NACO Report: Visible Canadian Angel Community Showing Strong Growth

TORONTO, Sept. 9, 2013 /CNW/ - The National Angel Capital Organization ("NACO") announced today the release of its 2012 Report on Angel Investing Activity in Canada. The report focuses on the activities of NACO member Angel groups - the visible portion of Canada's Angel market. "We are proud to be able to shine light on an asset class that acts as the backbone of Canadian entrepreneurs. The conclusions and analysis of this report will lead to sharing of best practices among NACO members, supporting increased returns for Angels, and increased benefits for Canada," said NACO Chair, Michelle Scarborough.

In 2012, groups reported investing a total of $40.5 million in 139 companies. Funded companies were primarily in one of the top three sectors, which continue to be Information and Communication Technology ($17.9 million), Life Sciences ($7.5 million) and Clean Technology ($3.2 million). "We are excited about the unique opportunity to provide insights into Angel investing activity in Canada. This information helps our members make more informed investment decisions and provides a basis for the development of public policy in support of high growth Canadian companies," said Yuri Navarro, NACO Executive Director.

New to this year's report, NACO also captured information about government leveraging of Angel investments.  While the majority of reported investments included government support, some programs stood out, such as FedDev Ontario's Investing in Business Innovation program.

Since 2010, the report has captured 361 investments, representing $158.2 million injected in the Canadian entrepreneurial ecosystem by visible Canadian Angel investors. "The NACO report provides key insights into how Angel investors are supporting the Canadian economy [and] … shows that Angels are increasingly important for financing Canada's most innovative entrepreneurs," said Thomas Hellmann, Professor at the Sauder School of Business (UBC) and Chair of the NACO Research Report Committee.

About the National Angel Capital Organization

The National Angel Capital Organization ("NACO") accelerates a thriving, early-stage investing ecosystem in Canada by connecting individuals, groups, and other partners that support Angel-stage investing. NACO provides intelligence, tools and resources for its members; facilitates key connections across borders and industries; and advocates for Angel asset-class issues. For more information please visit www.nacocanada.com.

SOURCE: National Angel Capital Organization

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