Build Ventures is based in Halifax, Nova Scotia and is focused on early stage technology companies across the Atlantic region. Our first fund closed in early 2013. We are looking to work with passionate founders who are committed to building great companies.

Patrick Keefe

General Partner

Patrick has over 25 years of investment and entrepreneurial experience. Prior to co-founding Build Ventures in 2013, he was vice president of investment at Innovacorp, where he oversaw the organization’s seed and early-stage venture capital activities.

In 2004, Patrick founded CVAI to launch Starbucks Coffee in Atlantic Canada, securing an exclusive license to operate. Starbucks Corporation acquired CVAI in 2008. Previously, Patrick held positions with Boston-based venture capital firm Atlas Venture and the Boston Consulting Group, which provides strategic advisory services for leading companies around the world. He has worked hands-on as a founder and with portfolio companies to assist them in accelerating their growth.

Patrick has also served in numerous positions to help advance the innovation ecosystem in Atlantic Canada. He was a co-founder of Volta Labs in 2013 and has served on the board since then. He has also previously served on the board of Genesis Centre, The Discovery Centre, the Norman Newman Centre for Entrepreneurship, and the Manning Innovation Awards. He has also been an Associate of the Creative Destruction Lab since 2017.

Patrick holds an M.Phil from Oxford University and an MBA (Distinction) from Harvard Business School.

Rob Barbara

General Partner

Rob has spent 28 years working in investment management and capital markets and as an entrepreneur. Prior to founding Build Ventures in 2013, he spent 11 years at Burgundy Asset Management, a leading global investment management firm. While at Burgundy, he founded its sister company, Beaujolais Private Investment Management. Before joining Burgundy, Rob worked at TD Securities in various capital markets roles.

As an entrepreneur, Rob was co-founder of a medical IT startup, eSalveo, that was sold in 2001.

Rob is a Kauffman Fellow (Class 24) and is involved in many aspects of the Atlantic Canadian Innovation ecosystem including as an Associate of the Creative Destruction Lab.

Rob is a CFA charterholder. He received his MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business, and his undergraduate and Masters degrees (Economics) from Queen’s University.