CPE News (4/29/2021) – The B.C. government has introduced legislation to support the operations of InBC Investment Corp. (InBC), a new $500 million strategic investment fund.
InBC will invest in high-growth potential businesses in British Columbia and leverage investments from the private and public sectors to help businesses grow. InBC will have a “triple bottom line” investment mandate, aiming to:
- establish B.C. as a globally competitive low-carbon jurisdiction;
- promote values that make life better for people in B.C., including job creation, advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, promoting diversity and inclusion; and
- achieve a financial return on investment.
In September 2020, BC Immigrant Investment Fund Ltd. (BCIIF) formerly changed its name to InBC Investment Corp. to “align with the Crown’s new mandate to establish and administer a Strategic Investment Fund (the Fund) announced as part of the StrongerBC Economic Recovery Plan.”
InBc has one wholly owned subsidiary, The B.C. Renaissance Capital Fund Ltd. (BCRCF) The Board of directors and management for InBC and BCRCF are the same.
B.C. Renaissance Capital Fund’s total allocation of venture capital investments totalled $190.2 million including $100 million allocated to BC Tech Fund which is externally managed by Kensington Capital Partners.
photo credit: InBC
News Release
$500-million investment fund paves way for a StrongerBC
A first-of-its-kind $500-million strategic investment fund will provide B.C.-based businesses with capital to position the province as a front-runner in the post-pandemic economy.
The B.C. government has introduced legislation to support the operations of InBC Investment Corp. (InBC), a new $500-million strategic investment fund. Developed in consultation with the business and investment sectors, InBC will focus on driving innovation, sustainability and inclusiveness into B.C.’s economy. InBC will be designed to attract investment, create family-supporting jobs and diversify B.C.’s economy.
“By investing in people and businesses, InBC will support startups, help promising companies scale up and attract world-class talent to B.C. This new strategic investment fund is one of the tools we are using to build the foundation for a strong recovery and a bright future,” said Premier John Horgan. “The funds will be used to grow the economy and create jobs that will support British Columbians in all regions of the province.”
InBC will invest in high-growth potential businesses in British Columbia and leverage investments from the private and public sectors to help businesses grow. InBC will have a “triple bottom line” investment mandate, aiming to:
establish B.C. as a globally competitive low-carbon jurisdiction;
promote values that make life better for people in B.C., including job creation, advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, promoting diversity and inclusion; and
achieve a financial return on investment.
“As we deal with the challenges of COVID-19, we must lay the foundation for a strong and vibrant economic recovery,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “The global economy is undergoing rapid changes, and InBC will position our province for the long term. Helping fulfil our goals of growing innovation, attracting investment and creating jobs, this strategic investment fund will ensure B.C. remains competitive as we invest in our low-carbon future.”
InBC will operate independently from government, with investment decisions made by a chief investment officer and a team of investment professionals. The chief investment officer will be held accountable by a nine-member board of directors, the majority of whom will be from the private sector. The full board is expected to be in place in May 2021. The chief investment officer is expected to be in place by fall 2021.
“This is a bold and important initiative that will not only make venture capital more accessible to small and medium-sized businesses in British Columbia, it will help drive the innovation needed to generate a cleaner, more sustainable economy,” said Wal van Lierop, executive chairman and founding partner, Chrysalix Venture Capital.
The fund is a major initiative under StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan and under Budget 2021. InBC will embrace an approach to economic growth that is innovative, sustainable and inclusive.
Quotes:
Wendy Hurlburt, president and chief executive officer, LifeSciences BC –
“B.C. is home to a dynamic and world-renowned life-sciences community, comprised of nearly 2,000 companies employing roughly 20,000 people. The sector offers tremendous potential for exponential growth and foundational support for B.C.’s economic recovery, and will continue to deliver innovation, attract investment and create high-paying jobs. We look forward to working with InBC to further expand our life sciences sector and enhance B.C.’s resilience to future health challenges, and ultimately ensure our health and economic security.”
Greg D’Avignon, president and chief executive officer, Business Council of B.C. –
“Access to capital is critically important to our economy and innovative businesses as they seek to scale and compete globally. I am pleased to see the Province launch this strategic investment fund that can support higher productivity and growth while retaining exciting new and growing businesses, intellectual property and talent in British Columbia.”