Subscribe to unlock this article
Thanks for your support.
MAGNUM Capital Partners (MAGNUM), Canada’s first women-led fund of SFs, has announced the addition of new LPs in its inaugural fund, Magnum Capital Fund I. Among them is a $2M investment from the BDC, through its Thrive ETA Fund, marking BDC’s first investment in the SF asset class. At the beginning of 2025, MAGNUM completed a first close of $8M, aiming to reach its $20M hard cap target.
The partnership with BDC represents a major milestone for both MAGNUM and the search fund ecosystem in Canada. Through the Thrive ETA Fund, BDC aims to support aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to acquire and lead established Canadian businesses while addressing the growing challenge of business succession. “We are thrilled to partner with a pioneering firm like MAGNUM,” said Sévrine Labelle, Managing Director of Thrive ETA Fund. “We believe the SF model offers a powerful pathway to entrepreneurship, and we are proud to make our first investment in this asset class with a firm led by a trailblazing woman who knows firsthand the challenges and opportunities of being a SF entrepreneur.”
While well established in other markets, the SF model is still relatively new in Quebec. It offers talented entrepreneurs the opportunity to step into leadership roles by acquiring successful businesses with a proven track record. The growing interest in the model is reflected in the participation of Quebec-based entrepreneurs Patrick Pérus, through his firm Capital d’Expérience, and Éric Lemieux, via his family office Eclo Investissements, as new LPs.
According to Repreneuriat Québec, 9,700 private businesses in the province plan to transfer ownership in the next 12 months. “The SF model provides a vital solution to the succession crisis facing many Quebec businesses,” said Patricia Riopel, Founding Partner at MAGNUM. “It empowers the next generation of leaders to build upon the legacy of successful companies, ensuring their continued growth and contribution to the Quebec economy. The support from seasoned entrepreneurs like Patrick and Éric is a testament to the model’s potential. Our goal is to demystify this path to entrepreneurship.”
