Social Finance Fund Helps BKR Capital to Prepare the Next Generation of Black Leaders in Social Finance

June 17, 2025

Across Canada’s social finance market, there is growing recognition that equity-deserving groups must be supported both in accessing capital and in building the capacity required to participate as investors. As the sector works toward deeper systems change, equipping new entrants to lead in social finance is critical to achieving stronger long-term, inclusive economic outcomes.

In this context, BKR Capital has secured grants from Realize Capital Partners and Boann Social Impact to run its Launch Readiness Program through its nonprofit, the BKR Catalyst Institute. The program is designed to train, mentor and upskill emerging Black fund managers, with the goal of growing a diverse pipeline of future investment leaders in Canada’s social finance market. Key partners for this initiative include the Inspirit Foundation and Sarona Asset Management.

The program’s inaugural cohort, set to wrap up this week, includes three emerging Black fund managers: BlackTech Capital, Capital M Ventures and Tribe Ventures, which are receiving tailored training, mentorship and technical support through BKR Catalyst’s practical, experience-based approach.

In addition to these grants, in recent months, Boann Social Impact and Fonds de finance sociale – CAP Finance have committed investment capital into BKR Capital’s Black Innovation Fund II. This highlights the complementary, multi-faceted efforts of the fund-of-fund managers to deliver strong value through the Government of Canada’s Social Finance Fund.

This collaboration is a clear example of what’s possible when social finance actors align around a shared agenda: equity, capacity development and systems-level change.

Stakeholder Perspectives

“At the center of our work is to make sure there is a sustainable change in the investment space, and this can only be done in collaboration with other great leaders from our Community. We are proud to get the support of our peers in shaping the future of this industry, and to be actively building a more equitable financial ecosystem in Canada.”
— Lise Birikundavyi, Managing Partner, BKR Capital

“We’re building a stronger economy and that means investing in what matters most — Canadians. Investments in the Social Finance Fund are making a real difference by providing Canadians with equitable opportunities to launch and scale their mission-driven businesses, like BKR Capital. In only two years, the Social Finance Fund has supported over 80 businesses, and this is just the beginning.”
— The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families

“Funding the Launch Readiness Program is one way we are working to accelerate the growth of the social finance market and achieve greater social equity by working with equity-deserving groups for equity-deserving groups.”
— Lars Boggild, Portfolio Manager, Realize Capital Partners

“Boann is proud to be collaborating with the wholesalers to invest in capacity building with fund managers, like BKR Capital, who are fueling the economy while supporting underserved communities across Canada. We have invested in both the Launch Readiness Program and Black Innovation Fund II as part of our work to help build a strong and diverse economy that works for everyone.”
— Julia Vlad, Portfolio Manager, Boann Social Impact

“This announcement demonstrates the breadth and potential of social finance and highlights the power of purposeful collaboration between wholesalers. By supporting the next generation of fund managers, we are helping shape a more equitable future and fostering the leadership needed to sustain social innovation for years to come.”
— Bernard Ndour, CEO, Fonds de finance sociale – CAP Finance

About BKR Capital and the BKR Catalyst Institute

BKR Capital is a venture capital firm building a business ecosystem that is more inclusive, both from a portfolio perspective, by investing in promising Black-led companies, and from an investor perspective, by training and upskilling a new generation of investment professionals. BKR Capital’s training programs are delivered through the BKR Catalyst Institute and are designed to support investment professionals and emerging fund managers from the Black Community.