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Lance Laking is a General Partner at Graphite Ventures based in Toronto, Ontario, where he focuses on seed-stage investments across the Canadian technology sector. In this capacity, he recently helped close the firm's $110 million Fund IV in 2024, which has already deployed capital into more than 25 Canadian startups, including a $2.8 million CAD seed round for Part3. Previously, Laking served as Managing Director at the MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund and held the position of Executive Chairman at Granite Networks prior to its 2013 acquisition by Rogers Communications. He also spent seven years as President and Chief Executive Officer of BTI Systems from 2001 to 2008, a company subsequently acquired by Juniper Networks in 2016. His current focus centers on supporting early-stage B2B founders in building scalable, capital-efficient software and artificial intelligence companies.
Lance Laking stands as a prominent figure in the Canadian venture capital landscape, serving as a General Partner at Graphite Ventures. In this pivotal role, Lance is deeply involved in shaping the firm's investment strategy and identifying the next generation of disruptive technology companies. His work at Graphite Ventures focuses on early-stage investments, providing crucial capital and strategic guidance to startups poised for significant growth.
Lance's investment thesis is primarily centered on high-potential sectors such as enterprise Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), artificial intelligence (AI), and financial technology (fintech). He possesses a keen eye for innovative solutions that address complex market needs, particularly those leveraging data and automation to create scalable business models. Lance Laking is known for his hands-on approach, working closely with portfolio companies to navigate challenges, accelerate product development, and expand market reach.
Before joining Graphite Ventures, Lance built a distinguished career marked by a blend of operational experience and strategic investment roles. His background includes significant time spent in technology leadership positions, where he gained firsthand insight into building and scaling successful tech ventures. This operational expertise provides Lance with a unique perspective, enabling him to deeply understand the challenges faced by founders and offer practical, actionable advice. He has also held roles at other venture capital firms, honing his skills in deal sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio management across various technology domains.
Throughout his career, Lance Laking has been a champion for innovation, consistently seeking out companies with strong leadership teams, compelling technologies, and clear paths to market dominance. While specific notable investments are often confidential, his portfolio reflects a commitment to companies that demonstrate strong product-market fit and the potential for global impact within his focus areas. Lance's dedication to fostering a vibrant tech ecosystem makes him a valuable partner for entrepreneurs looking to transform their vision into reality with the support of Graphite Ventures.
Lance Laking is a General Partner at Graphite Ventures, a prominent Canadian venture capital firm. He specializes in early-stage technology investments, providing strategic guidance and capital to high-growth startups.
Lance Laking primarily invests in early-stage technology companies, with a specific focus on enterprise Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), artificial intelligence (AI), and financial technology (fintech) sectors.
Lance Laking works as a General Partner at Graphite Ventures, a leading venture capital firm based in Canada.
