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Real Ventures is a leading Canadian early-stage venture capital firm, investing in and supporting emerging technology companies. It provides capital and strategic guidance to nascent businesses, targeting transformative Canadian technology leaders. The firm's philosophy prioritizes empowering founders to scale ventures, fostering innovative, future-oriented solutions across diverse sectors.
The firm was co-founded in 2007 by John Stokes, Alan MacIntosh, and JS Cournoyer. John Stokes, an experienced angel investor, identified a need for structured support for passionate tech entrepreneurs. Real Ventures was established on the principle that dedicated individuals are crucial to building game-changing companies, offering comprehensive support beyond financial investment.
Real Ventures partners with early-stage technology entrepreneurs. Its vision is to cultivate robust entrepreneurial ecosystems by equipping founders with essential resources and mentorship. The firm backs visionary individuals leveraging technology for substantial positive impact, driving sustained innovation within the Canadian tech sector.
Key people at Real Ventures.
Key people at Real Ventures.
Real Ventures is Canada’s leading early-stage venture capital firm, founded in 2007 and headquartered in Montreal. Its mission is to support daring entrepreneurs from the very beginning of their journey, helping them build successful, global technology companies. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, typically from pre-seed to Series A rounds, primarily in Canadian startups but with a global growth perspective. Real Ventures invests across diverse sectors including AI, healthtech, software, e-commerce, biotech, and hardware, emphasizing technology-driven innovation. Beyond capital, it provides hands-on mentorship, resources, and community-building initiatives such as the FounderFuel accelerator and Montreal’s Notman House, fostering ecosystems where startups can thrive and founders can develop conscious leadership[1][2][5].
Real Ventures was founded by experienced entrepreneurs and investors including John Stokes, Alan MacIntosh, and JS Cournoyer, who remain key partners. The firm has evolved to become deeply embedded in Canada’s startup ecosystem, managing over $325 million across five funds and supporting more than 200 startups with a combined valuation exceeding $10 billion. Its investment philosophy centers on the belief that people, not just money, build transformative companies. Real Ventures nurtures founders’ personal and business growth, encouraging a commitment to positive societal impact alongside commercial success[1][2][3][4].
Real Ventures rides the wave of increasing Canadian tech innovation and global startup growth. Its timing aligns with a growing recognition of Canada as a fertile ground for technology entrepreneurship, supported by government initiatives and a maturing ecosystem. By fostering early-stage companies and building supportive communities, Real Ventures helps accelerate innovation, economic development, and societal benefits in Canada and beyond. The firm’s approach to conscious leadership and ecosystem development positions it as a key influencer in shaping a sustainable and inclusive startup environment[1][2][4].
Looking ahead, Real Ventures is poised to continue expanding its influence by backing bold entrepreneurs who aim to solve global challenges through technology. Trends such as AI, healthtech, and deep tech will likely shape its investment focus. The firm’s commitment to founder development and ecosystem support suggests it will maintain a leadership role in nurturing Canada’s startup scene while scaling its portfolio companies internationally. Real Ventures’ blend of capital, mentorship, and community-building will remain critical as startups face increasingly complex market dynamics and opportunities for impact[1][2][3].
