GrowthWorks invests $1.1 million in Toronto's gShift Labs

Toronto's gShift Labs, creator of a search engine optimization software system that is giving marketers better control over their organic search campaigns, today announced a $1.1 million investment by GrowthWorks. This round of financing will help propel the company’s next stage of product development and fuel sales and marketing efforts as the company scales its Web Presence Optimizer.

“Early stage investment has been critical to the growth of gShift Labs as we grow our team and develop a unique SEO management software product that’s gaining tremendous traction with customers,” says Krista LaRiviere, Founder and CEO, gShift Labs. “This Series A funding will enable us to further tap the wealth of talent in Southern Ontario and lays the groundwork for us to build on our early success in a fast growth sector.”

gShift Labs received numerous startup awards in 2010, including being named one of Canada’s Hottest Innovative Companies at CIX 2010.

“gShift is a great example of what GrowthWorks looks for in early-stage investments,” says Scott Pelton, Vice President at GrowthWorks Capital Ltd. “The team and technology is top notch and we like the market that gShift competes in. We’re happy to join gShift in partnership through this financing and look forward to working with many other similar high-growth businesses.”

Barrie MP Patrick Brown also commented, “Our government is committed to making sure the people, businesses and communities of southern Ontario have the tools they need to succeed. This investment in gShift will help the company grow and create new jobs.”