List of Designated Organisations for Canada Startup Visa in 2025
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Table of Contents
- What is the Canada Startup Visa Program?
- What are the Designated Organisations for the Canada Startup Visa?
- Types of Designated Organisations for Startup Visa Canada
- List of Designated Organisations for Canada Startup Visa
- How to Choose the Right Designated Organisation for Start Up Visa Canada?
- Steps to Apply for the Canada Startup Visa Through a Designated Organisation
- Secure Your Path to Canadian Immigration Through Startup Visa Canada with ÿմ!
Looking to launch your business in Canada? The designated organisations for Canada Startup Visa are your official gateway. These approved venture capital funds, angel investors, and business incubators have the authority to endorse your startup for permanent residency under the federal Start-up Visa Program.
As of 2025, over 80 organisations are listed by IRCC to support foreign entrepreneurs. With Canada’s startup ecosystem ranked 4th globally for innovation support, the opportunity is massive. Let’s explore which organisations can help you turn your startup dream into a Canadian success story.
What is the Canada Startup Visa Program?
ճCanada Startup VisaProgram is a federal initiative that allows entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas to immigrate and build their startups in Canada. It provides a direct pathway to permanent residency for founders with the potential to scale globally. To qualify, you must have a qualifying business, meet language benchmarks, and secure a letter of support from a designated organisation.
Key Highlights:
- Applicants must get a letter of support from 80+ IRCC-approved investor groups or incubators.
- Your startup must be innovative, scalable, and globally competitive.
- In 2025, CLB 5 language level, settlement funds, and clear medical/security checks are mandatory.
Also Read:How to Apply for Canada PR
What are the Designated Organisations for the Canada Startup Visa?
Designated organisations are entities approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that support startups applying for the Canada Startup Visa Program. They are trusted to assess, invest in, or mentor innovative entrepreneurs looking to build businesses in Canada.
These organisations play a crucial role in the application process, providing a letter of support that is required for visa approval. There are three types - venture capital funds, angel investor groups, and business incubators, each offering different kinds of support based on the startup’s needs.
Explore:10 Best Canada PR Benefits for Indians in 2025
Types of Designated Organisations for Startup Visa Canada
Designated organisations play a crucial role in identifying and endorsing startup ideas that meet Canada’s immigration and innovation standards. They are grouped into three categories:
Venture Capital Funds
Venture capital funds are firms that invest significant capital into startups with high-growth potential. They usually require equity in return and provide funding to scale operations. Here are some major details about this category.
- Must commit to invest at least CAD 200,000.
- Require a well-documented pitch and business plan.
- Offers mentorship in addition to funding.
Angel Investor Groups
Angel investors are individuals or collectives who invest in early-stage startups in exchange for equity. They focus on ideas with promising returns and strong founding teams. Some important details of Angel investor groups include,
- Minimum investment of CAD 75,000 is required.
- Prefers startups with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
Business Incubators
Business incubators support startups by offering mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. They help early-stage businesses build and grow in structured programs. Here are some important details about this category.
- No minimum investment required.
- Must be accepted into their program.
- Ideal for tech, health, and green economy startups.
Check Out:List of Documents Required For Canada PR From India in 2025
List of Designated Organisations for Canada Startup Visa
Here is the updated list of designated organisations that can issue letters of support under the Startup visa Canada. Each category includes IRCC-recognised names.
Designated Venture Capital Funds
Here is the full list of venture capital funds for the Startup Visa Program.
- 7 Gate Ventures
- Alt Ventures
- Amplitude Ventures Inc.
- Apex Innovative Investments Ventures
- Arete Pacific Tech Ventures (VCC) Corp
- BCF Ventures
- BDC Venture Capital
- Extreme Venture Partners LLP
- Golden Venture Partners Fund, LP
- INP Capital
- iNovia Capital Inc.
- Intrinsic Venture Capital
- Invest Nova Scotia
- PRIVEQ Capital Funds
- Red Leaf Capital Corp
- Relay Ventures
- Tangentia Ventures
- Vanedge Capital Limited Partnership
- WhiteHaven Venture
- Westcap Management Ltd.
- Yaletown Venture Partners Inc.
- York Entrepreneurship Development Institute (YEDI) VC Fund
Quick Read:10 Best Provinces in Canada for PR 2025
Designated Angel Investor Groups
Explore the list of Angel Investor groups under the Canada Startup visa program below.
- Canadian International Angel Investors
- Ekagrata Inc.
- Golden Triangle Angel Network
- Keiretsu Forum Canada
- VANTEC Angel Network Inc.
- York Angel Investors Inc.
Designated Business Incubators
Find below the complete list of business incubators that can provide a letter of support for Startup Visa Canada.
- Alacrity Foundation
- Alberta Food Centre
- Alberta IoT Association
- Altitude Accelerator
- Bhive
- Biomedical Commercialization Canada Inc. (operating as Manitoba Technology Accelerator)
- Brilliant Catalyst
- DMZ Ventures
- Empowered Startups Ltd.
- Extreme Innovations
- Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre
- Genesis
- Global Startups Accelerator
- Highline BETA Inc.
- Innovate Calgary
- Innovate Eastman Inc.
- Innovation Cluster - Peterborough and the Kawarthas
- Innovation Factory
- Interactive Niagara Media Cluster o/a Innovate Niagara
- Intrinsic Innovations
- Invest Nova Scotia
- ISM Arts & Culture Ltd
- Knowledge Park o/a Planet Hatch
- Launch Academy - Vancouver
- LaunchPad PEI Inc.
- Millworks Centre for Entrepreneurship
- NEXT Canada
- Niagara Business & Innovation Fund
- North Forge Technology Exchange
- Pacific Technology Ventures
- Platform Calgary
- Pycap
- Red Leaf Capital Corp
- Roseview Global Incubator
- Spark Commercialization and Innovation Centre
- Spring Activator
- The DMZ
- Think8 Global Institute
- TiE Toronto
- Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC)
- Treefrog
- TSRV Canada Inc. (operating as Techstars Canada)
- University of Toronto Entrepreneurship Hatchery
- ventureLAB Innovation Centre
- VIATEC
- Waterloo Accelerator Centre
- York Entrepreneurship Development Institute
- YSpace (York University)
Suggested Read:Canada PR Visa Fees From India
How to Choose the Right Designated Organisation for Start Up Visa Canada?
With over 80 designated organisations under the Start Up Visa Program Canada, not all fit every startup. Your choice should align with your business model, funding goals, and industry-specific growth potential.
- Match the Organisation’s Focus with Your Industry:Some incubators specialise in healthtech or cleantech, while others back fintech or SaaS ventures. Choose one with experience in your startup’s sector to increase acceptance chances.
- Evaluate Funding vs Organisation Support:Venture capital and angel groups offer investment but expect equity and fast growth. Incubators provide mentorship, space, and structure, ideal for early-stage startups.
- Check Their Acceptance Requirements:Many require a minimum viable product (MVP) or detailed pitch deck before considering support. Some incubators also have cohort-based intakes with fixed deadlines.
- Research Their Success Rates and Alumni Startups:Look into startups they have supported and how many secured visas or scaled in Canada. A strong track record indicates higher credibility with IRCC.
- Review Their Application and Interview Process:Each organisation sets its own review process. Some may ask for multiple interviews or demo days. Understanding their criteria early will help you prepare a strong application.
Also Read:Canada PR Processing Time From India in 2025
Steps to Apply for the Canada Startup Visa Through a Designated Organisation
Applying for the Canada Start Up Visa involves multiple steps, starting with selecting the right organisation to support your idea. Here is a step-by-step guide.
- Research Organisations:Go through the official IRCC-approved list of designated organisations. Shortlist ones that align with your sector, funding needs, and stage of growth.
- Prepare a Business Plan:Create a business model that is innovative, scalable, and solves a real-world problem. Include financial projections, target market, and competitive advantage.
- Pitch Your Idea:Approach selected organisations with a strong pitch deck. Tailor your pitch based on the organisation’s focus and investment preference.
- Secure Letter of Support:If the organisation agrees to support you, they will issue a formal letter of support. This letter confirms your acceptance into their program or investment agreement.
- Apply for the Visa:Submit your complete Start Up Visa application to IRCC with the letter of support. Also include proof of language proficiency, settlement funds, and other documents.
Secure Your Path to Canadian Immigration Through Startup Visa Canada with ÿմ!
Choosing the right designated organisation for Canada Startup Visa is your first step toward launching a successful business in Canada. From incubators to angel investors, each offers unique value to startups. With proper planning, a strong pitch, and the right support system, your entrepreneurial journey in Canada can lead to permanent residency and business success.
Trust ÿմ for a hassle-free immigration experience backed by accuracy, transparency, and expert guidance. Our dedicated team helps you choose the right designated organisation and prepare flawless visa applications. With end-to-end support at every step, ÿմ makes your Canada immigration journey smooth and successful.
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