AtlantiCan Growth Partners Launches to Bridge Atlantic Canada’s Growth Capital Gap, Targeting $100M+ Blue Economy Fund

AtlantiCan Growth Partners (AGP) officially announced its launch as a long-term investment platform dedicated to scaling high-potential businesses across Atlantic Canada. Operating with an operator-led model, the firm partners with founders, operators, and ecosystem leaders in sectors where the region holds a distinct global competitive advantage.

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Atlantic Canada represents a major growth opportunity within Canada’s venture capital landscape. Over the past five years, the region has attracted just 2% to 3% of national venture capital, with Ontario and Quebec capturing the vast majority of deployment. AGP was established to bridge this systemic funding gap by building on the region’s existing funding ecosystem, with a long-term vision of launching three dedicated funds–beginning with a $100M–$150M fund focused on the blue economy.

The firm’s initial investment focus leverages Atlantic Canada’s global credibility and highly skilled talent pool in aquaculture, marine technology, fisheries, and ocean innovation. While the blue economy serves as a natural, advantage-rich starting point, AGP is designed as an expandable platform that will scale to include additional sectors over time.

“Atlantic Canada has always punched above its weight. This region is home to exceptional companies, driven founders, and a strong support system that is often understated,” said Alex McCallum, President and CEO of AtlantiCan Growth Partners. “What we see now is an opportunity to build on that foundation with more dedicated growth-stage capital for companies ready to scale. AGP brings the capital, experience, and hands-on support required to build the next generation of Atlantic Canadian anchor companies.”

AGP is backed by an experienced management team and a board of directors with deep regional roots and strong national networks across capital markets, governance, entrepreneurship, and ocean innovation. The platform was developed based on the long-term vision of Executive Chairman Telfer Hanson, leveraging his three decades of international financial and investment banking expertise to establish a dedicated growth capital vehicle for the region.

“Having spent over three decades in the investment space, I know the incredible potential of Atlantic Canada’s businesses and the challenges they face when scaling,” said Hanson. “AGP is the realization of a long-term goal to bridge the region’s funding gap. We are providing the dedicated growth capital, strategic governance, and hands-on support our entrepreneurs need to drive long-term regional value.”

Joining Hanson on the Board of Directors are notable regional leaders including Kendra MacDonald, Karl Van Waldow, Houston Barnaby, and Ed Barrett of Barrett Corporation in New Brunswick. Kyle Tomlin from Imperium Blue in Atlanta joins the Board, bringing extensive fund and portfolio management experience.

“Atlantic Canada has long been home to world-class operators, innovators, and industry expertise. What the region needs now is more dedicated growth capital to help those companies scale,” said Kendra MacDonald. “AGP is built to support that next stage of growth, starting in the blue economy, where the region has both deep roots and global opportunity.”

AGP is actively seeking connections with founders and operators building scalable businesses, co-investors, and institutional partners interested in the Atlantic Canadian opportunity, and ecosystem leaders aligned with long-term regional growth. AGP’s leadership team will participate in the Atlantic Venture Forum in Halifax on June 17 and 18, where they look forward to connecting with potential partners and prospective portfolio companies.

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