Canadian Venture Capital Association (CVCA)

The CVCA – Canada’s Venture Capital & Private Equity Association – represents the majority of private equity companies in Canada, with over 1800 members. CVCA members have over $75 billion in capital under management, in three distinct market segments:

? Buyout is characterized chiefly by risk investment in established private or publicly listed firms that are undergoing a fundamental change in operations or strategy. Buyout funds are often called such, even if their mandates are not exclusively buy out related.



? Mezzanine is characterized chiefly by use of Subordinated Debt, or preferred stock with an equity kicker, to invest largely in the same type of companies and deals as buyout funds.



? Venture Capital is characterized generally by investment in early stage companies, mostly in technology businesses.

The CVCA is a leading source for advocacy, networking, information and professional development for venture capital and private equity professionals. CVCA programs include:

Public Policy - The CVCA is the leading public policy advocate for the Canadian venture capital and private equity industry. The CVCA works with governments to foster a better understanding of the importance of risk capital in the economy and to effect changes to the tax and regulatory environment to better serve the industry.