Gabardine

Investors

A New Way to Invest in Media & Entertainment

The global demand for original content has never been stronger. In 2024 alone, the world’s six largest content providers spent US$56 billion on original programming, a trend that continues to accelerate as platforms compete for audience attention. Yet despite this explosive growth, Canadian investors remain structurally underexposed to the opportunity.

We offer investors diversified, venture-style exposure to film and television—an asset class where asymmetric returns are common, but historically difficult to access without betting on individual projects.

Why Canada, Why Now

Canada has one of the world’s most attractive ecosystems for content production: world-class talent, internationally respected crews, and some of the richest tax credit and grant structures available anywhere. Properly applied, Canadian “soft money” can double the value of an on-screen product while reducing the need for private equity by more than 50%.

Despite this advantage, Canadian capital has yet to adopt a true VC fund-style approach to media & entertainment. Meanwhile, U.S. and European investors are generating significant returns through high-conviction investments in the space.

Gabardine exists to bridge this gap.

The Gabardine Offering

We provide investors with diversified and high-upside exposure to the media and entertainment industry through a disciplined slate-based strategy, rather than single-project risk.
Our flagship fund, Gabardine 2026, is structured to deliver both attractive returns and earlier liquidity than traditional alternative asset classes.

Investments span a thoughtfully diversified mix of microbudget, commercial genre, and prestige films, as well as development/option rights.

Our Investment Approach

We combine creative insight with a highly technical approach to value creation:

1. Expert Use of Soft Money, AI, and Data

Our background in AI, software, and fundraising—combined with guidance from seasoned industry advisors—allows us to optimize both the cost structure and revenue potential of every project. This operational edge supports the delivery of consistently high-quality on-screen results.

2. Focus on Original Content and Emerging Talent

We prioritize films with strong commercial promise, distinctive creative voice, and growth potential. Through early relationship-building with top emerging creators, we gain ROFR (right of first refusal) on projects with exceptional market potential—well before studios enter the financing process.

3. Co-Investing With Tastemakers

Our network provides access to culturally influential production companies and industry partners. Strategic co-investment helps mitigate project risk while enhancing exposure to breakout opportunities and future asset library value.

Why Media & Entertainment Outperforms

Compared to traditional venture capital, media investments offer a compelling blend of speed, resilience, and upside.

  • Faster Timelines: Projects typically return capital within 12–24 months, compared to 10+ years in tech investing.
  • Similar or Greater Upside: Hit projects can deliver 100× returns, similar to venture outcomes—while risk is spread across a balanced slate.
  • Multiple Revenue Streams: From theatrical, streaming, and international sales to long-term library value, content generates durable and diversified revenue.
  • AI-Resistant Sector: Original content remains one of the most defensible categories against AI disruption

Building a High-Value Content Library

Gabardine’s model blends near-term revenue with long-term asset creation. By backing 8–12 high-potential projects across varied budget tiers—ranging from microbudget films to award-driven prestige productions—we construct a pipeline and portfolio designed for both stability and breakout potential. The diversification tables on page 8 outline this balanced approach in detail.

Led by Builders, Backed by Experience

Gabardine is led by founder Nicholas Chepesiuk, a seasoned entrepreneur and operator. Prior to launching Gabardine, Nicholas founded OnCall Health, a software company backed by $10M USD in venture capital and later acquired by Warburg Pincus. Under Warburg Pincus ownership, he led product innovation and scaled revenue 7× in three years before establishing Gabardine to bring a modern, data-driven model to media finance.

A Strategic, Culturally Relevant Investment Opportunity

Gabardine offers investors a rare combination: early liquidity, attractive returns, exposure to an AI-resistant growth industry, and the cultural relevance of owning a stake in meaningful creative work.

If you’re a family office or institution seeking exposure to the future of entertainment, we’d love to connect.