GrowthWorks Canadian Fund, one of Canada’s largest retail venture capital funds, has made investments totaling $9.5 million in three companies across Canada in the last two months.

“We’re impressed with the strength of the management teams and the technology behind these diverse companies,” said Les Lyall, senior vice president, GrowthWorks. “We’re looking forward to working with each of these companies to help them compete and succeed in their respective markets.”

Here is a closer look at the companies that the fund invested into:

Advanced Glazings Ltd., Sydney, Nova Scotia, Energy/Environment, $2.5 million.

Advanced Glazings is a manufacturer of insulated glass units that improve the quality, aesthetics and energy efficiency of indoor spaces by increasing the amount of daylight. The financing will be used to expand the company’s sales force and continue the development of new products in the architectural and greenhouse markets.

SaskAlta Base Oils Corporation, Calgary, Alberta, Energy/Environment, $2.0 million.

SaskAlta Base Oils recovers and re-refines hydrocarbon resources derived from used oil feedstock. The company generates high quality, environmentally friendly, value added products using a patented process technology and an established used oil collection network.

Viron Therapeutics Inc., London, Ontario, Life Sciences, $5.0 million

Viron Therapeutics is a clinical biopharmaceutical company focused on the commercialization of novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics. The financing will be used to help complete the company’s ongoing Phase II clinical trial for their lead compound VT-111, the advancement of additional therapeutic drug candidates into the clinic and the optimization of its manufacturing process.