BDC Leads Canadian Defense Push into NATO Investor Network

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has taken another step in its defense push by joining the NATO DIANA Capital Network. This network connects investors with companies that have gone through the NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA). BDC is Canada's sole entrant in this investor network, which also includes European and US defense primes like Expeditions and Lockheed Martin.

Peter Dawe, BDC's vice-president of defense strategy, said that being part of this network gives them a direct line into where their 32 NATO allies are investing, innovating, and creating demand. This comes as the Crown corporation continues to take on a bigger role in the defense industry.

BDC has launched a $6-billion CAD defense platform across its banking and investment divisions. Additionally, Canada is in negotiations to join a subdivision of the NATO Innovation Fund, which could further boost their defense investments. However, it's unclear which Canadian city will host an international defense bank that BDC CEO Isabelle Hudon has been involved in.