Jordan McFarlen is the Managing Director at Conexus Venture Capital.

Conexus Venture Capital (CVC) has launched its second $30M VC fund with a $15M first close from its founder, Conexus Credit Union.
With Fund II and new leadership, the Regina-based VC firm aims to build on the groundwork laid by its first fund and Conexus-founded incubator Cultivator.
Through its latest fund, CVC plans to invest in more early-stage Saskatchewan-based technology startups.

Takeaways

Jordan starting Cultivator and building a leading accelerator.
Great versus good accelerator.
Nuances and specific challenges that Saskatchewan founders face.
Raising a $30M Fund II.
Advantages of having a smaller tech ecosystem like agility, connectivity, a cohesive ecosystem, and the government's support through tax credits and non-dilutive funding.
CVC's role in Saskatchewan funding early-stage startups and building relationships with other VCs for future funding rounds.
Exciting Sask companies like 7Shifts (backed by Softbank), Coconut Software, Vendasta and more.
The exciting next wave of Saskatchewan founders.


Chapters
00:00 Joining Conexus and Creating Cultivator
03:22 Attracting Investors and Building Relationships
08:22 Transitioning from Founder to Investor
13:31 The Advantages of Investing in Saskatchewan
18:43 Creating a Flywheel Effect in Saskatchewan
21:19 The Launch of Connect Suspension Capital Fund
24:26 Interesting Companies in Saskatchewan
26:47 The Ambition of the Younger Generation
29:05 Balancing Learning from Others and Staying Authentic
30:55 Dealing with Hard Times
33:45 The Inspiration and Drive Behind Jordan's Work

Keywords
Saskatchewan, tech ecosystem, Cultivator, Conexus Venture Capital, incubator, challenges, community, mentorship, smaller market, ambition, drive

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