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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Nextdoor Expands Ads Platform in Canada

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Nextdoor has launched self-serve capabilities for its Ads Manager platform in Canada, expanding access for businesses to run localized advertising campaigns. The platform enables companies to target verified neighbourhood users with tools including audience segmentation, performance tracking, and AI-generated ad content.

Nextdoor said the move builds on strong adoption across sectors such as home services, real estate, and wellness. The self-serve feature allows businesses to independently create and manage campaigns at scale. Executives noted the platform’s focus on community-driven engagement, with users often influencing household purchasing decisions. The launch reflects growing demand for hyperlocal digital advertising solutions.

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Law Firm Expands AI Adoption With Harvey

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Canadian law firm Torys has partnered with Harvey to deploy its artificial intelligence platform across the organization, marking a significant step in enterprise AI adoption in the legal sector. The system will support workflows including due diligence, contract analysis, compliance, and litigation. Harvey will provide onsite expertise to drive adoption and develop tailored use cases.

Torys said the move builds on its longstanding focus on legal technology and responsible AI deployment. The partnership reflects a broader trend among law firms toward integrating AI into core operations, shifting from pilot projects to sustained, firmwide implementation.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on LegalTech.ca.

Ryan Holmes Returns as Hootsuite CEO

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Hootsuite founder Ryan Holmes has returned as interim chief executive, replacing Irina Novoselsky as the Vancouver company navigates leadership change and public scrutiny. Novoselsky, who led the firm for more than three years, announced her departure in a LinkedIn post. Holmes said he will guide Hootsuite through a period shaped by artificial intelligence and evolving market demands.

The transition follows backlash over the company’s work with U.S. immigration authorities, which prompted protests earlier this year. Founded in 2008, Hootsuite remains a prominent Canadian software firm as it seeks to balance innovation with reputational challenges.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Techcouver.

Calgary Firm Launches Thought-Control App

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Calgary-based Possibility Neurotechnologies has launched Think2Switch, a mobile application enabling users to control devices using brain signals. The platform pairs with consumer EEG headbands to translate neural activity into commands, allowing interaction without touch or voice. Designed for accessibility, the system targets individuals with physical disabilities while supporting broader everyday use.

Early adoption includes more than 150 families worldwide. The app is available with a subscription model following a free trial. Chief executive Dion Kelly said the technology aims to expand independence and participation in daily activities. The launch reflects growing efforts to commercialize brain-computer interface technologies.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Calgary.tech.

Netflix Opens Animation Studio in Vancouver

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Netflix has opened a new animation studio in Vancouver, expanding its production footprint in British Columbia. The 110,600-square-foot facility will support feature animation and house more than 450 employees, with further integration planned with Netflix’s visual effects division. Officials said construction contributed over $50 million to provincial GDP, with ongoing operations expected to add $100 million annually.

The studio is already producing its next film, Steps. Executives highlighted Vancouver’s talent base as a key factor in the expansion. The launch strengthens the city’s position as a global centre for digital entertainment and animation production.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Techcouver.

Google Finance Expands AI Features Globally

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Google has expanded its AI-powered Google Finance platform to more than 100 countries, including Canada, as part of a global rollout. The updated service introduces enhanced research tools, allowing users to query markets and individual stocks with AI-generated responses.

New visualization features include advanced charting with technical indicators, while an upgraded news feed delivers real-time insights across equities, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. The platform also adds live earnings call tracking with audio, transcripts, and AI analysis. Google said the rollout will include full local language support, aiming to improve accessibility and understanding of financial markets worldwide.

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Neo Financial Joins Interac as Direct Participant

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Calgary-based Neo Financial has become a direct participant in Interac e-Transfer, gaining access to one of Canada’s core payment networks. The move follows Interac’s expansion to include qualified payment service providers under new regulations. Neo said direct participation will allow greater control over product development and customer experience for its more than one million users.

Interac processed over 1.6 billion transactions last year. The development reflects broader changes in Canada’s payments landscape, as fintech firms gain access to infrastructure traditionally dominated by banks. Executives say the shift will increase competition and accelerate innovation in financial services.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Fintech.ca.

Blackline Safety to Go Private in $850M Deal

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Calgary-based Blackline Safety will go private in a deal valued at up to $850 million, following an agreement with an affiliate of Francisco Partners. Shareholders will receive $9.00 per share in cash plus a contingent value right tied to future performance. The transaction represents a premium of up to 34 percent.

Blackline provides connected safety solutions combining hardware, software, and data for industrial environments. The company reported annual recurring revenue of $90.5 million. The deal is expected to close in 2026, pending approvals, after which Blackline will be delisted from the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Calgary.tech.

Mappedin Raises $24.5M to Expand Indoor Mapping

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Waterloo-based Mappedin has raised US$24.5 million in new funding led by Edison Partners to expand its indoor mapping technology. The company creates digital maps of complex indoor environments such as hospitals, airports, and shopping centres using artificial intelligence and 3D modelling.

Mappedin plans to extend its platform beyond individual buildings to entire cities and support applications for emergency response and public safety. The firm says it has already mapped more than 10 billion square feet across 86 countries. Executives note that while outdoor navigation is well developed, indoor mapping remains a significant gap in digital infrastructure.

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GridBank Raises $6M to Expand Video Marketplace

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Montreal-based GridBank has raised $6 million in an oversubscribed seed round co-led by Version One Ventures, StandUp Ventures, and GreenSky Ventures, with participation from Anges Québec. The company operates a platform that enables users to monetize video content captured on their smartphones, targeting individuals beyond traditional creators.

GridBank said the funding will accelerate product development and expand its marketplace to new industries beyond marketing. The firm also plans to launch a content challenge in Montreal this summer. Investors noted initial skepticism but now see potential in GridBank’s model as a transactional layer for real-world data.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on The Logic.