Good News Ventures

Good News Ventures is a pre-seed and seed-stage venture capital firm based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, specializing in early-stage technology startups that demonstrate initial traction. The firm maintains a sector-agnostic approach but emphasizes investments in AI and Blockchain innovation, offering capital, strategic guidance, and network access to its portfolio companies. Its leadership includes Managing Partners Marat Mukhamedyarov and Mohan Markandaier, alongside founder David DeRemer. The team leverages over 25 years of combined experience in scaling ventures, with one member having made more than 100 angel investments, including backing multiple blockchain unicorns. Good News Ventures has also established a strategic venture capital partnership with the Holt Fintech Accelerator Program in Montreal, expanding its reach into the fintech sector. The firm was founded in 2017 by David DeRemer.

Good News Ventures is a Toronto-based venture capital firm founded in 2016 that focuses on investing in pre-seed and seed-stage technology startups, particularly in AI, Blockchain, IoT, Infrastructure, and Quantum Computing sectors. Their mission centers on backing visionary founders who challenge the status quo, providing capital, expertise, and operational support through programs like their Next Level initiative to help startups scale and solve operational challenges. The firm primarily invests in B2B and B2B2C high-growth potential companies, contributing to the technology startup ecosystem by nurturing early-stage innovation and helping founders navigate growth hurdles[1][2][3].

The firm was established by key partners including Marat Mukhamedyarov and Mohan Markandaier. Over time, Good News Ventures has evolved to emphasize a founder-first approach, leveraging a network of experienced partners and limited partners (LPs) to support portfolio companies beyond capital. Their investment activity is concentrated mostly in Canada and the United States, with a portfolio of over 33 investments and several exits, focusing on startups typically valued between $1 million and $5 million. Notable portfolio companies include AXIS Labs, Zoom.ai, and Sampler, reflecting their interest in software, internet, and financial services sectors[1][3][6].

Core Differentiators

• Founder-first investment philosophy: Emphasis on backing passionate, visionary founders willing to embrace risk and challenge norms[2].
• Sector focus: Specializes in emerging technologies such as AI, Blockchain, IoT, and Quantum Computing, positioning itself at the cutting edge of tech innovation[1][5].
• Operational support: Offers the Next Level program and access to a network of experienced partners and LPs to help startups solve operational problems and scale effectively[1][2].
• Geographic focus: Strong presence in Canada with investments also in the US and select international markets, leveraging local market knowledge and networks[3].
• Investment stage: Focus on pre-seed and seed rounds, supporting companies at their earliest and most critical growth phases[1][4].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Good News Ventures rides the wave of rapid technological advancement in AI, Blockchain, and related fields, sectors that are reshaping industries globally. Their timing is strategic, investing early in startups that leverage these transformative technologies when market demand and innovation potential are accelerating. By focusing on early-stage companies, they help bridge the gap between nascent ideas and scalable businesses, influencing the broader ecosystem by fostering innovation, job creation, and technological progress in Canada and beyond[1][2][3].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Good News Ventures is likely to continue expanding its portfolio in AI and Blockchain, sectors expected to drive significant technological disruption. Their founder-first approach and operational support model position them well to capitalize on emerging trends such as decentralized finance, quantum computing applications, and AI-driven enterprise solutions. As these technologies mature, Good News Ventures’ influence may grow, potentially increasing their role as a key catalyst in the North American and global startup ecosystems, helping shape the next generation of tech leaders[1][2][3].