Victoria Capital Management is a firm providing institutional investment management, wealth management, and witness services. They have experience in managing equities and fixed income instruments for mutual funds, institutional investors, banks and individuals.

Victoria Capital Management

BDC Venture Capital is a major venture capital investor in Canada, active at every stage of the company's development cycle, from seed through expansion, with a focus on technology-based businesses that have high growth potential and that are positioned to become dominant players in their markets. The company helps create and develop strong Canadian businesses through financing, consulting services and securitization, with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises. BDC Venture Capital has been involved in venture capital since 1975 and has to date invested in more than 400 companies involved in the areas of Life Sciences, Telecommunications, Information Technology and Advanced Technologies.

BDC Venture Capital

Vanedge Capital is a venture capital firm which invests in the enterprise software, cloud infrastructure, security, digital media and cloud computing sectors. The firm targets companies that are post-revenue with a fast-growing user base and have demonstrated product market fit.

Vanedge Capital

BDC IT Venture Fund is a venture capital firm that invests in emerging and mid-stage Internet, mobile and enterprise companies in Canada. Its initial investment typically ranges from $2M to $5M in Series A or B rounds with up to $15M invested over the life of the company.

BDC IT Venture Fund

CBGF helps privately-owned Canadian businesses with the capital, talent, and expertise they need to drive growth and realize their potential. Supported by Canada’s leading banks and insurance companies, they have a national mandate to provide long-term, patient, minority capital to entrepreneurs pursuing growth and expansion strategies. CBGF’s vision is to become Canada’s leading growth capital investor and partner of choice for ambitious mid-market entrepreneurs, supporting them to reach their full potential. With initial capital commitments of $545 million and projected to increase to $1 billion over time, CBGF is an independent, values-driven partner for teams committed to taking their business to the next level.

Canadian Business Growth Fund

BDC offers financing, consulting services, subordinate financing and venture capital. They focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). BDC's services are available across Canada in both official languages through a network of more than 100 offices. Its head office is in Montreal.

Business Development Bank of Canada

Comporium is a diversified communications company providing a Quintuple Play of five services -- voice, video, data, wireless and security -- at the retail level; as well as, providing security monitoring and directory publishing for its industry customers. Comporium, which is headquartered in Rock Hill, S.C., provides communications services in York and Lancaster Counties in the Upstate; as well as, in parts of six counties in the Midlands: Lexington, Saluda, Edgefield, Orangeburg, Calhoun and Aiken. Comporium also is the incumbent local telephone exchange company and cable TV operator in Transylvania County, N.C. In addition, Comporium has a Competitive Local Exchange Company (CLEC) in the Charlotte metropolitan area and offers a comprehensive suite of business communications equipment and service options. Comporium is a major investor in Home Telephone (one of the Spirit/PalmettoNet owner/partners). Home Telephone is based in Moncks Corner, S.C. Comporium is a major investor in Immedion, an enterprise-class, dedicated data center services provider. Immedion has data centers in Asheville, NC, Greenville, SC, Columbia, SC and Charleston, SC. Further, to complement its own retail and wholesale Security business, Comporium has invested in iControl, which provides a wireless Security, Monitoring and Automation (SMA) Platform that can combine an alarm system, communications gateway and home automation platform into one device. The SMA Platform enables broadband service providers to deliver the next generation of services for the “connected home.”

Comporium

SaskWorks Venture Fund is a Saskatchewan-based retail mutual fund that invests in privately-held small and medium-sized businesses owned or primarily operated in Saskatchewan. As a labour-sponsored venture capital corporation (LSVCC), investments in SaskWorks are eligible to receive a tax credit equal to 35% in addition to their RRSP tax deferral. Since its inception, the Fund has provided a unique opportunity for Saskatchewan residents to keep their investment dollars at home, helping to grow local companies and creating jobs in their province.

SaskWorks Venture Fund

Lugard Road Capital is a venture capital firm that invests primarily in the Internet, software, consumer, and technology sectors. Lugard Road Capital is affiliated with U.S. hedge fund Luxor Capital Group.

Lugard Road Capital

Comerica - Technology & Life Sciences is a wealth management services.

Comerica - Technology & Life Sciences

Nicola Wealth Management offers sophisticated wealth management strategies that help high net worth individuals reach their financial goals. With locations in the Lower Mainland (Vancouver and Richmond offices), the Okanagan (Kelowna office), and the Greater Toronto Area (Toronto office), Nicola Wealth provides executives, business owners and incorporated individuals across Canada with the full-service, integrated approach they require.

Nicola Wealth Management

BMO NesbittBurns is a full-service investment firm.

BMO Nesbitt Burns

Foundry is a venture capital firm focused on providing early-stage technology investments. The firm was established in 2007 and is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, United States.

Foundry Group

Vendasta

Vendasta is the creator of an end-to-end e-commerce platform that aims to stimulate local economies by democratizing technology for small companies. The platform of the company offers a white-labelable marketplace of products and services, lead generation and go-to-market tools, billing, fulfillment, and task management, allowing clients to effortlessly supply digital services to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Vendasta is a cloud commerce platform that provides digital solutions for companies to market, sell, bill, fulfill, and deliver services to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The company was founded in 2008 and has experienced impressive growth, reaching over 5.5 million SMBs globally through a network of over 63,000 channel partners by 2019. Vendasta offers an expansive marketplace with over 50 re-sellable third-party vendor solutions tailored for local businesses. These solutions cover a wide range of digital marketing needs such as website builders, social media tools, advertising platforms, SEO services, and more. Channel partners can private label these solutions under their own brand. In 2023, Vendasta reported three-year revenue growth of 136% and aimed to achieve profitability by year-end while adhering to the rule of 40%. The company has expanded through strategic acquisitions like Broadly in March 2023 and MatchCraft in January 2022 to bolster its product capabilities. Vendasta was acquired itself in 2024, with further details of the acquisition included in this overview section.

Cloud Commerce Platform

Vendasta recognized among Canada's Top Growing Companies for exceptional performance

Turn your digital agency into a scalable powerhouse

Vendasta Acquires Small Business Customer Relationship Platform Broadly

Vendasta Enterprise Platform

Saskatoon-based Vendasta on a roll after pulling IPO, acquiring two businesses

Vendasta Review: A Complete Guide for 2023 [Uncensored!]

We drive local economies

Marketplaces and related solutions for selling goods and services online

Ecommerce Platforms

Vendasta Honored as a Top Growing Company in Canada for Innovation and Performance

Vendasta is a cloud commerce platform that provides digital solutions for companies to market, sell, bill, fulfill, and deliver services to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The company was founded in 2008 and has experienced impressive growth, reaching over 5.5 million SMBs globally through a network of over 63,000 channel partners by 2019. Vendasta offers an expansive marketplace with over 50 re-sellable third-party vendor solutions tailored for local businesses. These solutions cover a wide range of digital marketing needs such as website builders, social media tools, advertising platforms, SEO services, and more. Channel partners can private label these solutions under their own brand. In 2023, Vendasta reported three-year revenue growth of 136% and aimed to achieve profitability by year-end while adhering to the rule of 40%. The company has expanded through strategic acquisitions like Broadly in March 2023 and MatchCraft in January 2022 to bolster its product capabilities. Vendasta was acquired itself in 2024, with further details of the acquisition included in this overview section.
Key customers and partnerships
Through its cutting-edge B2B commerce platform, Vendasta empowers channel partners worldwide to seamlessly offer digital products and services under their own branding. Partners leverage Vendasta's business app to provide SMB customers a unified experience for accessing tools, reporting on KPIs, and managing operations. Notable partners include LocalEdge (Hearst Media Services), EZLocal, JS Group, YellowPages, and Wren Interactive. As of June 2023, Vendasta's network had generated over USD 66.1 million in monthly partner revenue and served 8.2 million local business end-users globally.

Vestiaire Collective is a leading global online marketplace for pre-owned luxury fashion items. Founded in 2009 in Paris, France, the company aims to transform the fashion industry into a more sustainable model by promoting circular fashion and reducing overconsumption and waste.
Vestiaire Collective operates a platform where buyers and sellers can buy, sell, and trade authenticated pre-owned luxury fashion items, including clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories from renowned brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, and Prada. As of 2023, the platform had over 3 million items listed and a community of around 23 million members across 78 countries.
The company's core value proposition lies in its rigorous authentication process. All items listed on the platform undergo meticulous quality and authenticity checks by a team of trained experts, ensuring the legitimacy of the products sold. This process involves thorough examination of materials, craftsmanship, branding elements, and serial numbers, as well as the use of advanced technologies like image recognition software.
Vestiaire Collective's business model is commission-based, with the company charging a percentage fee on successful transactions. The fee structure varies based on the sale price, ranging from 15% for items sold between USD 80 and USD 13,000 to a fixed fee for higher-priced items.
In recent years, Vestiaire Collective has undertaken various sustainability initiatives, such as launching the "Brand Approved" program, which allows luxury brands to integrate circularity into their business models by facilitating the buyback and resale of their pre-owned items. The company aims to become carbon neutral by 2026 and has implemented measures to reduce its environmental footprint, including offering green shipping options and eco-friendly packaging.

Vestiaire Collective

Trendyol is a leading ecommerce platform based in Turkey that was founded in 2010 by Demet Mutlu. It operates as a marketplace connecting buyers with a wide range of sellers offering products across various categories including fashion, electronics, beauty, and groceries. Trendyol has evolved from a single shopping site to a comprehensive ecommerce ecosystem, offering complementary services such as logistics (Trendyol Express), instant delivery (Trendyol Go), digital payments (Trendyol Pay), and a secondhand marketplace (Dolap).
Initially bootstrapped with USD 300,000 by Mutlu, Trendyol witnessed rapid growth, reaching over a million customers within its first year. As of 2023, the platform boasts over 30 million customers, 250,000 sellers, and delivers more than 1 million packages daily. Trendyol's success can be attributed to its focus on affordable pricing, a diverse product range, and a sustainable business model that supports digitization of local manufacturers and small businesses.
In 2018, Alibaba Group acquired a majority stake in Trendyol, valuing the company at USD 728 million. This strategic partnership provided Trendyol with technological expertise and helped position it as Turkey's first "decacorn" (a startup valued over USD 10 billion) after raising USD 1.5 billion in 2021, reaching a valuation of USD 16.5 billion.
Trendyol's commitment to creating a positive impact is evident through its support for local talent, sustainable sourcing, and initiatives promoting women's participation in the digital economy. The company has generated significant economic impact, contributing to the growth of over 90% of its sellers and enabling over 50,000 female entrepreneurs to establish ecommerce businesses.
Key customers and partnerships
Trendyol has established notable partnerships to enhance its technological capabilities and expand its reach. In 2018, Alibaba Group secured a significant stake in Trendyol, providing expertise and resources to support the platform's growth. This strategic partnership aims to boost Turkey's e-exports by enabling Turkish SMEs to leverage Alibaba's global network for exporting their products.
Additionally, Trendyol has partnered with EVS, aligning with their shared values of positively impacting people's lives and maintaining a startup spirit. This collaboration has allowed Trendyol to contribute further to Turkey's economy and leverage EVS's expertise in areas such as mobile payments, logistics, and exports.
Trendyol has also formed a partnership with AGH, a company rich in ecommerce experience. This alliance has enabled Trendyol to absorb knowledge and best practices in areas like logistics, mobile payments, and facilitating the growth of SMEs through the platform economy.

Trendyol

SidelineSwap is the world's largest online marketplace for buying and selling new and used sporting goods. It was founded in 2015 with the mission of making sports more affordable and accessible to everyone. The platform allows athletes, fans, and sports families to safely buy and sell a wide range of sports gear across various categories, including baseball, basketball, football, hockey, golf, lacrosse, skiing, snowboarding, and tennis. SidelineSwap has enabled athletes to earn over USD 250 million to date by reselling the extra gear they have at home.
The marketplace operates on a peer-to-peer model, where sellers can create free listings, and buyers can browse through the inventory to find great deals, often at up to 70% off retail prices. Sellers receive payment through SidelineSwap's secure platform once the buyer receives and approves the item. As of April 2024, SidelineSwap had helped over 2 million athletes resell over USD 250 million worth of used sports gear, keeping 180,000 pounds of gear out of landfills annually.
In addition to its core marketplace, SidelineSwap has developed a Trade-in Platform, which provides pop-up events, in-store, and online trade-in options for brands and retailers. This platform leverages SidelineSwap's proprietary marketplace technology and resale data, enabling sellers to choose between direct resale or instant trade-in value. The Trade-in Platform has been adopted by major retailers like DICK'S Sporting Goods and MonkeySports, allowing their customers to trade in used gear for store credits.

SidelineSwap

OnBuy is an online marketplace that was founded in 2016 with the aim of providing a fair and transparent platform for retailers and consumers alike. Unlike other major marketplaces, OnBuy does not hold its own inventory or compete with sellers by offering its own product lines. Instead, it acts as a pure online marketplace connecting independent retailers and brands with customers.
The platform offers a wide range of products across various categories, including electronics, entertainment, home and garden, office supplies, and more. As of March 2024, OnBuy hosts over 35 million products from 11,000 brands and retailers. The company has witnessed rapid growth, recording a 600% year-on-year increase in sales between 2018 and 2021.
OnBuy's unique selling proposition lies in its commitment to treating all sellers equally, regardless of their size or relationship with the platform. It operates on a transparent fee structure, charging a flat commission rate of 5% on consumer electronics and 9% for all other categories, with no listing fees. This approach has resonated well with retailers, attracting hundreds of new sign-ups each month.
In July 2023, OnBuy introduced a pioneering cashback rewards program, becoming the world's first cashback marketplace. Customers can earn uncapped cashback on every purchase, which can be spent instantly on the platform or withdrawn after 30 days. This innovative loyalty program aims to disrupt the online retail landscape and provide customers with tangible rewards for their loyalty.
OnBuy's growth has been fueled by its commitment to ethical practices, fair treatment of sellers, and a focus on customer needs. The platform's success has been recognized by various accolades, including being listed in the Financial Times' 1000 fastest-growing companies in Europe and Deloitte's Fast 50.
In December 2021, OnBuy announced its plans for an anticipated IPO within the next two years, as well as international expansion into over 140 countries. The company also acquired a new headquarters in central Bournemouth in March 2022 to support its growth ambitions.

OnBuy

OpenStore is a platform that provides instant liquidity for ecommerce entrepreneurs, primarily those selling on Shopify. Founded in 2021, the company allows merchants to sell their businesses quickly by providing a cash offer within 24 hours after connecting to their Shopify store and providing relevant data. OpenStore uses proprietary algorithms and data science to analyze a merchant's historical financials, order history, and marketing data to determine a valuation for the business.
The company acquires Shopify brands with USD 1 million to USD 10 million in gross merchandise volume, with a focus on US-based, direct-to-consumer brands. After the acquisition, OpenStore takes over operations of the businesses with the intention of growing them long-term. The company has acquired dozens of brands since late 2021 and aims to streamline the mergers and acquisitions process for ecommerce businesses through automation.
OpenStore differentiates itself from other ecommerce aggregators by its rapid turnaround time and focus on direct-to-consumer Shopify brands rather than Amazon marketplace sellers. The company closed a USD 32 million funding round in September 2022, valuing it at USD 970 million. As of July 2024, OpenStore had over 100 employees and had raised over USD 150 million in equity funding from investors including Lux Capital, Atomic, Founders Fund, General Catalyst, and Khosla Ventures.

OpenStore

C2C and B2C ecommerce platforms that enable users to sell a range of goods and services via their online marketplace (e.g., eBay, Amazon).

B2B ecommerce platforms that enable businesses to sell a range of goods and services aimed mainly at other businesses. These companies mostly provide wholesale/bulk purchases (e.g., DHgate, Lightinthebox).

B2C ecommerce platforms that enable businesses to sell specialized product categories (including electronics, fast fashion, or books) via their online marketplace (e.g., Trendyol, Asos, Bookshop).

Ecommerce solutions providers that offer software for customizable ecommerce and other websites or specific modules embedded in websites such as digital experience intelligence and ecommerce management support (e.g., Shopify, CommerceIQ).

Companies that buy and grow ecommerce brands on ecommerce marketplaces (e.g., Thrasio, OpenStore, Moonshot Brands).

Companies that use GenAI as a core part of their product offering for ecommerce platforms

Ecommerce website solutions provide services to build customized platforms/experiences for ecommerce

Some companies in the "ecommerce website solutions" segment provide B2B SaaS solutions

Artificial intelligence is helping sales teams manage relationships and optimize the customer lifecycle.

Vendasta

Sources

About EDGE

Contact Us

Resources

Area of Focus

Technology Research Made Effortless