ventureLAB Unveils Canada’s First Hardware Angel Network

MARKHAM, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ventureLAB announced the launch of the Hardware Angel Network (HAN), the only hardware and deep-tech focused investor network supporting pre-seed and seed stage startups in the country at York Region’s #YRtech pavilion at Collision today. The network catalyzes investments in the Canadian hardware and deep-tech sectors by providing opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships, syndication of deals, and collaboration on due diligence to support investment in early-stage Canadian companies throughout the ecosystem.

“We’re at the peak of the hardware revolution and it’s only fitting that we now take a step forward to strengthen the ecosystem with the launch of the hardware and deep-tech network,” said Matt Skynner, Chief Operating Officer at ventureLAB. “The Hardware Angel Network is committed to supporting startups in their investor journey and we look forward to playing a role in connecting them with unique industry leaders, hardware investors, academia, non-profit organizations and more. Building the right environment is the utmost priority of our network, to create a space for startups to thrive, grow and scale locally, and compete globally.”

Tailored to the needs of hardware startups, the Hardware Angel Network will offer curated select investment opportunities of high potential to support foundational companies who are building transformational products and solutions that have global impact. This initiative also aims to bridge the divide for Canadian hardware and semiconductor companies looking to raise critical funds to develop state-of-the-art technologies.

With HAN, companies will be able to validate and prototype their technology through ventureLAB's state-of-the-art Hardware Catalyst Initiative lab to de-risk and accelerate their development process, making them more attractive prospects for investors.

“As a member of this Network, I’m excited about connecting with amazing Canadian homegrown startups and on their deep-tech journeys. It’s a joy to offer my support and share my experiences in building deep-tech startups to those who need them most,” said Raymond Chik, an angel investor.

More than 25 investors have committed to support the Hardware Angel Network from Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia. The committed members include:
Angel Forum, Angel One Investor Network, Boreal Ventures, ExCap Advisors, The Firehood, Golden Triangle Angel Network, Good News Ventures, iGan Partners, i4 Capital, IX Labs, Maple Leaf Angels, Panda Angel Partners, RiSC Capital, Spark Angel Network, and angel investors including Julia Elvidge, Geoffrey Goad, Paul Slaby, Raymond Chik and Ted Graham.

We are also thrilled to announce that various private sector partners have committed their support, including Sterling Industries, a North American based contract manufacturer and assembler of medical devices, as well as highly-regarded IP law firm Bereskin & Parr and funding platform Easly. Please refer to our website here for the full list of committed members.

ventureLAB is Canada’s only lab and incubator for hardware and semiconductor companies. ventureLAB is located in York Region – Canada’s second largest tech hub with more than 4,600 ICT companies – and is one of the most diverse tech communities in the heart of Ontario’s innovation corridor.

To learn more about the Hardware Angel Network please visit www.venturelab.ca/hardware-angel-network

About ventureLAB

ventureLAB is a leading global founder community for hardware technology and enterprise software companies in Canada. ventureLAB’s initiatives focused on raising capital, talent retention, commercializing technology and IP, and customer acquisition have enabled thousands of companies to create over 5,000 jobs and raise more than $340 million in investment capital. At ventureLAB, we grow globally competitive tech titans that build-to-scale in Canada, for global markets.

About Hardware Angel Network

At the Hardware Angel Network, we are improving access to capital for Canadian deep-tech and hardware companies by bringing together a community of aligned investors. We are creating the largest community of hardware and deep-tech investors in Canada.