MaRS relaunches Capital Program to give investors early access to Canada’s top startups
MaRS Capital helps global investors spot high-growth ventures before they hit the mainstream.
TORONTO, October 21, 2025 – MaRS Discovery District has relaunched its flagship Capital Program, a high-touch initiative designed to give domestic and international investors curated access to Canada’s most promising early-stage tech startups.
In 2024 alone, MaRS-supported ventures raised more than $1.1 billion. The Capital Program builds on this momentum, connecting investors to a select portfolio of seed and Series A companies that are fundraising-ready. The startups selected for the program have strong teams, defensible technologies and proven market traction. The Capital Program supports them in developing a clear capital strategy, compelling pitch and market intelligence.
“Our job is to find Canada’s most promising startups, get them investor-ready, then deliver highly curated dealflow to investors,” says Liam Gill, who heads up the Capital Program at MaRS.
The focus is on giving investors early visibility into opportunities, increasing efficiency and reducing search costs.
“Our goal is to make it easier to invest in Canada. In 2024, 13 percent of all venture capital deployed in Canada went to MaRS-supported ventures. If you want to find Canada’s next breakout startup, they are likely at MaRS,” says Gill.
A smarter, faster way to access Canadian innovation
The MaRS Capital program selects Canada’s top 20 to 30 high-potential startups each year. Participating ventures span strategic sectors, including:
- AI
- Defence and dual-use technologies
- Enterprise
- Climate
- Health
- Edtech
Investors also benefit from access to MaRS Connect, a purpose-built digital platform that offers:
- Detailed startups profiles and traction data
- Real-time insights into who’s raising and in which sectors
- Curated demo events and warm introductions
MaRS Connect acts as a qualified signal, reflecting what the MaRS team sees daily from hundreds of ventures across Canada’s innovation economy.
Built for global investors
For U.S. venture funds and global investors looking to explore the Canadian market, MaRS Capital program offers a single, trusted gateway to Canada’s top startups.
“Canada produces exceptional talent and IP,” says Gill. “We offer a low-friction, efficient way to access companies that are already proving themselves in-market.”
The trusted-access model is what sets MaRS Capital program apart from traditional sourcing methods. “The best opportunities often don’t show up in your inbox, they show up through trusted networks,” says Gill. “We’ve built MaRS Capital to be that trusted network, at scale.”
Keeping Canadian innovation anchored at home
The relaunch also addresses a long-standing challenge: Canada’s “seed-to-scale” gap. Many startups with early traction relocate to the U.S. to access late seed or Series A capital. By preparing companies earlier and providing global investors with structured access to Canada’s innovation pipeline, the MaRS Capital Program helps reverse that trend.
“We’re making it easier for great Canadian companies to raise here and easier for global investors to find them,” says Gill. “That’’s a win for both sides.”
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About MaRS
MaRS Discovery District is a charitable organization and North America’s largest urban innovation hub, dedicated to helping Canadian technology companies succeed. With a focus on climate, health sciences and other emerging technologies, MaRS supports startups tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues. MaRS spans more than 1.5 million square feet of cutting-edge office, lab, meeting and event space in downtown Toronto across two locations — the MaRS Centre and MaRS Waterfront. Since 2010, MaRS has helped ventures generate $11.5 billion in cumulative revenue, raise $19 billion in funding, and create and maintain more than 33,000 jobs. The MaRS platform also includes MaRS IAF, one of Canada’s top seed-stage venture funds. Through its world-class facilities, strategic programs and partnerships, MaRS accelerates the adoption of groundbreaking Canadian technology and bolsters a globally competitive innovation ecosystem.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Wendy Bairos: wbairos@marsdd.com