market traction
- Companies that do not have a scalable business model
- Companies with limited growth potential
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The seed investment from the Venture Capital Fund is designed to support activities that help New Brunswick start-ups enhance their products and expand their market reach. These activities focus on essential business operations that facilitate growth and competitive positioning in the market.
- Enhancement of existing products to meet market needs.
- Marketing and branding initiatives to increase customer acquisition.
- Recruitment of employees to expand operational capacity.
- Acquiring additional intellectual property protection.
- Supporting other early-stage business operations necessary for growth.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Seed investment from the Venture Capital Fund is intended to cover specific early-stage business operations and growth-related expenses.
- Product enhancement.
- Marketing and branding activities.
- Employee recruitment.
- Acquiring additional intellectual property protection.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this venture capital fund are based on specific criteria to ensure that the investment aligns with the fund’s objectives of scaling innovative start-ups in New Brunswick.
- Potential to scale rapidly.
- Presence of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
- Novel concept or unique business model.
- Large and addressable target market.
- Market validation from customers, indicating global relevance.
- Strong team with co-founders and a well-rounded management team located in New Brunswick.
- Domain or technical expertise in the market space.
- Financial projections for three years, with monthly details for the first year, and quarterly for the subsequent two years.
- A minimum runway of 12-18 months.
- Evidence of interest from new investors and receipt of non-dilutive capital.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Review Eligibility Criteria
- Ensure that your start-up is based in New Brunswick and aligns with the investment criteria such as market traction and revenue generation.
- Verify that your company has a strong team and the potential for scalability.
- Step 2: Prepare Your Pitch
- Develop a compelling presentation outlining your product, market potential, and business model.
- Highlight your traction, financial projections, and plans for future investment rounds.
- Step 3: Gather Required Documentation
- Collect relevant documents including financial projections, proof of market traction, team bios, and any IP information.
- Prepare a detailed business plan emphasizing the use of the funds for business growth.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Contact the VCF via the provided email or application portal (if available) to submit your application and pitch materials.
- Ensure all documents are included and formatted according to the fund provider’s specifications.
- Step 5: Follow Up
- Wait for confirmation of receipt and provide any additional information if requested by the fund provider.
- Prepare for potential meetings with the VCF for further discussions on your application.
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Here are additional relevant details for the applicant to consider:
- Investments are made through preferred shares, common shares, or convertible debentures.
- The start-up should have milestones laid out for raising additional rounds of financing.
- Having a co-founder and a well-rounded management team is emphasized.
- Investments aim to deliver decisions promptly post due diligence and approvals.
Apply to this program
Fueling New Brunswick Start-Ups with Seed Investment
This Venture Capital Fund offers substantial equity investment opportunities to New Brunswick start-ups with proven market traction and customer bases. The fund focuses on helping these businesses scale further by providing capital through preferred shares, common shares, or convertible debentures.
Empowering Start-Ups to Scale Through Strategic Investment
The Venture Capital Fund dedicated to New Brunswick's start-ups is a pivotal resource for burgeoning businesses seeking to enhance their market presence. With investments ranging from $200,000 to $500,000 per round, the fund is designed to empower start-ups with the financial backing necessary to support rapid growth within a highly competitive environment. This financial injection is instrumental in enabling companies to optimize product development, amplify branding efforts, recruit top talent, secure intellectual property, and fortify operational capabilities over an estimated period of 12 to 18 months.
A critical aspect of this fund is its focus on businesses that demonstrate clear market traction. This includes evidence of meaningful revenue generation, an expanding team in response to growing product demand, and positive recognition from new investors. Additionally, companies that have successfully secured non-dilutive capital in the form of grants or loans exhibit a robust foundation and are more attractive candidates for this funding. The capability to showcase a comprehensive plan for future investment rounds with distinct milestones is particularly valued, emphasizing the importance of strategic foresight in securing larger subsequent financing rounds.
Beyond financial metrics, this investment fund looks closely at the qualitative aspects of a start-up. The potential for scalable growth and the novelty of the business model or product are essential considerations. While intellectual property, though not imperative, can enhance a company’s potential for long-term success, what truly differentiates prospective recipients is their ability to carve a niche in large, addressable markets. A global relevance combined with solid customer market validation further reassures the fund of a start-up’s potential impact and longevity.
The strength of the team leading the company is a standout criterion. The presence of co-founders and a robust management team seated in New Brunswick with domain-specific or technical expertise is paramount to navigating the challenges of scaling operations successfully. Furthermore, start-ups are expected to maintain a minimum operational runway of 12-18 months, supported by detailed three-year financial projections. This expectation underlines a commitment to strategic and financially sound planning, vital to the sustainability and resilience of the business.
The fund's commitment to due diligence ensures that every investment is well-grounded, with decisions being expediently made to accommodate the fast-paced nature of start-up growth. This systematic approach to identifying and nurturing innovative businesses not only contributes to the dynamic economic landscape of New Brunswick but also aligns with broader objectives of fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.