The CVCA - Canada's Venture Capital & Private Equity Association - represents the majority of private equity companies in Canada, with over 1800 members. CVCA members have over $75 billion in capital under management, in three distinct market segments:
? Buyout is characterized chiefly by risk investment in established private or publicly listed firms that are undergoing a fundamental change in operations or strategy. Buyout funds are often called such, even if their mandates are not exclusively buy out related.
? Mezzanine is characterized chiefly by use of Subordinated Debt, or preferred stock with an equity kicker, to invest largely in the same type of companies and deals as buyout funds.
? Venture Capital is characterized generally by investment in early stage companies, mostly in technology businesses.
The CVCA is a leading source for advocacy, networking, information and professional development for venture capital and private equity professionals. CVCA programs include:
Public Policy - The CVCA is the leading public policy advocate for the Canadian venture capital and private equity industry. The CVCA works with governments to foster a better understanding of the importance of risk capital in the economy and to effect changes to the tax and regulatory environment to better serve the industry.
Networking - Networking events are held throughout the year to facilitate business and social introductions and encourage deal flow among risk capital professionals and suppliers to the industry. These events include golf tournaments, a new members' reception and receptions across Canada.
Professional Development - CVCA's Professional Development programs are designed to heighten knowledge and encourage the sharing of information on industry trends, research, and techniques. They provide members across Canada with a unique opportunity to learn from practitioners, professional scholars and analysts. The PD events are typically held in October, February and April. If you have suggestions for topics or speakers, please contact the PD Committee chair, Sandra Bosela.
Institutional and International Investment - The CVCA is committed to encouraging investment from the Canadian institutional sector and fostering international investment in Canadian venture capital and private equity funds.
Industry Research - The CVCA underwrites and publicizes research and information on issues important to the venture and private equity process. In conjunction with a private research firm, the CVCA collects statistics on the patterns of performance and activity for the venture capital industry in Canada and this information is distributed to members by email and is accessible to members on the CVCA web site. In addition, the CVCA conducts internal surveys to ensure that our members' needs are being met.
Annual Conference - CVCA's Annual Conference serves as an opportunity for members from across the country to network, learn about issues and industry trends, hear from prominent individuals in our society and enhance deal flow.
Awards - The CVCA's annual awards - the ‘Entrepreneur of the Year' Award and the ‘Deal of the Year' Award - promote excellence and celebrate the achievements of entrepreneurs and venture and private equity-backed Canadian companies. The ‘Entrepreneur of the Year' Award is presented at the gala evening during CVCA's annual conference, and the ‘Deal of the Year' Awards are presented at the Annual General Meeting Dinner.
YPC - CVCA's Young Private Capitalists (YPC) Committee was formed to help foster relationships among the next generation of professionals working in all aspects of private equity and venture capital investing in Canada. This committee plans annual events such as a golf tournament, cycling tour, ski days, patio receptions and wine tasting. For more information, contact yvc@cvca.ca
Web Site - The CVCA web site provides a comprehensive profile of each full member's fund with a direct link to the member's web site. All companies and members are searchable to all visitors to the site. The Members' Only area section includes more in-depth statistics, presentations and other documents of interest to members.
Members' Weekly Update - CVCA events, investment & performance statistics, press releases, special discounts to industry events and various important industry happenings are distributed to members via email every Tuesday.
PRIVATE CAPITAL - Launched in September 2008, CVCA's quarterly magazine regularly features in-depth news and information on issues relevant to the industry. It will include interviews with high profile industry leaders, recent CVCA-commissioned studies, updates on legal and tax issues, investment banking and HR issues, quarterly investment statistics and guest columnists. We will regularly include members' letters to the editor, new funds, news on our members, CVCA awards, upcoming CVCA events, a review of past events and updates from CVCA's various committees.
Media Centre - The CVCA issues media releases throughout the year covering key isssues within the industry. The CVCA welcomes media questions and interviews. For more information contact Lauren Linton at llinton@cvca.ca
Sponsorship Opportunities - There's no better way to strengthen your company's relationship with the risk capital community than by supporting CVCA programs. With a membership of more than 1,800 professionals, the CVCA offers an unprecedented opportunity for your company to strengthen its awareness and presence. The CVCA offers a wide-range of sponsorship opportunities that are appropriate for all kinds of budgets, including conferences, golf events, regional networking receptions and research reports. For more information, contact Lauren Linton, Director of Marketing, llinton@cvca.ca.