BDC Thrive Lab for Women
Impact investorMontréal · Pre-Seed–Seed
Investment thesis
The Thrive Lab for Women commits $100 million in equity and equity-like investments to women-led, impact-driven businesses whose objectives align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including food security, responsible agriculture, health and well-being, education, reduced inequalities, and responsible consumption. Operating as a collaborative lab, it works with 25 co-investment partners who source, pre-qualify, and recommend companies. The initial focus is on early-stage businesses that pursue social impact while generating financial returns. Companies must be actively raising capital and be vetted by a BDC-approved co-investment partner or funded through an investment contest, with support offered through capital, resources, and mentorship.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 3, 2026.
What they invest in
from 3 of 4 portfolio companiesAI & Machine Learning ×1Biotech ×1Circular Economy ×1Cleantech ×1Data & Infrastructure ×1Enterprise Software ×1Fintech ×1New Materials ×1
HQs:Canada×3
Investments · 4 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathBDC is a Canadian financial institution that provides financing and business advisory services to small and medium-sized enterprises across all sectors.
Enterprise SoftwareFintechCanada, CA
Co-investorsBDC Climate Tech Fund IIBDC Fund Investments (Fund-of-Funds)BDC Growth Venture FundBDC Industrial Innovation Venture FundBDC Life Sciences Venture FundBDC Seed Venture Fund+8 more
BetterCart Analytics provides price, promotion, and assortment analytics for retailers and CPG companies, drawing on what it describes as Canada's largest grocery price database.
AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureRetail Tech
Melanie Morrison(Founder)in
Co-investorsCo.LabsStartup TNT
Dispersa is a biotechnology company that converts food waste into biodegradable biosurfactants for industrial applications.
BiotechCircular EconomyCleantechNew Materials
Nivatha Balendra(Founder and CEO)in
Co-investorsBoxOne VenturesFront Row VenturesNàdarra Ventures
Other
Tracked investments with no reachable website or further public details — typically companies that wound down, renamed, or were absorbed.
ALT-PRO Advantage
Portfolio news
latest coverage across their companies
BDC Capital · betakit.com · Aug 20, 2026
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does BDC Thrive Lab for Women invest at?
- BDC Thrive Lab for Women invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed stages.
- What sectors does BDC Thrive Lab for Women focus on?
- BDC Thrive Lab for Women focuses on AgTech, EdTech, FemTech, FoodTech, Healthtech, Impact & Social Good, Sector Agnostic.
- Where is BDC Thrive Lab for Women located?
- BDC Thrive Lab for Women is headquartered in Montréal, CA.
- Who does BDC Thrive Lab for Women co-invest with?
- BDC Thrive Lab for Women most often shares deals with BDC Fund Investments (Fund-of-Funds), Startup TNT, BDC Venture Capital, among 19 tracked co-investors.
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