Helia Capital

Helia Capital is a patient capital partner dedicated to supporting small-to-medium sized purpose-driven businesses as they transition from entrepreneurial ventures to professionally managed organizations. The firm focuses on elevating existing creations, applying its extensive experience to overcome significant obstacles, and fostering long-term sustainable growth. Helia Capital views each investment as a true partnership with founders and leadership teams, often taking majority or influential minority positions, with a preference for scenarios where the original founders and/or leadership maintain significant equity interests.

Helia Capital was founded in 2018 by Lee Piccoli, initially operating under the name Fusion Ventures before undergoing a rebrand in November 2021. Lee Piccoli, an entrepreneur with over three decades of experience, previously founded Fusion Homes in 1999. He successfully grew Fusion Homes into a client experience leader and a large-volume developer of residential homes in Southwestern Ontario, achieving revenues in excess of $200 million. Piccoli's firsthand experience in building a business from the ground up significantly informs Helia Capital's approach to partnering with companies seeking to achieve their next level of growth.

The firm's investment focus spans various sectors including Education, Health & Wellness, Sustainability, Real Estate, Construction, Healthcare Services, Technology, Food, and Consumer. Helia Capital engages in transaction types such as growth capital investments, management buyouts, recapitalizations, and divestitures. Its portfolio includes a Premier Child Care Provider in Burlington, Ontario, a Plant-Based Restaurant Chain (Plant Power Fast Food) in San Diego, California, Laser Hair Removal Experts in Toronto, Ontario, a Residential Home Builder, and a Spirits Distillery (Spring Mill Distillery) in Guelph, Ontario.

The leadership team at Helia Capital comprises seasoned professionals who have driven significant growth firsthand. Led by CEO Lee Piccoli, the team includes Managing Director Sebastien Koechli, Chief of Staff Nicole Fillier, and other key individuals in finance, development, and talent. Their collective expertise spans private equity investing, mergers and acquisitions, and operational support, enabling them to provide strategic guidance and corporate governance to their portfolio companies, ensuring stability and success beyond the initial transition.