About
Discovery Capital makes venture capital investments in B.C.-based technology companies in the areas of information technology, communications, health & life sciences, and environmental & energy technologies.
We have helped create value in over 300 early-stage technology companies by providing proven expertise in strategic planning, management development, innovative financing strategies, corporate governance, and positioning for liquidity.
Discovery Capital expects to continue its successful track record in venture capital investment and fund management through the BC Discovery Fund.
Discovery Capital’s strength is based on:
a commitment to value creation to drive profitable exit strategies
an extensive network of investment and industry contacts
strong deal flow of business plans
a long standing presence in the BC technology community
Source: Discovery Capital
Strategy
Where We Invest, and What Ventures We Look For
We raised capital under the Small Business Venture Capital Act of British Columbia. Our investors received an Investment Tax Credit from the Government of British Columbia, and consequently we are obligated to invest in ventures (eligible small businesses) that are domiciled in BC exclusively.
We also invest exclusively in growth-stage technology ventures, specializing in; information technology, mobile applications, life sciences, and cleantech sectors.
We are most interested in promising, energetic companies that have developed their first technology product to at least the commercialization stage, preferably have referenceable early-adopter users, have their first revenue-paying customers, and are on a fast growth trajectory guided by a visionary management team.
Eligibility for Investment
We must invest in “eligible small businesses” meeting the following four requirements:
A business must be incorporated in B.C.; incorporated extra-provincially in B.C; or incorporated federally.
The business, together with affiliates, must have less than 100 employees at the time of our initial investment. We may make additional investments if the employment level grows beyond 100.
The business must pay at least 75% of its wages and salaries to B.C. employees. This may be reduced to 50% if the business is engaged in the export of goods or services outside B. C.
The business must be “substantially engaged” in one or more of the prescribed business activities outlined in section 11(1) of the Small Business Venture Capital Regulation (the “Regulations”).
Source: Discovery Capital
Industry Focus
Technology and Venture Capital
Year Founded
1986
Contact Info
Key Personnel
John McEwen, CEO of the Manager
Harry Jaako, President of the Manager
Charles Cook, Vice President and CFO of the Manager