Amiral Ventures launches its inaugural fund with an initial close of $40 million and more than 40 founding investors to propel Canada’s next technology flagships
Amiral Ventures launches its inaugural fund with an initial close of $40 million and more than 40 founding investors to propel Canada’s next technology flagships
Montreal, Quebec, December 17, 2025 — Amiral Ventures, a new venture capital fund dedicated to the emergence of the next generation of Canadian technology flagships, today officially announces the launch of its first fund, backed by more than 40 founding investors drawn from some of the most recognized entrepreneurs, CEOs, CTOs, and leaders in Quebec’s technology ecosystem. Following an initial close of $40 million, Amiral is targeting a total fund size of $75 million.
“Amiral was born from a simple conviction: entrepreneurs deserve investors who have lived their reality,” said the partners of Amiral Ventures. “Our first fund is founder-led and founder-backed. This alignment gives us a unique advantage in supporting the teams that will shape the next decade of enterprise innovation.”
This initial $40 million close includes a strategic commitment from the Government of Quebec, which is investing up to $25 million through its mandatary Investissement Québec, as well as Desjardins Capital, reaffirming their confidence in the province’s innovation potential.
“We are proud to support the Amiral Ventures team in this initiative, which contributes to achieving the objectives of Quebec’s economic vision,” said Christine Fréchette, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy. “This support reiterates our commitment to fostering the emergence and growth of Quebec-based economic champions that can compete on a global scale. Amiral Ventures aligns with Quebec’s economic priorities: productivity, resilience, and sustainability. This partnership also aims to catalyze additional private capital toward innovation, growth, and long-term value creation for Quebec.”
“Propelling innovative companies is part of our DNA. That is why we are proud to join forces with Amiral Ventures to support the next generation of technology leaders,” said Nathalie Bernard, Chief Operating Officer at Desjardins Capital. “Their approach—designed by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs—perfectly reflects Desjardins Capital’s vision: investing with impact to create sustainable value, here and now.”
Founded by three leaders in technology and investment with international experience—Frédéric Bastien, former EY Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year, successful entrepreneur and active angel investor; Dominic Bécotte, senior expert in corporate finance, investment, and venture capital; and Nectarios Economakis, an early executive at Google Montreal and co-founder of the strategic advisory firm PNR—Amiral Ventures focuses on early-stage companies building transformational enterprise technologies.
Prosperity Decoded: a unique model built on Canadian know-how
At the core of the firm’s thesis is a simple idea: Canada’s prosperity depends on its builders. Prosperity Decoded means investing in technologies that make our economy more productive, more sustainable, and more resilient—three essential pillars of long-term prosperity.
United around a shared mission, the three founders are supported by a group of more than 40 respected founders and operators, including Simon de Baene, Patrick Ostiguy, Sam Ramadori, Guillaume Bazinet, and Julie Lacasse. Together, they bring decades of entrepreneurial experience, a deep commitment to the ecosystem, a track record of significant exits, and operational expertise spanning enterprise technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, telecommunications, and advanced technologies.
These investors are committed not only financially, but also as mentors—providing technical support, commercial guidance, network access, and strategic advice to portfolio companies. Their participation represents one of the most ambitious founder-led initiatives in the Canadian technology ecosystem.
“Amiral is the kind of fund founders want on their cap table. Built by operators who truly understand the highs and lows of scaling a company,” said Simon de Baene, Founder and CEO of Workleap.
Amiral Ventures is built on four core principles
Leadership in early-stage funding rounds
Founder-led capital: investors who have themselves built and scaled companies
Hands-on operational support: access to founders with experience in fundraising, go-to-market, and international expansion
A ‘flagship’ mindset: selecting and supporting companies capable of becoming global leaders
Strong momentum already underway: two investments completed
Even prior to this first close, Amiral had already completed two investments: Maxa.ai—the AI analyst for CFOs and financial planning teams—and Maket.ai—the leader in generative design for residential architecture.
Deep roots in the community
Amiral is also recognized for its hands-on engagement with the startup ecosystem, notably through The Flagship Podcast and North Star, a fast-growing event series designed to inspire entrepreneurs and connect founders across the Montreal and Quebec communities.
About Amiral Ventures
Amiral Ventures is a founder-led and founder-backed venture capital fund investing in early-stage companies developing transformational technologies that improve enterprise productivity, sustainability, and resilience. Powered by a unique community of more than 40 founding investors—experienced operators, technologists, and ecosystem leaders—Amiral provides tangible operational support and strategic leadership to companies aspiring to become the next global technology flagships. The fund is based in Montreal, Quebec.
About Desjardins Capital
With 50 years of expertise, Desjardins Capital’s purpose is to contribute to the prosperity of individuals and communities by investing in the growth of Quebec businesses. With $3.2 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2024, Desjardins Capital supports nearly 730 companies, cooperatives, and funds across a wide range of sectors and all regions of Quebec. In addition to contributing to socio-economic development, productivity, and the adoption of sustainable practices, this component of the Desjardins Group offers entrepreneurs access to a broad business network to support and accompany them in their growth initiatives.
Contact: invest@amiral.vc