Evok Innovations
No summary available yet.
Evok is the rare cleantech fund that actually gets hard tech because they've built it themselves. Portfolio founders consistently praise them - 'one of our best investors, hands-down' and 'continual mentor from people dynamics to fundraising to first-of-a-kind plants.' They're not just capital - they bring real operating experience to the table, which founders say is 'a game-changer.' The strategic LP base (Suncor, Cenovus, Rio Tinto, Vale, Mitsubishi) gives portfolio companies actual industrial customers, not just capital. Recent wins like leading the largest first geothermal venture raise ever ($52.6M for Rodatherm) show they can still lead big rounds when conviction strikes.
- —Best for: Hard tech founders who need industrial expertise, not just Silicon Valley pattern matching
- —Known for: Actually understanding heavy industry and providing hands-on operational support
- —Sweet spot: Series A/B cleantech with real industrial applications and clear customer pathways
Evok was founded with the thesis of collaborating with industrial partners to invest in and scale novel technologies in the energy sector. The fund invests in and supports hard-tech development to accelerate the path toward net zero with a focus on next-generation sectors such as low carbon hydrogen, carbon capture and removal, electrification and critical minerals.
They invest in early- to mid-stage companies (typically Series A/B) in Canada and the USA that are developing game-changing hard-tech enabled solutions. Most investments are Series A rounds, with 14 investments averaging $23.2M. Focus areas include energy (Ekona, Koloma, Syzygy), critical minerals (Disa, MineSense, Summit Nanotech), industrial optimization (Sanctuary AI, Veerum, ZwitterCo), and carbon removal (Ebb Carbon, Planetary, Karbonetiq).
A longtime Silicon Valley executive who moved to Vancouver in 2015 to launch Evok. Previously Partner at The Roda Group cleantech VC where he led investments in Svante, Axine, and Gridtential. Has operational experience growing Game Ready from startup to $20M revenue and helped Ask Jeeves through IPO and $1.85B acquisition.
Recognized leader in sustainable innovation with over 20 years of experience in venture capital, cleantech and sustainability. Co-founded, grew and profitably sold a renewable energy company. Previously VP Growth Services at MaRS Discovery District overseeing services for 1,100 tech and hard tech ventures.
Brings experience from BDC, TERSUS Solutions and Arc'teryx Equipment. Holds MBA from Oxford's Saïd Business School. Has expertise in investments, business analysis, venture capital, and portfolio management.
Have a specific question about Evok Innovations?
Ask Bernie →