We Invest In…

  • Businesses that require technical expertise - We’re looking for novel technical innovation being built by experts in their field.

  • Mission-driven founders - With the passion and grit to pull through when the going gets tough.

  • A unique advantage - Something that’s difficult to replicate and has a defensible moat that evolves over time.

  • Solutions for hard-to-solve, mission-critical problems - Why will customers prioritize this? Is the cost-benefit analysis a no-brainer?

  • A well timed business - We’re looking for current trends with strong tailwinds in a growing market.

  • A team surrounded by technical, industry and business experts - Who is giving your their time to help you succeed?

Areas of Focus

Deep Tech, Hard Tech, Life Sciences,

Background

Mike Volker founded WUTIF Capital in 2004, 5 years after launching VANTEC Angel Network, as a way to pool angel capital, write bigger cheques and reduce risk through diversification.

WUTIF stands for Western Universities Technology Innovation Fund, and is pronounced “What if”. It got its name because of its initial focus on university spin-out companies from British Columbia universities. It has since evolved to invest in any technology businesses based in BC.

As an evergreen VCC, WUTIF is always raising and deploying capital. Shareholders get access to the full portfolio of 80+ companies and receive 30% back as a cash tax credit on their investment.

Today, WUTIF acts as a lead investor and is one of the most active investors at the angel, pre-seed and seed stages in BC.

WUTIF PORTFOLIO

Due Diligence

What We Need To See

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Successful Exits

  • Raised $4.4M of Seed Funding in 2021

  • Raised $115M of Series B Funding in 2025

  • Raised $8M of Seed Funding in 2021

  • Acquired by Danaher in 2020
    (undisclosed amount)

  • 2023 New Ventures BC Winners

  • Crowned “Startup of Year” by Canada’s Semiconductor Council

  • Raised $1.5M of Seed Funding in 2024

  • Raised $17.5M of Series a funding in 2023

  • Raised $3.75M of Seed Funding in 2019

  • Raised $5M+ over multiple rounds

  • Raised $7.9M of Series A Funding in 2024

  • Raised $1.2M of Seed Funding in 2023

Investment Mandate

What began as a passion project has evolved into something more. We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more excited for what’s ahead. What sets us apart isn’t just our process—it’s the intention behind it. We take time to understand, explore, and create with purpose at every turn.

Must Haves

Through every step, we've focused on staying true to our values and making space for thoughtful, lasting work.

Lasting impact

We build with clarity, act with integrity, and always stay curious.