Tough Tech
Driving Sustainable Economies
Tough tech (aka deep tech) companies drive the development and commercialization of transformative technologies that emerge from the convergence of science, engineering, and leadership. These companies need longer R&D periods and often generate patents that strengthen their defensibility.
At Linivan Advisory Group we are all about tough tech. We understand that these companies are the bedrock of sustainable economies and we work with all parties to help make Canada a true global tough tech player.
About Us
Our founder Yvan Couture has been working in tough tech since 1989 in areas like machine vision, medical imaging, healthcare informatics, and AI. In 2013 Linivan Advisory Group was formed to continue these efforts and build a team to help make an even greater impact.
Our objective is simple: help build a stronger, more successful tough tech ecosystem in Canada. We do this by working with all of the players in that ecosystem: founders, investors, incubation centers & venture studios, and government agencies.
If you are in any way involved with tough tech companies, we are here to help.
Yvan Couture
Managing Partner
30 year career in tough tech spanning several start-ups, angel investments, advisory and board roles, including managing the growth and sale of a very profitable 400 person MedTech company.
Lead investor and board member at Primal, a leading Canadian deep tech AI company with 160+ patents.
Chris Borth, MD, MBA
Senior Partner, MedTech Group
Academic training includes a biochemistry degree, MD, specialist residency, and an MBA, combined with over 20 years as a medical/surgical specialist, peer assessor, lecturer, and researcher.
This combination provides a unique set of skills and experiences to help scale the MedTech ecosystem.
Our Services
For Investors
Tough tech companies and markets are complex. Our experience and knowledge help you navigate this complexity through our expert analysis and due diligence process. We can help you de-risk your investment decisions and help assess existing investments. Where appropriate, we can also recommend investment opportunities.
For Companies
Creating and growing a tough tech company is challenging. We’ve been doing this for a few decades now. We can help in areas like assessing product market fit, engaging with customers, raising funding, implementing an IP strategy, and more. We offer these services on a project-by-project basis, or mid- to long-term as fractional C-level partners on your team.
Our Funds
Lack of funding for tough tech companies in Canada is a problem. To help address this, we will be launching our first fund —Tough Tech Canada Fund 1— in mid 2024. Stay tuned!