Argo Corp Secures $1.4M Investment from Ex-Facebook Exec's VC Fund

TORONTO, ON – December 29, 2025 – Argo Corporation (TSXV: ARGH), a company developing integrated transit solutions for cities, announced it has secured a significant strategic investment from TheVentureCity, a global venture fund. The deal, which closed on December 22, represents the first tranche of a non-brokered private placement and injects $1,400,000 of capital into the firm.

This initial closing involved the issuance of 3,500,000 common shares to TheVentureCity at a price of $0.40 per share. The investment marks a notable reunion, connecting Argo's CEO, Praveen Arichandran, with Laura González-Estéfani, the founder of TheVentureCity. Both were early and influential figures at Facebook, where González-Estéfani led international growth initiatives across Europe and Latin America starting in 2008.

A Partnership Forged at Facebook

The connection between the two leaders adds a layer of strategic depth to the investment. TheVentureCity is not merely a source of capital; it is a global fund with a portfolio of over 120 companies across key international markets. González-Estéfani's experience in scaling one of the world's largest technology platforms provides Argo with more than just funding—it offers a wealth of knowledge in navigating complex global expansion.

In the original announcement, Argo stated its intention for the offering was to attract "key strategic investor groups and partners who will help the Company scale in Canada and abroad." The involvement of TheVentureCity, with its deep roots in North America, Europe, and Latin America, directly aligns with this goal. The fund's track record and its founder's background in driving international market penetration for Facebook suggest a hands-on, value-add partnership that extends beyond the balance sheet.

This relationship could prove pivotal as Argo looks to introduce its transit solutions to new municipal partners worldwide. The expertise González-Estéfani brings from her time at Facebook, a period of unprecedented global expansion, is a rare and valuable asset for a company like Argo that is poised for its own growth phase.

Fueling the Future of Urban Mobility

Argo is on a mission to redefine urban transportation. The company describes its offering as the "first-ever vertically and publicly integrated city transit system." This system is designed not to replace existing public transportation but to augment it, creating an intelligent network of vehicles that can adapt in real-time to the demands of a city's population. By putting users in control of their mobility, Argo aims to create more efficient, responsive, and scalable transit networks.

The $1.4 million in gross proceeds will be allocated toward working capital and general corporate purposes. For a technology company in its growth stage, this typically translates into critical investments in engineering talent, research and development to enhance its platform, and sales and marketing efforts to enter new markets. No finder's fees were paid in connection with this first tranche, ensuring the maximum amount of capital is directed toward these core business activities.

As cities around the world grapple with congestion, environmental concerns, and the need for more efficient public services, the market for next-generation transit solutions is expanding rapidly. Argo's approach, which emphasizes integration with and augmentation of existing infrastructure, positions it as a collaborative partner for municipalities rather than a disruptive competitor. This investment provides the necessary fuel to accelerate its product roadmap and execute its ambitious expansion plans.

Navigating the Road Ahead

The private placement is structured to potentially include additional tranches, allowing Argo to bring in other strategic partners over time. The securities issued in this first closing are subject to a statutory hold period that expires on April 30, 2026, which is standard practice in such transactions. The completion of the full offering remains contingent on the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, where Argo's shares are publicly traded.

This strategic financing comes at a crucial time for the transit technology sector. As urban populations grow, the demand for smarter, more flexible mobility options is intensifying. Investors are increasingly recognizing the potential of companies that can provide scalable and sustainable solutions. Argo's ability to attract a high-caliber investor like TheVentureCity signals strong confidence in its technology, its leadership team, and its vision for the future of city transit. The partnership represents a significant milestone in the company's journey to build a global network of intelligently routed vehicles, one city at a time.