Canada can’t outspend its peers. So how might it outsmart them? 2024 was the year that British-Canadian computer scientist Geoffrey Hinton won a Nobel Prize in Physics for his contributions to the field of artificial intelligence (AI). 2024 reinforced that Canada lacks the resources to win the AI war on all fronts. His victory […]
A tidal wave of executive turnover hit Canadian tech in 2024. What can founders learn from the aftermath? If you’re reading this, you probably work at a tech company that underwent an executive leadership change this year … or know someone who does. BetaKit saw bucketloads of turnover in 2024, reporting on nearly 50 […]
Mini-budget with many tech commitments comes during a day of chaos on the Hill. The Government of Canada barely tabled its Fall Economic Statement (FES) after a day of political chaos and uncertainty. The Liberal government was thrown into turmoil following the surprise resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland hours […]
SR&ED expands eligibility while pension fund investment incentives get sweetened. The Government of Canada has announced a fourth, $1-billion CAD round of funding for the Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI) among a slew of other initiatives and updates ahead of its delayed Fall Economic Statement. Under VCCI, the federal government provides one dollar for […]
CIBC Innovation Banking’s Amy Olah on why venture debt stays steady, even when markets don’t. Amy Olah vividly remembers the moments in her career when startups faced “extinction-level events.” As Head of Canada and US West Coast Originations at CIBC Innovation Bankingshe is constantly tuned into the market shifts that influence high-growth startups, especially […]
Fifty percent of venture firms surveyed by BDC Capital have no women senior investors. The compensation picture for women in VC may be reaching a tipping point in Canada—at least at the highest levels. For the first time, women’s average salary in senior investment roles was higher than that of men, according to the […]
AI-focused VC firm launched a new $800-million USD growth fund in August. Toronto-based artificial intelligence (AI)-focused venture capital (VC) firm Radical Ventures has tapped Richa Mehta as its newest partner. Mehta will help lead Radical’s growth strategy, taking on typical partner responsibilities like leading investments, taking board seats, interfacing with limited partners, and helping […]
Fund is targeting $250 million to invest in companies that help lower carbon emissions. Calgary-based private equity firm Longbow Capital looks to continue investing in emission-tackling companies after securing an initial close of $150 million for its second energy transition fund. Longbow’s first Energy Transition Fund reportedly raised a total of $181 million. The […]
“We think we can find the best deals in Canada, so we’re going to keep on doing that.” Montréal-based venture capital (VC) firm Brightspark Ventures has closed its latest fund for early-stage Canadian technology startups with over $100 million CAD in total commitments and added a new partner in Vancouver to capture more British […]
Government-backed initiative will match founders with senior leaders at companies like Interac, Loblaw Digital, National Bank, and more. The National Angel Capital Organization (NACO) has rolled out a new initiative backed by the Government of Canada geared towards helping entrepreneurs across Canada strengthen their networks. The six-month programwhich was announced at Toronto tech conference […]
