What is our mission?
Our mission is to be your go-to lending partner for creating and developing content in the media landscape. Based here in Ontario, we are committed to helping you achieve your artistic and professional goals.
At Catchlight Capital, we see finance differently. It’s not just about the figures on a spreadsheet; it’s about the story behind the numbers. We believe in getting to know our clients and their creative visions on a deeper level, building partnerships that last. This unique approach has allowed us to quickly and meaningfully engage with the arts and media community, participating in a wide range of debt financing initiatives that help bring remarkable stories to life.
We continually strive to strengthen our ties with freelance artists, producers, and companies across all sectors. We are more than just a lender; we are a partner dedicated to supporting, effecting change, and helping you produce authentic content that can be used for the greater good.
What is our Vision?
Catchlight Capital sees an opportunity to bring transparency and financial accessibility to the broader North American media and arts landscape. Our vision is to be the leading private credit firm for the lower-middle market, providing the strategic capital needed to empower a new generation of creators across the arts sector. We aim to not only simplify the production financing process but also to cultivate a stronger, more sustainable economy by fostering creative risk-taking and enhancing the overall market.
Meet the Catchlight Team
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Kaleb Laidman | Catchlight Capital Inc. | President and Co-Founder |
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Caroline Jones, B.COMM, CA, CPA | Catchlight Capital Inc. | CFO and Co-Founder
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Mark Dee-Shapland | AMC Studios | SVP, Global Content Sales
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David McCulloch | Eliad Holdings Inc. | Founder and CEO
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Mark Rodriguez, CUCE | The Lending Studio, LLC | Founder and CEO
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John Paradis, MBA, ICD.D | City of London | Deputy City Manager
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Lori DeGraw, ICD.D | Shake Financial | Founder and CEO
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Ryan Macleod | S&P Global | Director and Global Head of Advisory & Expert Services
Catchlight
Capital Story
The story of Catchlight Capital begins with a shared passion for film and television. Nearly a decade ago, in 2016, our co-founders, Kaleb and Caroline, were brought together through family connections and a common vision: to redefine the Canadian media landscape.
This initial spark grew into a deep-rooted partnership, first as friends and then as collaborators on media projects through the production company, KalKaden Productions. It was here that they began to learn the intricate world of film financing, starting with small projects and gradually working their way up to million-dollar feature films. This hands-on, ground-up experience gave them a unique perspective on the challenges facing independent filmmakers.
By early 2025, their combined knowledge and aligned goals had created the perfect foundation for a new venture. Recognizing a clear need for alternative financing options in the Canadian indie market, they seized the opportunity to launch a private credit firm. With that, Catchlight Capital was born.
Today, Kaleb and Caroline remain committed to a core mission: to serve as a trusted partner and a leader in private debt financing, helping to bring captivating stories to life on screen.