The Group Ventures

The Group Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that partners with exceptional technology entrepreneurs to scale and grow category-defining B2B ventures across Canada and Israel. The firm specializes in operator-led, value-driven investing focused on companies with strong differentiating technology, network effects, and potential for global scale. They typically invest at the post-seed stage when ventures have validated their technology and are in early commercialization phases, providing comprehensive support across commercialization, strategic marketing, people and culture development, and financial planning.

Founded by experienced operators including Sion Balass (Managing Partner), Anatol Von Hahn (Chairman), Michael O'Sullivan, Kevin O'Brien, and Anthony Toldo, The Group Ventures was established to bridge the gap between product development and growth-stage scaling. The founding team brings over three decades of combined experience in technology, fintech, financial services, and business development across North America, Europe, and Israel. Their investment thesis emphasizes longitudinal due diligence, building transparent partnerships with founders long before investment decisions, and fostering relationships built on trust and merit.

The firm's portfolio includes notable companies such as brain.space, which develops human-centered AI data collection and analysis tools; Pinch, which automates mortgage qualification for first-time homebuyers; Sibli, an AI-powered investment research platform for asset managers; and Substrata, a social signal intelligence platform for professional dealmakers and B2B sales professionals. These portfolio companies reflect the firm's focus on data-driven, platform-based B2B technology solutions with significant market potential.

The Group Ventures operates with a dynamic team combining international, entrepreneurial, and corporate expertise. Beyond the founding partners, the firm includes strategic advisors such as Marla Schwartz, a veteran in financial services and healthcare with over 35 years of experience, and Charaka Kithulegoda, a banking technology expert recognized as IT Leader of the Year. The team's diverse background spans fintech, healthcare, retail, telecommunications, and manufacturing sectors, enabling them to provide substantive operational guidance to portfolio companies navigating growth challenges.