Our Investment in StandUp Ventures

Congrats to Michelle McBane and the entire StandUp team on closing StandUp Ventures II, the firm’s second venture capital fund dedicated to investing in women-led businesses in Canada!

I’ve known Michelle for a long time now, having worked closely with her several years ago. Through the MaRS IAF fund, Michelle and the late Barry Gekiere were investors in my startup – Rthm Technologies – and Michelle sat on my board for several years. We’ve been through the peaks and valleys of a startup grind together. We’ve had many happy board calls, and many difficult conversations.

But having first-hand experience working with Michelle – from the vantage point of an entrepreneur – I have the utmost confidence that in addition to capital, StandUp’s portfolio companies will be gaining an experienced investor, engaged board member, thoughtful partner, and unflinching advocate through the highs and lows of a startup lifecycle.

RBC was an investor in StandUp Ventures I, and we’re proud to continue supporting women entrepreneurs in this new fund.

To keep apprised if everything happening at StandUp, you can follow them on Twitter @StandUpVentures or you can follow Michelle directly @michellemcbane.