The Hard Part with Evan McCann

Jordan McFarlen from Conexus Venture Capital

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Jordan McFarlen is the Managing Director at Conexus Venture Capital.


Conexus Venture Capital (CVC) has launched its second $30M VC fund with a $15M first close from its founder, Conexus Credit Union.

With Fund II and new leadership, the Regina-based VC firm aims to build on the groundwork laid by its first fund and Conexus-founded incubator Cultivator.

Through its latest fund, CVC plans to invest in more early-stage Saskatchewan-based technology startups.


Takeaways

  • Jordan starting Cultivator and building a leading accelerator.
  • Great versus good accelerator.
  • Nuances and specific challenges that Saskatchewan founders face.
  • Raising a $30M Fund II.
  • Advantages of having a smaller tech ecosystem like agility, connectivity, a cohesive ecosystem, and the government's support through tax credits and non-dilutive funding.
  • CVC's role in Saskatchewan funding early-stage startups and building relationships with other VCs for future funding rounds.
  • Exciting Sask companies like 7Shifts (backed by Softbank), Coconut Software, Vendasta and more.
  • The exciting next wave of Saskatchewan founders.


    • Chapters

    00:00 Joining Conexus and Creating Cultivator

    03:22 Attracting Investors and Building Relationships

    08:22 Transitioning from Founder to Investor

    13:31 The Advantages of Investing in Saskatchewan

    18:43 Creating a Flywheel Effect in Saskatchewan

    21:19 The Launch of Connect Suspension Capital Fund

    24:26 Interesting Companies in Saskatchewan

    26:47 The Ambition of the Younger Generation

    29:05 Balancing Learning from Others and Staying Authentic

    30:55 Dealing with Hard Times

    33:45 The Inspiration and Drive Behind Jordan's Work


    Keywords

    Saskatchewan, tech ecosystem, Cultivator, Conexus Venture Capital, incubator, challenges, community, mentorship, smaller market, ambition, drive

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    The Hard Part with Evan McCannBy Evan McCann