The Ottawa-based venture capital firm raised money from Farm Credit Canada and Realize Capital Partners, both federal-government-funded investors. The Vancouver Foundation and Fairmount Foundation also backed Maple Bridge’s debut fund, along with former Canopy Growth CEO Mark Zekulin. The fund is aiming to raise $20 million total. (The Logic)

Talking point: Eric Agyemang founded Maple Bridge after almost 10 years of working with founders through Export Development Canada, a federal agency that helps entrepreneurs tap overseas markets. Agyemang, who immigrated from Ghana, said he’s seen how new Canadians represent an untapped source of innovation, yet face the toughest barriers in their first few years after arriving in the country. The fund will invest between $250,000 and $1 million in agriculture and food-tech, health-tech and enterprise startups, and provide mentorship and industry connections to help founders integrate into Canada’s startup ecosystem.