Private Equity Firms in Toronto

Birch Hill Equity Partners is a Toronto-based private equity firm focused on investing in Canadian mid-market companies with strong growth potential. Founded in 1994 and spun out from TD Capital in 2005, Birch Hill has established itself as a leading independent firm specializing in long-term, value-oriented partnerships with exceptional management teams. The firm targets control or significant minority investments in companies typically valued between CAD $30 million and $600 million, across a wide array of industries including technology, consumer products, business services, industrials, and financial services. Birch Hill supports operational transformation, organic growth, and strategic acquisitions, often taking a hands-on approach to long-term value creation. With over CAD $5 billion in capital under management and more than 70 transactions completed, Birch Hill is one of the most experienced private equity investors in Canada. Its team of investment professionals operates from a single centralized office in Toronto, providing strategic guidance and capital to support Canadian businesses through all stages of growth.

Dawson Partners is a leading global alternative asset manager specializing in structured solutions for the private markets. Since its founding in 2015, Dawson has developed tailored portfolio financing and liquidity strategies for both limited partners (LPs) and general partners (GPs). Its innovative, flexible approach to private market investing addresses the evolving needs of institutional clients worldwide.With over $25 billion in assets under management and more than $30 billion deployed across 295+ transactions, Dawson brings a high level of specialization to complex portfolios. The firm is known for its ability to curate, structure, and actively manage bespoke investments that deliver both liquidity and long-term value. Its data-driven investment process and deep market knowledge set it apart in the structured equity and secondaries space.Dawson operates from offices in Toronto, New York City, and London, UK, employing between 201 and 500 professionals. Its global team combines expertise in private equity, credit, and portfolio strategy, positioning Dawson as a trusted partner across private markets. The firm continues to scale with a commitment to innovation, performance, and alignment with its clients’ long-term objectives.

Gastauer Family Office (GFO) is a single-client private asset management firm dedicated to managing the substantial asset structure and the financial and personal affairs of the Gastauer Family. With over US$11.4 billion in assets under management, GFO employs global hedge strategies and maintains a broad mandate to trade and invest across various global markets and financial instruments. The firm's investment approach is driven purely by the needs and preferences of the Gastauer Family.The firm was established in 2008 by its Chairman and Founder, Michael Gastauer, a German billionaire entrepreneur and investor. Gastauer's career began at the age of 24 when he founded his first company, an asset management firm in Zurich, which quickly reached a significant valuation and was later sold to a Swiss investment firm. In the early 2000s, he pioneered an online payment system for eCommerce, achieving a US$480 million valuation before its sale in 2008. Seven years later, Gastauer became an investor and founder of a digital banking group, Black Banx, which rapidly grew to a US$9.8 billion valuation by 2018, becoming one of the fastest-growing FinTech companies in Asia.Gastauer Family Office has a dedicated venture capital arm that actively invests in FinTech companies, reflecting Michael Gastauer's extensive background and success in the financial technology sector. Beyond its core investment activities, GFO demonstrates a strong commitment to philanthropy through the Gastauer Nature Fund. Established in January 2024 with an allocation of $1.5 billion from the family's fortune, this fund aims to combat mass extinction, protect vital ecosystems, and safeguard at least 30% of land and ocean areas by 2030, aligning with global conservation goals. The fund supports local partners in securing land ownership in protected areas and strengthening their management.The firm's investment activities span a global reach, with a particular focus on financial services, technology, and impact investing. Its venture capital arm targets various stages of FinTech companies, from seed to growth rounds. Michael Gastauer, as the sole identified key decision-maker for the family office, brings a wealth of entrepreneurial experience and a proven track record in building and scaling successful financial technology ventures.

Intrepid Growth Partners is a Toronto-based growth equity firm dedicated to supporting founder-led technology businesses across North America. The firm partners with entrepreneurs to provide flexible capital, strategic insight, and operational support that accelerates scalable, long-term growth. Their collaborative model empowers leadership teams while preserving company culture. With deep roots in software and tech-enabled services, Intrepid leverages its operational experience and industry relationships to help companies reach their next stage of growth. The firm typically invests in businesses with proven traction, strong leadership, and clear expansion potential. Their approach balances strategic engagement with the autonomy founders value. Focused on North American markets, Intrepid Growth Partners aims to be more than just capital providers—they strive to be trusted partners. Whether it's market expansion, talent acquisition, or refining go-to-market strategies, they bring thoughtful guidance tailored to each portfolio company’s unique journey.

Kilmer Group is a multi-generational platform for business development and investment based in Toronto, Canada. The firm operates as a family-owned and professionally managed holding company, focusing its investments across three primary verticals: Private Equity, Infrastructure & Real Estate, and Sports & Media. Kilmer Group emphasizes a long-term investment horizon, partnering with management teams to foster sustainable growth both organically and through acquisitions, and is known for its operational expertise and relationship-driven approach.The firm's roots trace back to the 1950s when the Tanenbaum family acquired Kilmer Van Nostrand (KVN). Over the decades, KVN diversified from construction and ready-mixed concrete into major civil works, including subway systems in Toronto, Atlanta, and Caracas. The 1970s saw the acquisition of Warren Paving and Materials Group, which grew into a national asphalt and aggregates platform. Kilmer Group formalized its equity investing through Kilmer Capital Partners in the 1990s, notably leading the initiative to acquire the Toronto Raptors and Air Canada Centre, creating Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.Kilmer Group's portfolio spans a wide array of industries. Notable investments and developments include significant stakes in sports franchises like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors, as well as the acquisition of the Toronto Argonauts. In the infrastructure and real estate sectors, the firm has been involved in major projects such as the Pan Am Village (Canary District), Billy Bishop Airport, and various residential developments, surpassing 10,000 homes completed or in progress. Their private equity investments have included companies in pharmaceutical services (Altasciences), business process outsourcing (Atelka), and consumer goods (Give & Go, Coca-Cola Bottling).The team at Kilmer Group brings extensive experience in operating and investing across diverse industries. Key leadership includes Lawrence Tanenbaum, OC, Chairman & CEO of Kilmer Van Nostrand Co. Limited, and Kenneth M. Tanenbaum, Vice Chair. The firm's investment philosophy, particularly its shift to a fund-less model, underscores its commitment to longer hold periods and a focus on being a long-term owner in well-established businesses with strong cash flows across North America.

Obelysk Inc. is a private equity investment firm and family office based in Toronto, Canada. The firm focuses on building and strengthening diversified businesses for long-term success by providing capital on an equity, debt, or subordinated debt basis. They actively seek new investments, primarily targeting lower middle market businesses in North America, with a strategic approach to growing cash flow through organic expansion, operational improvements, and mergers and acquisitions.The firm is led by Canadian businessman John Bitove, who serves as its Chief Executive Officer. While a specific founding date is not explicitly stated, the firm's website indicates its establishment and activity around 2020. Obelysk Inc. leverages a long history of experience in the North American market to identify and cultivate promising businesses.Obelysk Inc. has a diverse investment portfolio. Notable recent activities include an investment in Bird Canada in August 2021, an electric vehicle sharing platform. The firm also successfully exited its investment in Dave's Hot Chicken in May 2025, a venture that involved bringing the popular Los Angeles-based fried chicken chain to Canada, demonstrating their capability in consumer and retail sectors.The leadership team, particularly John Bitove, brings extensive experience in investment and business development. John Bitove holds several key positions, including Chairman at Bird Global, Inc., CEO at Lumen Asset Management, Inc., and Managing Partner at PointNorth Capital, Inc. His background also encompasses involvement in the expansion of international brands into the Canadian market, highlighting a strong understanding of growth strategies and operational enhancements across various industries.

Rosalind Advisors, Inc., often referred to as Rosalind Capital, is an investment firm specializing in life science and biotechnology. The firm operates as an event-driven equity hedge fund, strategically focusing on the life sciences sector to identify and capitalize on market inefficiencies and arbitrage opportunities. Their investment approach is rooted in a deep understanding of both scientific advancements and financial markets.The firm was established in December 2006 by co-founders Gil Aharon and Steven Salamon. Based in Toronto, Canada, Rosalind Advisors, Inc. has built its foundation on expertise at the intersection of science and finance, aiming to support innovative companies within the biotech landscape.Rosalind Capital manages several biotech-oriented funds, including Rosalind Capital Partners, Rosalind Master Fund, and Rosalind Offshore Fund. Their portfolio includes notable investments in companies such as Lev Pharmaceuticals, Soligenix, Biofrontera, Kiora Pharmaceuticals, Cellectar Biosciences, and NeurAxis. The firm typically engages in deals ranging from $10 million to $50 million, often investing in startups that are 2-3 years old, indicating a focus on later-stage venture rounds.The leadership team includes co-founders Gil Aharon, who also serves as a Portfolio Manager, and Steven Salamon. The firm's strategy is driven by their combined expertise in navigating the complexities of the life sciences industry and applying sophisticated financial strategies to generate returns.

Sand Hill North is an early-stage venture capital firm that focuses on pre-seed, seed, and Series A investments in innovative software startups. The firm is dedicated to backing visionary entrepreneurs who leverage technology to create positive change and disrupt their respective industries. With a values-driven approach, Sand Hill North prioritizes integrity, long-term growth, and purpose-driven businesses, aiming to be a valuable partner by offering honest insights, tactical advice, and access to a robust professional network.The firm was founded in 2021 and operates as the venture arm of a Canadian family office. Its investment philosophy is rooted in a deep commitment to building businesses guided by integrity and purpose, a principle championed by its President and CEO, Dave Brereton. Sand Hill North seeks high-potential founders with proven track records, deep domain knowledge, and well-rounded experience, evaluating startups for their capacity to measurably disrupt, innovate, and scale.Sand Hill North's portfolio includes a diverse range of technology companies. Notable investments feature SimCare AI, a provider of AI-powered clinical training simulations; Zeffy, which offers cloud-based suite solutions for nonprofit organizations; and Wisely, an AI-based productivity tool for fundraisers. Other portfolio companies include Enurgen, a platform for grid management solutions; QuoteMachine, a provider of business suite solutions; and eWebinar, a cloud-based platform for webinar marketing. The firm also has investments in companies like Autosana, DeepAware AI, Kirana AI, and Social.mom, reflecting its broad interest across various software and AI-driven sectors.The investment team at Sand Hill North comprises experienced founders and business operators. Dave Brereton, President and CEO, brings a long history of entrepreneurship, having founded Tecsys Inc., a supply chain software company. Dennis Clark, Partner and CFO, provides extensive financial clarity and insight from over 30 years of experience across non-profit and for-profit sectors. Ryan Henry, Partner, contributes over a decade of leadership in scaling high-growth engineering, product, and AI organizations, with a background in FinTech, SaaS, and machine learning products, and actively mentors numerous startups.

Sharno Group is a privately owned independent principal investment group and family office based in Toronto, Canada, established in 2018. The firm is dedicated to identifying strategic, value-add investment opportunities across a diverse range of traditional and alternative asset classes and strategies. With a strong commitment to value creation, Sharno Group seeks strategic partnerships and adopts a long-term perspective in its investment underwriting and selection processes. The firm's partners leverage the extensive experience, expertise, and relationships of its principals to drive successful outcomes.As a private equity investor, Sharno Group focuses on the Canadian middle market, targeting companies that typically generate between $2 million and $10 million of annual EBITDA. While generally industry-agnostic, the team possesses particular experience in sectors such as retail, manufacturing, consumer brands, real estate, and transportation & logistics. The firm's private equity strategy often involves control investments, offering flexible buyout solutions and supporting existing management teams to foster long-term growth. Sharno Group also has specific experience in restructuring transactions.In the real estate sector, Sharno Group, in conjunction with Sharno Developments, actively pursues value-add opportunities within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and surrounding Ontario markets. The firm aims to build enduring partnerships with like-minded real estate investors to facilitate the development of compelling and unique real estate assets. Additionally, Sharno Group is the seed investor in the Azalea Fund LP, a private investment fund managed by its affiliate, Sharno Capital Corporation. This fund concentrates on smaller capitalization public equities in North America, primarily in Canada, employing a fundamental deep value and research-intensive approach.The leadership team includes Albert Soberano, Executive Chairman, who brings extensive experience in retail, manufacturing, real estate ownership and development, and corporate sales. Shael Soberano, CFA, serves as Chief Investment Officer, applying rigorous discipline to capital allocation and investment decisions, and is also President & CEO, Portfolio Manager & Chief Compliance Officer of Sharno Capital Corporation. Ari Soberano, MBA, is the Managing Director of Real Estate, overseeing the company's real estate investment, development, and management initiatives.