Feb 14, 2020
Osler is proud to have advised on $3.7 billion in venture capital financings in 2019, an increase of more than 90% from our total deal value in 2018. Osler advised on 227 deals last year, representing 21% more deal volume than the prior year.
A recent MoneyTree Canada report from PwC and CB Insights revealed that VC-backed companies in Canada raised a record-breaking US$4.1 billion in investment funding in 2019, up 16% from 2018. With the number of deals falling by 11% last year, the overall increase in funding was driven by larger rounds in the later and expansion stages. Artificial intelligence and FinTech continued to see strong funding levels, both reaching record highs in 2019. These views are confirmed by our own transaction data for disclosed and non-disclosed transactions for 2019.
Osler advised on three of the top five 2019 venture capital financings noted in the Moneytree report: Clio (US$250 million), 1Password (US$200 million) and Element AI (US$151 million). Osler also advised on Verafin’s $515 million venture funding (the largest venture funding deal in Canada’s history), which was not included in the report.
Osler’s leading Emerging and High Growth Companies and Venture Capital teams help clients recognize, develop and realize upon significant and innovative venture capital opportunities. We advise both emerging and high growth companies and investors nationwide on the unique issues involved in venture capital deals.