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Our Approach

Giving you an edge in the innovation economy

We recognize that companies in the innovation economy have unique financing requirements during their growth cycle. Our specialized team leverages their industry knowledge and extensive deal experience to offer tailored growth and working capital solutions to further accelerate the strategic plans of high growth tech and life science companies across North America, United Kingdom and select European countries.

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IB - Team - Our Approach Industry

Our focus is industry agnostic

Technology

  • Enterprise & B2B software
  • SMB software
  • Infrastructure software
  • Disruptive technology
  • Clean technology

Life sciences

  • Medical devices
  • Life science tools
  • Diagnostics
  • Biotech/Pharma
  • Healthcare IT
  • Healthcare services

IB - Team - Our Approach Growth Stage

We lend at every stage of growth

Startup stage

  • Hyper revenue growth
  • Strong gross margins
  • EBITDA negative

Focused on:

  • Product development
  • Demonstrating market fit
  • Initial customer acquisition
  • Implementing a sales strategy

Growth stage

  • Continued revenue momentum
  • Strong gross margins
  • EBITDA negative or positive

Focused on:

  • Scaling the business
  • Increased sales and marketing
  • Growing the employee base
  • Ongoing investment in research and development
  • Emphasis on new customers acquisitions

Late stage

  • Sustainable revenue growth
  • EBITDA positive
  • Established customer relationships
  • Recognizable products and services

Focused on:

  • Deepening market penetration
  • Entering new markets
  • Evaluation of organic and inorganic growth strategies
  • Ongoing product development and evaluation of new verticals

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CIBC Innovation Banking FAQ

CIBC Innovation Banking FAQ


We specialize in supporting the game-changing innovators in technology and life sciences – as well as the venture capital firms that support these industries. 

Our innovative clients are changing the world by: 

●    Reducing emissions through AI-powered insights (ZeroNorth)
●    Improving patients’ lives by simplifying orthopedic technology (IntelliJoint Surgical)
●    Monitoring predictive maintenance through AI and IoT (Nanoprecise)
●    Driving the future of auto appraisal (Tractable)
●    Going places enabling on-demand para-transit services (Spare)
●    Saving lives ferrying organs for transplants (TransMedics)

Discover the companies we’ve worked with here. 
 

Angel investors, venture capital (VC) funds and startup accelerators all support early-stage businesses, but in different ways. Angel investors are individuals who independently invest money, typically for an equity stake, and sometimes with mentorship. Startup accelerators, on the other hand, offer robust and formalized mentorship programs to help early-stage businesses grow rapidly. Venture capital firms invest funds from limited partners with a similar stake in helping these companies grow. 

We offer non-dilutive funding and investment to businesses at all stages of growth, primarily late-stage startups. Our flexible capital solutions include venture debt and recurring revenue financing, which enable growth without giving up equity. 
 

Both equity and debt financing are valuable options for various stages of startup funding. The main difference is that in equity financing, companies give up a stake of ownership for growth capital they have no obligation to repay, whereas debt financing allows companies to retain their ownership stake to borrow funds for repayment with interest.  

Though debt financing and equity financing could be appropriate for any stage of a startup company, it typically depends on where you are in your growth cycle, alongside other key factors like financial security, risk tolerance, growth outlook and ownership dilution.  

The case for equity financing
Early-stage startups typically lack predictable revenue, and often prefer to give up an ownership stake (and, with it, a share of future profits and possibly decision-making power) through equity financing to secure growth capital without the pressure of interest-based repayments. They often also benefit from the strategic advice and connections that angel investors and venture capital firms bring to the table.  

The case for debt financing
High-growth late-stage startups with stable revenue often prefer to retain control and avoid diluting equity by opting instead for debt financing. This funding is often leveraged for strategic growth through operations, acquisitions and expansion. 

IB - Team - Our Approach Fund Banking

Fund Banking

CIBC Innovation Banking supports all sizes of venture capital and growth equity firms.

As an investor, we understand your priority is deal origination and enhancing your internal rate of return. Your fund and firm's finances require security, predictability and flexibility.

Our team offers capital call lines, subscription lines, management working capital lines and partner loans in addition to CIBC’s cash management capabilities.