Research Report
Who Allocates Canada's Venture Capital?
An analysis of institutional participation and capital allocation across Canada's venture ecosystem.
Venture Canada partners with leading academics to produce independent research that informs institutional decisions, public policy, and long-term market development.
An analysis of institutional participation and capital allocation across Canada's venture ecosystem.
Examining how Canadian venture funds are structured, capitalized, and scaled.
A data-driven analysis of sector and geographic allocation.
How capital moves, who allocates it, incentives, portfolio construction, institutional participation.
How Canadian venture funds are formed, structured, capitalized and governed.
Commercialization, talent, productivity, technology transfer and company formation.
Tax, regulation, government programs, pension capital, immigration, procurement, policy design.
M&A, IPOs, liquidity, recycling of capital and the ability to produce durable returns.
The Research Lab supports collaborative research by connecting university scholars, research fellows, and institutional partners around questions relevant to Canada's venture ecosystem.
| Project | Program | Status |
|---|---|---|
| The State of Canadian Venture Capital Allocation | Capital Allocation | In progress |
| Canadian Fund Formation 2026 | Fund Formation | In progress |
| University Commercialization Study | Innovation Economy | Upcoming |
The Venture Canada Research Institute is an independent, non-profit organisation advancing understanding of Canada's venture capital ecosystem. It connects academic rigor with market practice, delivering data-driven insights that shape capital allocation, fund design, public policy, and long-term economic growth.
The Institute combines academic research, empirical analysis, and industry expertise to examine the forces shaping Canadian venture capital. Its independent, evidence-based research informs scholars, institutions, policymakers, and market participants.
The Institute operates as an independent non-profit with governance and oversight designed to protect research integrity, ensure transparency, and maintain independence from commercial interests.
The Research Council brings together academics and subject-matter experts across five core areas: Capital Allocation, Fund Formation, Innovation Economy, Public Policy, and Exit Markets. Members guide research priorities and provide academic perspective and oversight.