TLDR:
- Raven Indigenous Capital Partners is a venture capital firm focused on investing in Indigenous and Native businesses in Canada and the U.S.
- They look beyond commercial metrics and consider impact and mission-focused benchmarks of companies, such as benefitting Indigenous communities.
Raven Indigenous Capital Partners is a venture capital firm that has a unique focus on investing in Indigenous and Native businesses in both Canada and the United States. Founded in 2018, the firm aims to address the underrepresentation of Indigenous people among venture capitalists, as well as other marginalized groups such as women, LGBTQ individuals, and racialized communities. The firm’s approach goes beyond traditional commercial metrics to consider impact and mission-focused benchmarks of the companies they invest in. The firm typically invests in companies in pre-seed stages and offers support throughout the growth process.
One of Raven’s key initiatives is the Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI), which received government funding in June 2024. This funding is dedicated to inclusive VC firms representing marginalized groups, including Raven Capital. Raven plans to allocate this funding to its Opportunities Fund, which consists of successful businesses from their Impact Fund 1 portfolio. Salish Soils, a recycling and organic waste disposal company in Sechelt, B.C., is one of the businesses that have received support from Raven. Raven’s involvement in the businesses they invest in goes beyond financial support; they also take a seat on the company’s board of directors and provide strategic guidance.
Raven’s approach to investing is based on a belief in building and scaling businesses with cultural integrity. By focusing on creating employment opportunities and enhancing socio-economic outcomes in Indigenous communities, the firm sees entrepreneurship as a pathway to self-determination and sovereignty. The story of Salish Soils exemplifies how Raven’s support has helped Indigenous businesses thrive and contribute positively to their communities. Overall, Raven Indigenous Capital Partners is not just looking to generate financial returns but also to create meaningful impact in the Indigenous and Native business ecosystem.
