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CFFI Ventures
CFFI Ventures functions as the single family office tied to the Risley family. John Risley co-founded Clearwater Seafoods in 1976 with Colin MacDonald.
CFFI Ventures
CFFI Ventures functions as the single family office tied to the Risley family. John Risley co-founded Clearwater Seafoods in 1976 with Colin MacDonald. The firm is based in Halifax and manages a portfolio that spans multiple sectors. The firm allocates across AgriTech, energy transition, climate technology, fintech and space technology. Investment stages include growth, seed and startup. Structures encompass direct co-investments, SPVs, fund of funds and private equity. Confirmed positions include a 2019 co-investment with Kensington Capital Partners in Valent Low-Carbon Technologies and a joint acquisition of a 14.14 percent stake in MDA Ltd. with Northern Private Capital. Geographic reach covers North America, Europe, the Caribbean and South America. The firm maintains a team led by President Stan Spavold as of November 2019. It holds memberships in the Business Council of Canada, the World President's Organization and the Trilateral Commission. In 2022 CFFI Ventures formed World Energy GH2 as a joint venture with Columbus Capital and World Energy.
General information
Firm type
Venture Capital
Location
Region
North America
Country
Canada
City
Halifax
Corporate office
Halifax, Canada
Principals
Stan Spavold
President
John Risley
Principal
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at CFFI Ventures?
Stan Spavold serves as President. John Risley acts as principal and participates in key investment and industry panels.
Does CFFI Ventures participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?
The firm uses direct co-investments, SPVs, fund of funds and private equity structures. It has executed both direct investments and co-investments with external parties.
What investment stages does CFFI Ventures typically target?
The firm targets growth, seed and startup stages. It supports companies through active ownership and strategic partnerships.
Where does the underlying wealth come from?
The capital originates from Clearwater Seafoods, co-founded by John Risley and Colin MacDonald in 1976.
How is CFFI Ventures related to Northern Private Capital?
Northern Private Capital, chaired by John Risley, has acted jointly with CFFI Ventures on transactions including the MDA Ltd. stake and MicroSintesis.
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