First Ascent Ventures (FAV) was founded in 2015 and invests in early stage, emerging and growth-oriented enterprise software companies in the information technology sector (ICT). FAV Fund I ($100 million) is now fully invested and FAV Fund II ($125 million) closed in August 2021.
First Ascent Ventures is looking for companies that are developing innovative Enterprise Software that leverages the cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, big data, cloud computing, 5G, mobility, blockchain and the Internet of Things (IOT) with an additional focus on privacy and security.
The Fund is looking for outstanding, committed entrepreneurs and management teams who seek not just financial backing, but value the experience and expertise of successful financial and operating executives who can create a catalyst for growth and also have deep transaction experience with respect to IPOs, follow on financings and mergers and acquisitions.
The First Ascent Ventures team bring deep bench strength as operating executives and investors having built and invested in significant, global enterprise software companies. The Fund is an active investor and is highly focused on helping entrepreneurs to scale their businesses to compete on a global stage by not only providing capital, but leveraging the collective experience of the FAV team.
The story behind the name
In mountaineering, a first ascent is the first successful, documented summit of a mountain by an unclimbed route. First ascents are notable because they entail genuine exploration, with greater risks, challenges and recognition than climbing a route pioneered by others. This is not dissimilar to the challenges and risks involved in building a start-up technology company.
“In early stage companies, the investors you bring on the journey can be as crucial to your success as your first executive team hires. Selected well, they will contribute at crucial times and on critical topics in a helpful and valuable manner. In a Canadian context, First Ascent Ventures, is one of the most thoughtful, pragmatic and experienced names in venture capital. Any early stage company Founder/Leadership team would do well to have them in the tent and on the journey.”
Andrew WaitmanCEO, Assent Compliance
Investment Criteria
Our target companies have growing monthly recurring revenues with a strong product offering and top tier customer references. We typically invest from the Series A / B round onwards. In order to add value we require a board seat and actively assist management teams to grow their business.
Machine Learning
AI
Big Data
Cloud
Mobile
IOT
Analytics
Privacy
5G
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Tony and the team at First Ascent Ventures, since 2016. They have been instrumental in helping grow Q4 from an early stage company to the scaled business it is today. It’s never easy to build a company and there are always ups and downs. Having the right partner, like First Ascent Ventures, makes all the difference in achieving success and getting to the next level.”
Darrell HeapsCEO, Q4 Inc.
Portfolio
“First Ascent partnered with us in our series A and since then, has been with us every step of the way. They’re incredibly supportive of Upchain and our vision, and have been instrumental to achieving our growth strategy. Whether it’s helping us build our team, make introductions with partners and peers, or coaching me to become a better leader and CEO, they’re always responsive and always quick to chip in. That hands-on guidance and experience was critical as we scaled and ultimately achieved a premium exit!”
John LaslavicCEO and Founder, Upchain
The Team
Tony van Marken
Managing Partner and Co-Founder
Tony van Marken is co-founder and Managing Partner of First Ascent Ventures. Tony is an experienced international executive who has worked in the private and public markets…
Richard Black
Managing Partner and Co-Founder
Richard Black is a co-founder and Managing Partner of First Ascent Ventures. Richard has over 28 years of experience in senior roles with some of Canada’s largest VC firms…
Tom Jenkins
Chairman
Tom Jenkins is Chair of the Board of OpenText Corporation a position he has held since 1998. Tom was the initial CEO of Open Text which he joined in 1994…
Kate O’Brien
Chief Financial Officer
Kate is an experienced financial executive with over 20 years of progressive international experience. Kate is an integral member of the senior leadership team, responsible for the management of all the financial aspects of the Fund including accounting, banking and investor relationships, financial reporting…
Noah Chaikof
Vice President
Noah is a Vice President with First Ascent Ventures and is based in Toronto. Noah leads investment sourcing efforts on behalf of the fund and spearheads due diligence efforts on new investments. He has sourced multiple investments for the fund across Canada and the U.S.
Jake Diamond
Analyst
Jake joined First Ascent Ventures in June 2023 as an Analyst. He brings experience working in business and accounting in Canada…
Michael Jenkins
Associate
Michael has experience working in business and finance, with a focus on technology in Canada. He was previously working in the Financial Analysis department at Deloitte Canada. Before that, Michael worked as an associate…
Tef Shojai
Executive Assistant
Tef holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from the University of Western Sydney. She worked for 10 years in Australia, gaining experience in Finance and Accounting with roles in a variety of industries, including travel, food services and I.T. research.