Renewed Partnership between BDC Venture Capital and NACO Strengthens the Angel-Stage Investing Ecosystem

TORONTO and BANFF, AB, Nov. 22, 2013 /CNW/ - BDC Venture Capital and the National Angel Capital Organization ("NACO") are proud to announce the renewal of their national partnership for the third consecutive year. This partnership will focus on the strengthening of Canada's Angel investing community by identifying, standardizing, and sharing industry best practices across the country.

"BDC Venture Capital is an important national partner of NACO. BDC Venture Capital's support of early-stage startup companies is crucial to the Canadian economy and our partnership is a natural fit for us as we look to accelerate a thriving early-stage investing ecosystem critical to innovation and economic growth," says NACO Chair Michelle Scarborough. "The financial support received from BDC enables us to continue to provide trusted intelligence on Angel investing in Canada which leads to the creation and sharing of best practices among Angel investors and increased benefits for Canada. We look forward to what we can accomplish with BDC Venture Capital in the coming years."

BDC Venture Capital and NACO formally announced their partnership today at the 2013 National Angel Summit, hosted by NACO in Banff, Alberta, of which BDC Venture Capital is a Platinum-level sponsor. Dominique Belanger, Vice-President, Strategic Investments & Initiatives at BDC Venture Capital, was in attendance to make the announcement.

"Angel investment helps drive Canadian innovation and competitiveness. As the number of Angel deals in Canada continues to rise, we are committed to working with NACO to help raise the bar for the Canadian Angel community, which should lead to increased returns for Angels and increased benefits for the Canadian economy," states Mr. Bélanger. "BDC Venture Capital has always placed strong emphasis on the development of the Canadian Angel community. Organizations like NACO play a pivotal role in providing us with a picture of how the Canadian Angel investing landscape is evolving. This helps us all make more informed decisions and better understand the future direction of Angel investment." This partnership is one of many strategic initiatives led by BDC Venture Capital to bolster the Canadian early-stage venture ecosystem. 

About BDC Venture Capital

With more than $1 billion under management and more than 25 years of industry experience, BDC Venture Capital is an investor of choice focusing on IT, health and energy/cleantech companies, as well as venture funds, with high growth potential. From seed through expansion to exit, their mandate is to help build outstanding Canadian companies, while working to create a sound financial ecosystem for Canadian technology ventures. Find out more at www.bdc.ca/vc or on Twitter @BDC_VC.

About the National Angel Capital Organization

The National Angel Capital Organization 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 and networks across borders and industries; and promotes a strong Canadian Angel investment asset-class. For more information please visit www.nacocanada.com or follow us on Twitter @AngelCapCanada.

SOURCE: National Angel Capital Organization

For further information:

Media Inquiries

Shawn Salewski
Manager, Public Relations
BDC Venture Capital 
514 283-1759
[email protected]

Ioana Stoica
Marketing and Events Manager
National Angel Capital Organization
416-581-0009 x 2
[email protected]