Tech Entrepreneur Joins to Lead Fund II and Empower Canadan Startups
Antler Canada, the Canadian arm of the global venture capital firm Antler, has recently appointed Tammer Kamel as General Partner (GP), aiming to further its goal of nurturing early-stage startups across Canada. This new appointment comes as the firm prepares to launch its second fund, Fund II, with Kamel, along with fellow GP Bernie Li, and Shambhavi Mishra, who was recently promoted to associate partner.
Kamel’s Expertise Set to Drive Antler Canada’s Growth
Kamel brings a wealth of experience to Antler Canada, having co-founded the highly successful Quandl, a financial data platform that was acquired by Nasdaq in 2018 for over $100 million. With his extensive background in building scalable startups, especially in the FinTech and SaaS sectors, Kamel is primed to guide the next generation of Canadian tech entrepreneurs through Antler’s specialized VC model.
In a joint interview with BetaKit, Bernie Li, who serves as Antler Canada’s other GP, highlighted the significance of Kamel’s appointment. “We have ambitions to continue growing forward, which includes an additional fund. Tammer brings incredible experience as an operator of a venture-backed company that was highly innovative,” said Li. “People like him, with a true passion for helping other founders, are rare to come by.”
Axing Traditional VC Models for More Dynamic Support
Antler Canada’s approach to investing in startups goes beyond traditional venture capital methods. The firm’s model provides early-stage startups with not only funding but also comprehensive support to help them grow faster and smarter. Kamel’s influence, as an operator who has navigated the startup trenches firsthand, will be key in this transformative model, helping entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls while accelerating their ventures.
The addition of Kamel to the Antler team also comes as Naman Budhdeo, who played a pivotal role in leading Antler Canada’s initial entry into the Canadian market and its first fund, transitions into a new role as partner emeritus. He will continue to provide guidance in a more limited capacity, ensuring that his strategic input continues to inform Antler’s evolution.
Raising $12 Million for a Stronger Fund II
Antler Canada’s first fund, which raised $23 million in 2022, has already invested in several startups, including EZee Assist (an AI-powered assistant for franchisees), Chexy (a rent-to-rewards platform), Glassbox (a financial modelling tech startup), and NetNow (a trade credit software company). The firm has deployed approximately 60 percent of Fund I across 36 startups and plans to continue investing in another 15 startups by the end of 2025.
Antler Canada’s Fund II is poised to be bigger and more impactful. Kamel, Li, and Mishra will co-lead the fund, continuing Antler Canada’s strategy of identifying and nurturing high-potential early-stage tech startups in AI, FinTech, and marketplace solutions.
The Road Ahead for Fund II
Kamel’s leadership of Fund II comes with a vision to scale the Antler Canada platform, making it a significant player in the Canadian VC space. The firm is gearing up to launch Fund II in 2026, with plans to raise a significantly larger sum. As Kamel steps into his new role, his focus will be on expanding the fund’s reach, building deeper connections with Canada’s innovation ecosystem, and attracting high-potential early-stage companies from across the country.
Antler’s biannual, 10-week residency program for founders will continue to be a cornerstone of the firm’s model, providing early-stage entrepreneurs with $150,000 CAD in funding and hands-on mentorship. This residency has already helped numerous tech startups find success, and the firm’s plans to expand beyond Toronto in the future will ensure that more founders across Canada benefit from this opportunity.
Lessons from Quandl: Kamel’s Mentorship for the Next Generation
Kamel’s experience with Quandl has provided him with invaluable insights into the startup world. He’s familiar with the challenges and obstacles that entrepreneurs face, and he’s eager to help the next generation of Canadian tech founders avoid common mistakes.
“I’ve been through it all — from startup struggles to a successful exit with Quandl,” Kamel reflected. “Now, I can offer my two cents and guide the founders to move faster and smarter with their businesses.”
In addition to his role at Antler Canada, Kamel has been active in angel investing, where he’s had the opportunity to advise numerous tech entrepreneurs. His experience gives him a unique perspective on what it takes to grow a startup from the ground up.
The Future of Antler Canada and Canadian Tech Startups
With the rise of new technologies and the growing Canadian innovation ecosystem, Antler Canada is poised to play a central role in shaping the future of Canadian tech startups. The firm’s expansion into Fund II, along with Kamel’s leadership, will undoubtedly lead to more groundbreaking companies being born from Canada’s diverse talent pool.
As the Canadian VC ecosystem continues to evolve, Antler Canada remains committed to its mission: empowering early-stage startups and helping them scale into global leaders.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more updates on the latest from Antler Canada and the exciting world of Canadian tech startups.
