BEST Funds
Venture capitalToronto · Seed–Late Stage · 3 people tracked
Investment thesis
B.E.S.T. Funds invests in high-potential Canadian companies across seed to later-stage growth, with deep expertise in software, cloud computing, financial services, and clean technology. Beyond capital deployment across multiple instruments including equity and venture debt, the firm provides portfolio companies with strategic consulting, market analysis, fundraising guidance, and M&A support to drive operational success. The firm leverages its network and track record of over 350 transactions since 1995 to identify and nurture companies with significant growth potential in sectors with strong market fundamentals.
Source: firm website, verified Jul 21, 2026.
Team · 3 people
from the firm's websiteJohn Richardson is the founder and CEO of B.E.S.T. Funds, holding CPA, CA, MBA and CBV designations. Since 1995, he has led all strategic aspects of the firm, directed over 350 transactions, and assisted entrepreneurs across the portfolio with funding solutions, M&A advisory, and value optimization initiatives.
Tom Lunan, a CPA, CA, and CFA charterholder, serves as Chief Financial Officer of B.E.S.T. Funds. Since 2000, he has managed portfolio operations, compliance procedures, and regulatory obligations. He previously held positions at the Toronto Stock Exchange and Ontario Securities Commission.
Mark Donatelli holds CPA, CA, CFA, and CBV credentials and serves as Vice President at B.E.S.T. Funds. He participates in portfolio management, due diligence, business development, and investment structuring. Prior to B.E.S.T. Funds, he held finance and accounting roles at Wave Financial, Northbridge Financial, PwC, and OpenText.
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does BEST Funds invest at?
- BEST Funds invests at the Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth, Late Stage stages.
- What sectors does BEST Funds focus on?
- BEST Funds focuses on Cleantech, Cloud Computing, Fintech, SaaS.
- Where is BEST Funds located?
- BEST Funds is headquartered in Toronto, CA.
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