Individual Upsides

VCs across Canada are pledging to share their own upside with local charities close to them.

VCs are joining the movement to share their own upsides.

The mission and vision behind The Upside Foundation is one of a thriving tech community who's success powers opportunity for all Canadians. VCs across Canada are pledging 1% of their fund or personal carry to charity through Upside. Here's why:

  • Align your personal success with giving back to the community

  • Choose charities that align with your values

  • Inspire your portfolio companies to pledge their Upside, making exponential impact

  • Join the movement making philanthropy an integral part of the Canadian tech community

  • Be part of a diverse community of high-quality, early-stage, high-growth companies, and impact-driven VCs.

The Upside Foundation was born with support from the VC community, and has long been supported by prominent industry leaders, including its Board of Directors, and with Howard Gwin, Salim Teja and Gerry Pond as early champions. Upside has also partnered with the community to honour the legacies of VCs Derek Smyth and Barry Gekiere through Memorial Funds. Read more in our special contribution to CVCA Central.

Join these leaders

  • Dominique Belanger

    Managing Partner, Late Stage Venture Fund, BDC Capital

  • Alkarim Jivraj

    CEO, Espresso Capital

  • Mark Skapinker

    Managing Partner, Brightspark Ventures

  • Eva Lau

    Co-Founder and General Partner at Two Small Fish Ventures

  • Prashant Matta

    Partner, Panache Ventures

  • Steve Abrams

    Partner, IT Venture Fund, Strategic Investments and Women in Tech Fund- BDC Venture Capital

  • Lise Birikundavyi

    Managing Partner, BKR Capital

  • Brent Holliday

    Founder & CEO, Garibaldi Capital Advisors

How it works

VC pledges a portion of their fund or personal carry (typically 1%) to Upside

VC experiences an upside from a portfolio company liquidity event

Cash proceeds are donated to a charity(s) of their choice

How it works

There are a few easy steps to pledge a portion of your Upside to charity and become an Upside Member

1. Complete 30-second pledge form

See Pledge to access the form and get started

2. Sign the donation agreement

Select the 'Personal Proceeds' section of our donation document. See here for a quick walkthrough of the document, and access the Agreement here.

3. Select your charity(s) now or later

You can choose any registered Canadian charity that is meaningful to you at the time of your initial donation, when you have experience an upside from liquidity event, or any time in between (see Charities for more information). This can change over time as you continue to experience upsides.

4. Tell the world about your commitment

Signal your values to your clients and portfolio companies on your website and social platforms, and encourage others to follow suit

5. Enjoy being part of the Upside community!

See Community to see past Upside events