Diagram Ventures
Industry Focus
Geographic Focus
Diagram Ventures is a Montreal-based venture studio and early-stage investor founded in 2016 by François Lafortune and Paul Desmarais III. The organization conceives, launches, and invests in technology companies primarily in the Fintech, Web3, ClimateTech, and AI sectors. Diagram has designed a unique platform for entrepreneurs with proven track records or domain expertise to start their next business by combining access to venture capital investment, hands-on operational support, and a deep ecosystem of partners and corporate incumbents. The venture studio model involves spending several months in each category identifying pain points and validating opportunities with potential customers before bringing on founding teams, providing them with a head start through formal incorporation, pre-seed capital, wireframes, and roster of potential customers. Since 2016, Diagram has raised over $400 million across five funds and has launched or invested in 25+ companies across North America, creating more than $1.5 billion in shareholder value and generating over 1,500 full-time jobs. The organization is part of Sagard Holdings, the alternative asset management arm of Power Corporation of Canada, giving it unique access to corporate partnerships and resources. Diagram achieved top decile returns for investors and has seen multiple successful exits including Dialogue (IPO on TSX), Collage (acquired), Breathe Life (acquired), and StreamingFast (acquired).
2016
24 Companies
6
3X Higher