La Caisse launches Quebec venture capital community
Espace CDPQ, a Quebec-based venture capital community, was launched by La Caisse in 2016 to support innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. The initiative has brought together 35 fonds partenaires, creating a network of investors, fund managers, and other stakeholders in the ecosystem.
According to the report, the goal of Espace CDPQ is to provide a structured approach to supporting innovation, going beyond just providing capital to organizing the conditions for growth. This approach has contributed to the development of a more cohesive and connected ecosystem.
Supporting Entrepreneurship
By bringing together key players in the venture capital industry, Espace CDPQ has created an environment that supports collaboration, knowledge sharing, and co-investment. This has led to over 1,100 active investments in various sectors of the economy.
Kim Thomassin, première vice-présidente et cheffe, Québec, noted that the creation of Espace CDPQ was intended to bring the venture capital ecosystem closer together, structuring the industry and facilitating connections between stakeholders.
A Catalyst for Growth
La Caisse’s role in Espace CDPQ has been instrumental in driving growth in the region. By facilitating interactions between fund managers, investors, and other stakeholders, the initiative has contributed to the development of a more fluid environment for innovation and investment.
The report highlights that the performance of an ecosystem depends not only on the amount of capital available but also on the quality of interactions between stakeholders. Espace CDPQ has played a key role in supporting these interactions, leading to increased collaboration and co-investment.
One of the key benefits of Espace CDPQ has been its ability to provide continuity in funding, facilitating the transition between different stages of development for startups. This has helped to mitigate the risks associated with funding gaps and has supported the emergence of enterprises capable of sustained growth.
Creating Value
Over the past decade, Espace CDPQ has become a collective lever for transformation, reflecting the emergence of a culture of collaboration that transcends individual organizations. This dynamic has also contributed to progress on transversal issues such as equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Espace CDPQ’s approach has been to create links, continuity, and levers that enable the ecosystem to grow and project itself over time. As the initiative continues to evolve, it is likely to remain a key player in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
For more information on Espace CDPQ, including its 35 partner funds, visit the initiative’s website.
