How InBC Invests
InBC invests in companies and venture funds that seek to address environmental and social issues, while delivering financial returns for people of British Columbia.
Our criteria
Each investment InBC makes is individually assessed according to the following:
Business model and financial returns
- Strength and experience of management team
- Strategic direction, unique product differentiation, intellectual property
- Industry dynamics and competitive landscape
- Track record, growth rate and financial forecast
Strong connection to B.C.
- Location of headquarters and/or offices in B.C.
- Proportion of decision-makers and management team based in B.C.
- Percentage of investment and deal flow, revenue, employees and/or infrastructure in B.C.
Alignment to one (or more) impact objective
- Alignment to one or more of InBC’s impact objectives
- Intention to define and measure impact
- Integration of impact with business model
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks
- Current diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) of portfolio or company
- Roadmap for developing and implementing ESG and DEI practices and policies
- Performance related to ESG
InBC is investing with a portfolio approach to build a strong and diversified portfolio. InBC reviews every investment opportunity submitted through our website, and while there are many companies and funds meeting our criteria, only a select number will receive an investment.
Seeking investment?
Complete our short intake form for initial review of your company or fund. Please note at this stage, a company pitch deck is not required.
Companies
For entrepreneurs, InBC offers:
- A fair and inclusive assessment process
- A patient investor who has longer term expectations for returns
- Access to a support network through InBC’s partners
- For early stage companies, equity investments of approximately $3 million to $5 million
- For later stage companies, equity investments of approximately $8 million to $10 million
- Opportunity for additional investment through follow on capital
Funds
For fund managers, InBC provides:
- Values-aligned capital to launch or support an investment fund
- Support for portfolios that deliver benefits in the areas of innovation, climate action, reconciliation and inclusive communities
- Equity investments of approximately $5 million to $10 million
*Over time, InBC will consider additional investment types.
InBC is investing $500 million over several years. While there is no deadline for submission, it is recommended that companies and funds begin the process at least six months in advance of requiring capital.
| Virtual Office Hour For companies or funds with additional questions on how to proceed, join the next InBC virtual office hour for an informal group chat with members of our investment team. Thursday October 19, 10:30-11:30 a.m. PDT: Register Now |
What InBC invests in
Seed
Companies that have a concept or product in development
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InBC does not invest directly in seed stage companies, only indirectly through venture funds
Early Stage
Companies that have a product or service in testing, pilot production or that has recently become commercially available
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InBC invests directly in early stage companies; it also invests indirectly through venture funds
Later Stage
Companies that have a product or service that is commercially available
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InBC invests directly in later stage companies; it also invests indirectly through venture funds
Our Process
| Financial | Impact | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Screening | Evaluate viability and growth of potential business model based on stage and size | Determine eligibility based on strong connections to B.C. and alignment with one or more of InBC’s four impact objectives |
| 2. Due Diligence | Conduct financial, market and industry due diligence, and develop a clear path to generating market-rate returns | Determine the scale, scope, depth and measurability of impact, assess ESG risks including DEI practices |
| 3. Deal Execution | Structure and negotiate deal terms, present to Investment Review Committee | Align on 2-3 core impact KPIs to include in deal terms |
| 4. Monitoring & Reporting | Track and manage performance of investments across financial KPIs | Track and manage performance of investments across impact KPIs |
1. Screening
Financial
Evaluate viability and growth of potential business model based on stage and size
Impact
Determine eligibility based on strong connections to B.C. and alignment with one or more of InBC’s four impact objectives
2. Due Diligence
Financial
Conduct financial, market and industry due diligence, and develop a clear path to generating market-rate returns
Impact
Determine the scale, scope, depth and measurability of impact, assess ESG risks including DEI practices
3. Deal Execution
Financial
Structure and negotiate deal terms, present to Investment Review Committee
Impact
Align on 2-3 core impact KPIs to include in deal terms
4. Monitoring & Reporting
Financial
Track and manage performance of investments across financial KPIs
Impact
Track and manage performance of investments across impact KPIs
What InBC doesn’t offer
- Grants
- Loan guarantees or government guarantees
- Investments in infrastructure projects or real estate
- Direct investment into seed stage companies
- Short-term financing
For more details of our approach and criteria, see our investment strategy overview and frequently asked questions.