Lisa Melchior

Worth knowing

Lisa has invested $1.5 billion across more than 25 technology companies in North America and Europe, and she knows what it takes for a Canadian software business to hold its own against global competitors. She has also raised institutional capital for Canadian tech from scratch. Founders of enterprise software companies weighing a growth round, and fund managers building a first raise, should get in touch.

Story

Lisa studied at Western University and began her career as an investment banker at CIBC World Markets. In 1999 she joined OMERS Private Equity, staying 17 years and rising to Managing Director in charge of the North American Technology Investment Group. In 2017 she left to build something Canada did not have: a growth private equity firm focused squarely on Canadian technology. Vertu Capital closed its inaugural fund with more than $300 million in commitments, and the raise wrapped up on International Women's Day. From Toronto, she now invests in enterprise software and software-enabled businesses, and serves on the boards of the companies she backs.

Highlights

• Founded Vertu Capital, 2017; Fund I closed at $300M+ in 2023
• Director, Canada's Venture Capital & Private Equity Association, since 2020
• Board member, Real Matters Inc. (TSX: REAL) and PathFactory
• Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100, WXN, 2023
• Businesswoman of the Year, Business Excellence Awards, 2024