Venture Finance

Aird & Berlis is one of the leading venture finance law firms in Canada. Our lawyers are market leaders in providing sophisticated legal advice on venture capital and venture debt financings, supporting clients across the full lifecycle of growth-stage and innovation-driven businesses.

On the investor side, we represent domestic, U.S. and European venture capital and private equity funds, pension funds, banks and venture debt providers. We also represent a number of investment dealers who take investee companies from pre‑IPO rounds of financing through an IPO or an acquisition transaction, and beyond. Our experience across the full investment lifecycle enables us to support efficient execution and informed decision‑making from initial investment through exit. We advise on a significant volume of venture and growth financings each year, giving us a current and grounded view of deal terms, structures and execution across the market.

On the investee side, we act for early‑stage, emerging and mature businesses across a wide range of industries, including technology, clean technology, life sciences, biotechnology and space tech. We work closely with founders and management teams to structure and complete financings, balancing immediate capital needs with governance, scalability and longer‑term strategic considerations. From initial seed financings by angel investors through strategic rounds of equity and/or debt investment from institutional investors and banks, and ultimately to a strategic buyout or an initial public offering, our involvement often extends across multiple financing rounds as companies grow and evolve.

Aird & Berlis is widely recognized as the leading Canadian firm in venture debt. Over the past five years, we have advised on more than 300 venture debt transactions, representing total financing in excess of $2 billion. This depth of experience allows us to provide nuanced advice on debt structures that support growth while preserving flexibility for future strategic transactions.

Our Venture Finance Group works seamlessly with colleagues across capital markets, mergers & acquisitions, tax, intellectual property and financial services. This integrated approach ensures that venture financings are aligned with each client’s broader business objectives and positioned to support later‑stage outcomes, whether continued private growth, a strategic transaction or, where appropriate, a transition to the public markets.

Through our extensive experience and long‑standing relationships within the venture capital and venture debt communities in Canada, the United States and internationally, we provide clients with valuable market insight and access to key participants. We also offer tailored resources and practical guidance to startups and emerging companies, helping them build a strong foundation for sustainable growth.