BDC Capital invests in Fiasco Gelato

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By CPE News

BDC Capital’s Growth and Transition Capital division recently provided an undisclosed amount of quasi-equity financing to Calgary based Fiasco Gelato Cafés Ltd.

The financing from BDC Capital is part of a larger capital raise that includes a $1.2 million equity financing and undisclosed amount of government grant funding.

Founded in 2003, Fiasco is an artisan gelato and sorbetto manufacturer and wholesaler which prides itself on using quality ingredients and production processes.

photo credit: Fiasco Gelato Cafés Ltd

News Release

Fiasco Gelato of Calgary Secures Investment From BDC Capital as Part of Larger Capital Raise

CALGARY, May 16, 2019—BDC Capital’s Growth and Transition Capital division recently provided quasi-equity financing to Fiasco Gelato of Calgary, Alberta. Founded in 2003, Fiasco is an artisan gelato and sorbetto manufacturer and wholesaler which prides itself on using quality ingredients and production processes. A Certified B Corp since 2016, Fiasco was named a “Best for the World” honouree in 2018. The company was also recognized last month as one of the “Best Workplaces in Canada” by Great Place to Work and one of “Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers” by Mediacorp Canada. The financing from BDC Capital is part of a larger capital raise that includes equity investors and government grant funding.

The funds will primarily be used to expand Fiasco’s distribution through outlets of two major national retailers in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, as well as to develop and market new flavours. This is the company’s second financing from BDC Capital, which assisted Fiasco in 2015 with building additional production capacity and inventory.

“We’re happy to expand our relationship with BDC Capital as we head into a big year for Fiasco,” says James Boettcher, Chief Idea Officer and CEO. “This capital will allow us to do our best work in 2019 and expand Fiasco’s reach in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada while ensuring we never forget our roots in Calgary and Western Canada.”

The transaction for BDC Capital was led by Matthew Hanson, Director, Growth & Transition Capital, Calgary. “Fiasco’s management is succeeding in rapidly scaling a quality product while maintaining strong enthusiasm for the brand and exemplary corporate values,” says Hanson. “James Boettcher and his team are very good at identifying opportunities, and we are confident there is a lot of room left for the company to grow.”

About Fiasco Gelato
Maker of Canada’s No. 1—selling gelato and sorbetto, Fiasco has quickly become the industry leader not only for their commitment to the craft but also for their approach to doing business differently. Fiasco’s unique flavour offerings, one of a kind packaging & passionate brand promise in building something that matters is the steady foundation for creating a company that pushes the limits on what it means to be an innovative culture and a steward for the environment and community. In just under four years of their first pint hitting grocers shelves, Fiasco is now available in over 2800 retailers across Canada.

The purpose driven team at Fiasco stands by their mission to enrich people’s lives. They just happen to do it by making gelato. For more visit www.fiascogelato.ca.

About BDC Capital
BDC Capital is the investment arm of BDC—Canada’s only bank devoted exclusively to entrepreneurs. With more than $3 billion under management, BDC Capital serves as a strategic partner to the country’s most innovative firms. It offers a full spectrum of risk capital, from seed investments to transition capital, supporting Canadian entrepreneurs who wish to scale their businesses into global champions. Visit bdc.ca/capital.

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