We build better businesses—by being better partners.
We believe that trust and transparency still matter.
At Cedar Springs Capital, integrity isn’t a strategy; it’s a standard. We back good people building real businesses, and we bring more than just capital to the table.
Our edge? Curiosity. We’re learners by nature and builders by choice. That means we ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore new ways to scale industries that others overlook.
We’re not here to micromanage; we’re here to unlock potential. That means investing in automation, smarter workflows, and the kind of operational discipline that creates time, margin, and momentum.
Above all, we operate as true partners. No egos. No games. No drama. Just shared wins, long-term alignment, and a commitment to doing the work together.
“We're not here to play the short game.
Cedar Springs Capital strives to be thoughtful, patient, and still deliver real results. We back businesses that have stood the test of time but need a new kind of partner for what comes next.
We operate with a deep respect for what’s already been built. We’re looking to level up, modernize, and help great companies become even greater long after the founding chapter ends.
If you're thinking about succession, expansion, or simply the next chapter of a company you care about, we’d love to talk.
— John Furtado
Founder, Cedar Springs Capital
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With over 14 years in finance and nearly a decade driving operations inside complex, tech-forward businesses, John brings a rare blend of strategic insight and real-world execution.
He’s led from the boardroom and the back office—whether it’s closing deals, overhauling financial systems, or building high-performing teams. From private equity-backed manufacturing firms to global logistics powerhouses like Amazon, John’s played a key role in aligning capital with long-term value creation.
He’s hands-on, curious by nature, and obsessed with doing things right; from M&A and forecasting to building finance teams that move the needle. Throughout his career, he’s focused on transforming finance functions into strategic engines: building smart controls, improving cash flow, and supporting sustainable growth with discipline and clarity.
Above all, John operates with integrity, transparency, and a deep respect for the people behind the numbers. At Cedar Springs Capital, he’s focused on partnering with exceptional businesses to help them scale.
John holds an MBA with a concentration in Finance from Lazaridis School of Business & Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University and an Bachelor Accounting degree (BAcc) from the Goodman School of Business at Brock University. He also holds a CPA, CA designation.John lives in Burlington with his wife and son & daughter.
Our Approach
We invest in small to mid-sized businesses that are built on substance.
We’re drawn to companies with:
Strong recurring revenue
A clear operating history
Room to grow or evolve
Owners who care about what happens next
Our approach is simple: buy well, build patiently, and operate with intention.
We don’t need to “reinvent” great businesses but rather support them:
With better systems
Smarter & automated workflows
Stronger teams who care
And decision-making grounded in data, not ego
FAQs
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We focus on small to mid-sized businesses in Canada. with strong fundamentals, recurring revenue, and room to grow.
We’re particularly interested in industries like business services, facility services, light manufacturing, and niche B2B operations. If the business has a solid foundation, loyal customers, and a need for operational support or succession planning—we’re open to a conversation. Typically this means EBITDA < $3 million. -
Not necessarily. While profitability helps, we care more about potential.
If the business has good bones—like a strong customer base, high retention, or untapped margin—we’re comfortable stepping in to help improve operations, streamline costs, and scale efficiently. We’re builders, not just buyers. -
We believe the people behind the business are key to its success—and we aim to keep them involved.
In most cases, we partner with existing leadership or help owners transition at their pace. We don’t believe in slashing teams or culture for short-term gain. Our role is to support, not bulldoze. -
We typically invest in businesses with less than $3M in EBITDA, and we’re flexible on deal structure.
We’re comfortable with full acquisitions, majority stakes, or phased transitions depending on your goals. As for timeline—we move quickly, communicate clearly, and don’t waste your time if it’s not a fit.