François Dufour

Founder | Capital Catalyst | Institutional Capital Advisory | Private Markets | North America & Europe

Greater Montreal Metropolitan Area

About

I’m a relationship-driven capital markets professional based in Montréal, with a track record of building trusted partnerships with ultra-high-net-worth families, family offices, and institutional stakeholders across Canada and internationally. Over the past several years, I have worked at the intersection of private wealth, investment management, and strategic business development—supporting sophisticated clients through complex needs, multi-asset solutions, and long-term portfolio objectives. My approach is anchored in credibility, discretion, and a commitment to institutional-grade standards. I’m the Founder of Capital Catalyst, an advisory venture designed to support investment managers, private companies, and strategic projects in strengthening their positioning and engaging with the right long-term stakeholders. Capital Catalyst helps clients become “investor-ready” by clarifying their narrative, improving documentation quality, and supporting relationship development with relevant decision-makers across private markets. Rather than focusing on volume-driven outreach, I prioritize: • clarity of message • quality of process • long-term alignment • durable relationships I’m particularly interested in: private markets and alternatives (private equity, real estate, private credit, infrastructure) investor communication and strategic positioning institutional relationship development family office ecosystem in Canada capital markets trends and market intelligence I am known for combining high energy with rigorous execution—bringing structure to initiatives, elevating client experience, and creating momentum through thoughtful networking and strategic collaboration. If you are an investment manager, founder, or advisor looking to strengthen your market presence and build meaningful long-term relationships with sophisticated capital allocators, I would be happy to connect. 📍Montréal / Canada 🔹 Private Markets | Family Offices | Institutional Relationships 📩 Open to strategic conversations and partnerships

Experience

  • Founder & Managing Partner at Capital Catalyst
    Aug 2020 - Present · 5 yrs 11 mos

    Capital Catalyst supports Canadian institutional investors and family offices in sourcing private market investment opportunities aligned with their evolving portfolio priorities. We work alongside a network of pension plans, endowments, and private investment offices seeking exposure to global strategies across real assets, private credit, infrastructure, and other alternative asset classes. Our role is to assist allocators in navigating global deal flow by identifying managers whose strategies align with thematic investment interests. Where there is demonstrated allocator demand for a given strategy — such as value-add real estate or private credit — we may support select asset managers in aligning their institutional collateral and market positioning for the Canadian market, and facilitate a limited number of targeted introductions to relevant investor groups. Capital Catalyst does not act in a distribution or agent capacity. We provide strategic advisory services related to: • Institutional positioning • Canada market entry • Targeted allocator engagement • LP meeting preparation • Roadshow planning • Market feedback and investor insight Engagements are typically advisory in nature and informed by allocator demand. 🔹 SPECIALTIES Institutional Manager Access Private Markets Canada Market Entry Allocator Dialogue Real Assets Private Credit Infrastructure Family Offices Pension Funds Institutional Positioning

  • Relationship Manager at Mirabaud Group
    Aug 2023 - Mar 2026 · 2 yrs 8 mos

    • Developed a robust portfolio of ultra-high-net-worth family clients through strategic outreach and trust-based engagement. • Reimagined and relaunched Mirabaud’s Family Office service offering in Canada to enhance client experience. • Increased Mirabaud’s visibility by organizing high-level networking events and leveraging social media for thought leadership. • Surpassed AUM objectives by a factor of five, reflecting exceptional client relationship management and business development execution. • Successfully onboarded the largest discretionary mandate and the largest private investment account in the firm’s history (Mirabaud Canada), demonstrating strategic outreach and senior-level client engagement capabilities.

  • Vice President at Koïos Intelligence
    Aug 2020 - Aug 2023 · 3 yrs 1 mo

    • Led a high-performing team of Business Development Representatives (BDRs) and Account Executives (AEs) to drive significant sales growth. • Developed and implemented a comprehensive sales training program to enhance team performance and sales acumen. • Collaborated with marketing to effectively convert leads into revenue-generating customers, aligning with company goals. • Achieved remarkable business revenue growth from $1M to $20M at Koïos Intelligence, a dynamic startup in Montreal.

  • Director at Lawrence Park Asset Management (Acquired by CI Global Asset Management)
    Sep 2019 - May 2020 · 9 mos

    • Conducted one-on-one and group meetings with financial advisors and institutional investors to promote wealth products. • Hosted client recognition events, roadshows, and manager meetings to enhance business relationships. • Increased product penetration among new and existing clients by identifying sales opportunities. • Cultivated strong relationships with distribution partners to address their sales support needs.

  • Vice President at LionGuard Capital Management Inc. (Acquired by Walter Global Asset Management)
    Oct 2017 - Aug 2019 · 1 yr 11 mos

    • Conducted one-on-one and group meetings with financial advisors and institutional investors to promote wealth products. • Hosted client recognition events and roadshows to strengthen relationships and increase product penetration. • Provided leadership to the Inside Sales Representative and Sales Coordinator, enhancing team performance. • Represented LionGuard at industry conferences, showcasing our offerings to potential partners.