Ontario Emerging Technologies Fund

Overview

The Ontario Emerging Technologies Fund (OETF) was established by the Province of Ontario in 2009 to co-invest in innovative, high-growth, private Ontario companies. The fund focuses on sectors such as clean technology, life sciences, advanced health technologies, digital media, and information and communications technology. It aims to address the challenges faced by these companies in raising capital by providing direct investments alongside qualified venture capital funds and other private investors. OETF's investment strategy involves co-investing with qualified investors on the same terms and at the same time, committing a maximum of $50 million per year for five years. The fund has completed its active investment period and continues to manage its direct investment portfolio through to realization. Its portfolio companies are well represented and dispersed throughout the major urban centres of southern Ontario, referred to as Ontario’s Innovation Super Corridor. The fund has had a significant impact, with over 600 careers created and retained, $820 million in revenues, and $400 million in research and development expenditures. Early investments made by OETF have enabled companies like ecobee to focus on meaningful innovation, placing customer needs at the forefront of product development decisions. Without the strong vote of confidence given by early partners such as OETF, ecobee would not be the smart home leader that it is today.

Investment Focus

• Companies must be innovative, high-growth, and based in Ontario.
• Investments are made alongside qualified venture capital funds and other private investors.
• Focus on sectors such as clean technology, life sciences, advanced health technologies, digital media, and information and communications technology.

Portfolio Companies