Thomson Reuters expands investment strategy with $150m corporate venture capital fund

Thomson Reuters (NYSE/TSX: TRI), a global leader in content and technology solutions, has announced the launch of its second corporate venture capital fund, a $150 million initiative aimed at fostering early-stage innovation. This new fund builds on the company’s first corporate venture capital fund, which was established in 2021 with an initial investment of $100 million. The expansion signals Thomson Reuters Ventures’ continued commitment to backing emerging technology firms that are reshaping professional industries.

The latest investment effort will focus on startups in legal technology, tax and accounting automation, fintech solutions, risk fraud and compliance, and news and media innovation. Through this fund, Thomson Reuters Ventures is doubling down on its mission to integrate artificial intelligence, data analytics, and automation into the workflows of professionals in law, finance, and corporate sectors.

What industries will benefit from Thomson Reuters Ventures Fund 2?

Operating under Thomson Reuters Ventures, the new fund is designed to support companies pioneering next-generation technologies. The investment strategy targets Series A funding, with a flexible approach that allows for participation in earlier or later-stage investments based on strategic alignment.

According to Tamara Steffens, Managing Director of Thomson Reuters Ventures, this expansion enhances the company’s ability to back innovators developing solutions that transform professional work. She stated that Thomson Reuters Ventures is an essential component of the company’s long-term growth strategy, providing not only capital but also strategic partnerships and industry expertise.

The first corporate venture capital fund successfully invested in 23 companies, one of the most notable being Materia, an agentic AI startup that was later acquired by Thomson Reuters. Materia’s advanced AI solutions have since been integrated into tax, audit, and accounting platforms, enhancing automation and predictive analytics.

Why is Thomson Reuters increasing its investment in AI-driven solutions?

The decision to expand Thomson Reuters Ventures aligns with a broader industry shift toward artificial intelligence and data-driven automation. AI technologies are increasingly being deployed to streamline complex legal and financial processes, allowing professionals to improve efficiency while reducing manual workloads.

Generative AI, in particular, has emerged as a transformative force in the professional services sector. By leveraging AI-powered automation, Thomson Reuters Ventures aims to invest in solutions that optimize contract analysis, compliance monitoring, tax preparation, and fraud detection.

Steffens highlighted that the company’s investment philosophy is not just about financial returns but about fostering meaningful innovation that addresses the evolving needs of professionals in legal, tax, and corporate sectors.

What impact will this investment have on the professional services industry?

The expansion of Thomson Reuters Ventures is expected to accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies across multiple industries. The focus on legal technology, fintech solutions, and risk fraud and compliance reflects the growing demand for advanced digital tools that support regulatory adherence and financial transparency.

One of the key beneficiaries of Thomson Reuters Ventures’ first fund was Truewind, an AI-powered financial automation startup. Alex Lee, CEO of Truewind, emphasized how the strategic partnership with Thomson Reuters helped scale the company’s operations. He noted that the collaboration enabled Truewind to integrate with Thomson Reuters tax and accounting software, significantly improving service delivery for customers.

How does this move fit into Thomson Reuters’ broader growth strategy?

The launch of Thomson Reuters Ventures Fund 2 comes at a time when the company is experiencing strong financial performance. Thomson Reuters’ latest earnings report showcased a 7% increase in full-year organic revenue growth, alongside a 5% rise in fourth-quarter revenue. Its core business segments—including legal, corporate, and tax services—achieved an 8% organic revenue growth rate.

The company has also increased its annualized dividend per share by 10%, marking the 32nd consecutive year of dividend growth. This financial strength allows Thomson Reuters to continue expanding its investment in AI-driven innovation while maintaining stability for shareholders.

In January 2025, Thomson Reuters completed the $600 million acquisition of SafeSend, a move aimed at bolstering its tax automation capabilities. This acquisition complements the objectives of Thomson Reuters Ventures, as it demonstrates the company’s willingness to acquire and integrate startups that align with its technological ambitions.

What’s next for Thomson Reuters Ventures?

Looking ahead, Thomson Reuters Ventures is expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of professional services. The company’s updated financial outlook for 2025 and beyond includes an anticipated 7.0% to 7.5% organic revenue growth and an expansion of its EBITDA margin by 50 basis points by 2026.

By strengthening its investment in innovative startups, Thomson Reuters is positioning itself at the forefront of AI-driven efficiency in legal, tax, and corporate services. With Thomson Reuters Ventures Fund 2, the company is set to drive long-term transformation across key industries while fostering technological advancements that benefit professionals worldwide.