Raven Indigenous Capital Partners today announced the final closing of a historic $100 million Indigenous venture capital fund that provides patient capital and a community of support to early and growth stage Indigenous enterprises.
Backed by some of Canada’s most prominent foundations and financial institutions, Fund II will build on the success of Fund I to invest exclusively in Indigenous enterprises that demonstrate commercial viability, potential for scale, and measurable community benefit streams.
Raven’s second fund addresses two critical gaps in the Indigenous finance ecosystem. It provides patient equity and equity-like capital that are essential to the development and scaling of Indigenous enterprises. And, as an Indigenous-led and owned intermediary, Raven offers a culturally grounded and relationship-driven approach to partnership.
“Our hands are raised in gratitude to all our Fund II investors. This is economic reconciliation in action and an implementation of Article 3 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” said Paul Lacerte, Managing Partner and Chief Impact Officer, Raven Indigenous Capital Partners.
While Fund II is sector agnostic, investments will be targeted in five thematic areas: information technology/SaaS; climate/clean energy, food sovereignty/regenerative agriculture, health, and next generation consumer products.
“By providing the capital and the support that Indigenous entrepreneurs require to succeed, we will continue to build innovative and resilient Indigenous economies that are good for our People and good for the planet.” Jeff Cyr, Managing Partner for Raven Capital and CEO of the Raven Indigenous Impact Foundation.
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