Who Is Mike Shoss?

Mike Shoss, a distinguished figure in the technology and startup ecosystems, is not just an innovative product leader but also a dedicated startup mentor, advisor, and angel investor. With over 15 years of experience driving product innovation and strategy, Mike's roles extend beyond leadership at ShossX. He actively invests and guides through AngelOne, bringing firsthand insight into the angel investing realm. His adeptness as a -1 (idea) to 0 (testing) to 1 (investable business) product builder showcases his ability to conceptualize, iterate, and scale products from the ground up. Mike's leadership across OpCos, including Milton Innovation, Epilogue, and Liteworker, underlines his versatile expertise in nurturing technology-driven businesses. His professional journey encompasses significant roles as a Product and Innovation Consultant at Epilogue, leading to substantial market impact, and a Senior Product Manager at Firework, where his strategic direction attracted substantial funding and spearheaded innovation. Mike's comprehensive background, marked by achievements in product management, AI integration, and cross-functional leadership, positions him uniquely to lead CedarPeak Ventures with a focus on pioneering startups at the cusp of technology and innovation.

Investment ThesisWhat Do We Invest In?

CedarPeak Ventures specializes in propelling early-stage Canadian venture-scale technology startups into the forefront of their industries. While we are industry and business model agnostic, our interest particularly leans towards software companies. We are driven by a passion for innovation and a belief in the power of earned insights. If your team is building something transformative based on unique insights and experiences, we're eager to hear from you. We encourage founders to share their vision and educate us on their market, opening a dialogue on how CedarPeak Ventures can support their journey.

What Stage Do We Invest In?

Our investment horizon is broad, extending from the ideation phase and pre-product startups to those ready for a seed round. CedarPeak Ventures is dedicated to being part of the entrepreneurial journey from its earliest stages. We value the opportunity to meet founders at the beginning of their endeavours. If you're at the inception of your startup or moving towards product development, we invite you to reach out. Early engagement is key to fostering growth and alignment from the start.

How Much Do We Invest in New Companies?

Our initial financial commitment to a portfolio company can vary, reflecting the diverse needs and stages of the startups we engage with. Over time, as our relationship with these companies strengthens and their potential becomes increasingly evident, our total investment may grow significantly larger. This approach allows us to provide tailored support and resources that evolve with the startups' growth trajectories, ensuring a partnership that contributes to sustained success and innovation

Investment CriteriaFounding Team

The founding team is paramount in our investment decision-making process. We delve into the reasons behind starting the business, the dynamics of the team, and their suitability for seizing the presented opportunity. Key considerations include the team's earned insight, their ability to learn rapidly, and their capacity to develop and distribute a product that meets market demands.

Market

Our approach to market potential is broad, covering both blue and red oceans. Our analysis focuses on understanding market dynamics and trends more than the current Total Addressable Market (TAM). For blue oceans, the timing of the market entry is crucial, while in red oceans, we seek unique insights that set the startup apart.

Use of Proceeds

Understanding how the raised funds will transform the company is critical. We aim to grasp how the investment will propel the startup to its next stage, reflecting on the strategic planning and vision of the founding team.

Our DifferenceEmphasis on Community

At CedarPeak Ventures, our fund-raising efforts have been intentionally designed to cultivate a community of investors deeply committed to bolstering the Canadian tech ecosystem. This community comprises active founders, teams with successful exits, and seasoned business executives. The essence of our approach lies in ensuring that every investment benefits from a supportive network that is invested in the success of our companies. This community-driven approach means that startups in our portfolio are not just receiving financial backing but are also gaining access to a rich ecosystem of experience, mentorship, and resources aimed at nurturing their growth and success.

Support Post-Investment

Our engagement with portfolio companies goes beyond financial investment. CedarPeak Ventures diligently identifies avenues to offer value to companies even before the deal closes, with a commitment to continuous support thereafter. Common areas where we provide assistance include:

Fundraising: We have a proven track record of assisting our portfolio companies in not only closing their initial rounds but also in preparing for and securing follow-on financing. Our expertise and network play a crucial role in navigating the fundraising landscape.
Customer Introductions: Leveraging the extensive networks of our General Partners (GPs) and active Limited Partners (LPs), we facilitate valuable customer introductions, opening doors to strategic partnerships and market opportunities.
Building Awareness: Through platforms like Milton Innovation, we help raise awareness and build credibility within the tech community, enhancing visibility and attracting further interest in our portfolio companies.
Ongoing Coaching: Our commitment to the success of our companies is round-the-clock. We offer ongoing coaching to address the myriad unexpected challenges that arise, providing support for everything from preparing for key sales meetings to navigating difficult personnel decisions.

Invest with CedarPeak Ventures

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