Relay Ventures

Relay Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm dedicated to investing in innovative entrepreneurs who are disrupting and creating new markets through mobile technologies. Unlike many other venture funds, Relay Ventures has carved out a distinct niche by exclusively focusing on software for mobile devices and the interconnected internet. This specialization allows the firm to develop an unparalleled set of networks and resources that tangibly aid founders in building world-class companies.

With offices located in Toronto and Calgary, Relay Ventures is active throughout North America, offering a strong regional presence coupled with extensive industry expertise. The firm aims to support innovative companies at their earliest stages, facilitating the introduction of transformative technologies to the market and ensuring their sustained growth and success.

Since its founding in 2008, Relay Ventures has backed a range of notable ventures across various industries. These include Urbantech, which focuses on software and hardware systems for autonomy, robotics, and mobility that assist humans in their daily lives; Proptech, which involves emerging technologies impacting the real estate value chain; Fintech, which reimagines financial transactions across sectors like insurance, wealth management, and consumer banking; and Sportstech, which intersects with the realms of sports, media, fitness, and gaming.

The firm's portfolio includes impressive success stories such as QuickPlay Media, Q9 Networks, Jelli, Kira Talent, theScore, and ecobee. For instance, Relay's involvement with QuickPlay began in the early 2000s and continued through multiple rounds of financing until its acquisition by Madison Dearborn Partners. Another example is theScore, which benefitted from Relay's support through various financing stages before its acquisition by Penn National Gaming.

Relay Ventures takes pride in being the first money and putting founders first, working closely with entrepreneurs throughout the lifecycle of their companies. The firm remains committed to investing in ideas that challenge conventional wisdom and solve major pain points within large markets, positioning themselves to drive rapid growth.