Startup Funding Canada 2025

Access $12+ billion in startup funding opportunities. From government grants to venture capital, find the perfect funding for your startup at every stage.

$12B+
Annual Funding Available
20,000+
Startups Funded Annually
500+
Funding Programs
$850K
Average Funding Round

Startup Funding Sources

Government Funding

SR&ED Tax Credits

Up to $4.5M annually in refundable tax credits for R&D activities

Amount:Up to $4.5M/year
Stage:All stages

R&D activities with technological uncertainty

IRAP Funding

Non-repayable contributions for innovative technology development

Amount:Up to $10M
Stage:Early to growth

Innovative technology projects with commercial potential

Innovation Superclusters

Large-scale collaborative innovation projects

Amount:Up to $40M
Stage:Growth to scale

Industry collaboration, significant economic impact

Private Investment

Angel Investors

Individual investors providing early-stage capital and mentorship

Amount:$25K - $500K
Stage:Pre-seed to seed

Strong team, market opportunity, traction

Venture Capital

Professional investment firms funding high-growth startups

Amount:$1M - $50M+
Stage:Seed to Series C+

Scalable business model, large market, experienced team

Corporate Venture Capital

Strategic investment from large corporations

Amount:$500K - $20M
Stage:Series A to C

Strategic fit, technology alignment, growth potential

Funding by Startup Stage

Understand what funding options are available at each stage of your startup journey

Pre-Seed

$10K - $100K

Initial funding to validate concept and build prototype

Primary Sources:
Personal savingsFriends & familyAngel investorsIncubators
Key Focus:
Concept validation, team building, market research
Typical Timeline:
3-12 months

Seed

$100K - $1M

Funding to develop MVP and achieve product-market fit

Primary Sources:
Angel investorsSeed VCsIRAPSR&ED credits
Key Focus:
Product development, early customers, team expansion
Typical Timeline:
12-24 months

Series A

$1M - $10M

Scaling the business model and expanding market reach

Primary Sources:
Venture capitalStrategic investorsGrowth funds
Key Focus:
Market expansion, sales scaling, operational efficiency
Typical Timeline:
18-36 months

Growth

$10M+

Rapid expansion and international market entry

Primary Sources:
Late-stage VCsPrivate equityStrategic partnerships
Key Focus:
International expansion, M&A, market dominance
Typical Timeline:
24+ months

Find Your Perfect Funding Match

Answer a few questions to discover the best funding opportunities for your startup

How to Secure Startup Funding

1

Assess Your Startup

Evaluate your stage, industry, team, and funding needs

2

Research Opportunities

Identify relevant funding sources based on your profile

3

Prepare Applications

Develop compelling pitch decks, business plans, and financial projections

4

Apply & Follow Up

Submit applications and maintain relationships with funders

Startup Funding FAQ

What's the best funding source for early-stage startups in Canada?

For early-stage startups, SR&ED tax credits provide immediate R&D funding (35% refundable), while IRAP offers non-repayable contributions up to $1M. Angel investors and seed VCs are also crucial for validation and mentorship.

How much equity should I give up for startup funding?

Equity depends on stage and amount raised. Typical ranges: Seed (10-25%), Series A (15-25%), Series B+ (10-20%). Government funding like SR&ED and IRAP require no equity, making them excellent first options.

What do investors look for in Canadian startups?

Investors seek strong teams, large addressable markets, differentiated technology, traction/validation, clear business models, and scalability potential. Canadian advantages include strong technical talent and government R&D incentives.

How long does it take to raise startup funding?

Fundraising typically takes 3-6 months for experienced entrepreneurs, 6-12 months for first-time founders. Government grants like SR&ED can take 2-3 months, while angel/VC rounds vary widely based on preparation and market conditions.

Ready to Fund Your Startup?

Join 20,000+ Canadian startups accessing billions in funding opportunities