Private markets have quietly outperformed the traditional portfolio for decades. Higher returns, lower volatility, and retail investors have been almost entirely shut out of them.
What most people don't know is that if you earn above $75,000 a year, you likely already qualify to invest. No $500K minimums. No institutional connections required. Just a rule buried in Canadian securities law that almost nobody talks about.
Who Can Actually Invest
Under Canada's National Instrument 45-106, there are two types of private market investors.
Accredited Investor is the high bar. You need either $200K in annual income (or $300K with a spouse), $1M+ in financial assets, or $5M in net assets. No annual investment limits. Full access to every exempt market offering.
Eligible Investor is where most people actually land, and it's more accessible than you'd think. You qualify if any one of the following is true:
Your income exceeded $75K in each of the last two years (or $125K combined with a spouse)
Your net assets total $400K or more
A registered adviser has confirmed a specific investment is suitable for you
If you earn above $75K, you likely already qualify.
The Document You'll Want to Read (Offering Memorandum (OM))
Every eligible investor gets an Offering Memorandum (OM) before committing capital. It's the fund's full disclosure document: strategy, risks, fees, redemption terms, financials. It's the clearest picture you'll get of exactly what you're buying.
Accredited investors aren't required to receive one, though most issuers provide it anyway.
How Venturevest Works
Every fund on Venturevest accepts both accredited and eligible investors, starting at $5,000.
Start investing, see the funds