Canadian startups raised nearly $1.3 billion across 128 deals in the first three months of 2024, down from about $1.5 billion in 145 deals the previous quarter, according to the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association, an industry lobby group. Private equity funds, meanwhile, invested just over $4 billion across 140 deals, up from $2.6 billion in 168 deals in the fourth quarter of 2023. (The Logic) 

Talking point: VC deal activity was similar to the same period a year before, showing a persistently slower market compared to the pandemic-era boom times. The life science sector was a bright spot, with companies raising $425 million. That follows several big exits in the sector last year, providing returns to investors to reinvest in the market. CVCA attributed the private equity rebound to a series of privatization deals last quarter, including large ones involving companies like Logistec Corporation and Neighbourly Pharmacy. Privatization deals contributed to 47 per cent of total exit value in Q1.