Radical Ventures is a Toronto-based venture capital firm founded in 2017, dedicated exclusively to artificial intelligence. It emerged when AI was still niche and has grown into one of the world’s most prominent AI-focused VC firms. Radical is known for its deep technical networks, early conviction in AI, and a track record of backing category-defining companies like Cohere and Waabi Innovation.
The firm invests exclusively in AI-first companies across industries, with a preference for nascent, research-driven startups.
Its portfolio spans foundational model companies, applied AI in drug discovery, robotics, autonomous driving, 3D spatial computing, and scientific R&D automation.
Radical differentiates itself by being among the first investors in highly technical teams.
In October 2025, Radical closed Fund III at US$650M, its largest to date. The fund is one of the largest dedicated AI funds globally, underscoring the firm’s position as a specialist investor in early-stage AI. The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) contributed US$75M to the fund, and across Radical’s history has committed US$280M.
Leadership
The firm is led by founding partners Jordan Jacobs, Tomi Poutanen, Robert Young, and Ed Clark. Jacobs and Poutanen previously co-founded Layer 6 AI, which was acquired by TD Bank, while Young and Clark bring decades of experience in technology leadership and finance. Together, they combine deep expertise in artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and institutional capital to back founders advancing the frontiers of AI research and application.
Investment Strategy
Radical focuses on early-stage investing, writing first checks into AI companies at seed or Series A. The firm is highly selective, having met with thousands of AI startups in the past six years but investing in only ~60.
Its model emphasizes picking the highest-potential founders, providing access to world-class AI experts, and using its reputation and portfolio founders as evangelists to win competitive deals.
Notable Investments
Other
Radical Ventures is exceptionally disciplined in a frothy AI market, positioning itself as the go-to fund for deep AI expertise and credibility.
While it sees an AI investment boom and potential bubble risks, its long-term view is that more value will be created than lost.
Radical is also a key player in ensuring Canada remains a hub for AI innovation, even as many founders migrate abroad.
Tomi Poutanen - Co-Founder & Partner
John Megrue - Vice Chair & Partner
Jordan Jacobs - Co-Founder & Managing Partner
