Winter Mead, from Coolwater Capital, discusses their innovative program for cultivating first-time fund managers, emphasizing the need for strong management skills and community ties. John Rikhtegar, Director of Capital at RBCX, shares revealing data-driven insights into Canadian venture exits over the past decade, examining how market cycles influence investment success. Together, they reflect on key trends in the venture capital landscape and the challenges currently facing the Canadian tech ecosystem.

John Rikhtegar, Director of Capital at RBCx, and Brian Huber, Fund Partner at Gunderson Dettmer, dive into the changing landscape of Canadian venture capital. They discuss the misalignment in market opportunities and the critical infrastructure needed for emerging founders. The duo also touches on the challenges faced by new managers in fundraising, the importance of building anchor partnerships, and insights into the capital food chain. Key takeaways include the role of government support and future fundraising trends in Canada’s evolving ecosystem.