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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

 

PrePad Chosen for Chevron’s Catalyst Program, Innovates Energy Cost Estimation

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Calgary-based SaaS startup PrePad has been selected for Chevron Technology Ventures’ (CTV) prestigious Catalyst Program, joining global energy innovators. Launched in 2017, the Catalyst Program fosters early-stage companies that drive innovation in the energy sector. PrePad’s software, which optimizes cost and time estimates for oil and gas drilling, provides transparency and improves decision-making.

PrePad joins Chevron’s experts to refine its platform, already used by companies like Devon Energy. Co-founders Sean Hervo and Brandon Eidson see this as a major step forward for PrePad, which was also named Disruptive Digital Innovator at the 2024 Global Energy Show.

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

Shopify to Hire 1,000 Engineering Interns in 2025

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Shopify is set to hire 1,000 engineering interns in 2025, as announced by Farhan Thawar, Shopify’s VP & Head of Engineering, on Twitter. Thawar encouraged “AI centaurs” to apply. The internships, lasting four months, will take place in Toronto, Ottawa, or Montreal and are open to all applicants.

Shopify highlighted the opportunity for interns to help shape how entrepreneurs around the globe do business. Applications for Shopify’s Winter 2025 internships are now open, with interested candidates encouraged to apply online. This marks a significant expansion in Shopify’s recruitment efforts.

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

AI Scribe Startup Scribenote Raises $8.2M, Led by Andreessen Horowitz

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Veterinary professionals face overwhelming workloads, with 86% reporting severe stress. Scribenote, an AI-powered medical scribe for veterinarians, has raised $8.2 million in seed funding to address this. Led by Andreessen Horowitz, the funding will help automate medical records, saving veterinarians hours of paperwork.

Co-founded by Ryan Gallagher, inspired by his sister’s experience, Scribenote allows real-time documentation during appointments. Already in use by hundreds of clinics, the AI scribe has automated 1.5 million records, saving vets up to two hours daily. Scribenote plans to expand its platform, helping veterinarians focus more on patient care.

Want to know more? Check out the source code here.

Pangaea Ventures Raises $115 Million for HardTech Impact Fund

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Pangaea Ventures, a Vancouver and Phoenix-based venture capital firm, has finalized its fifth and largest fund, raising $115 million. The fund focuses on HardTech solutions aimed at improving planetary health, including clean energy and sustainable agriculture.

The firm has already backed five startups, including Vancouver’s pH7 Technologies, which specializes in eco-friendly metal extraction. With half of the fund already deployed, Pangaea plans to invest between $3 and $5 million per round, primarily in Canada and the U.S. Pangaea has also opened an office in Tokyo to expand its reach.

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

Amazon Expands Key In-Garage Delivery Service to Canada

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Amazon has introduced its Key In-Garage Delivery service to Prime members in Canada, allowing eligible users with a compatible myQ Smart Garage to receive packages securely inside their garage. Kaushik Mani, Amazon’s Director of Amazon Key, expressed excitement at extending the service to Canadian members after successful implementation in the U.S.

This service aims to enhance security, protect deliveries from weather, and offer convenience. Users must connect their myQ-enabled garage door opener to the myQ app and link it to Amazon Key. Packages can now be delivered inside, even when homeowners are away.

Want to know more? Check out the source code here.

Frate Raises $3.6M to Revolutionize Retail Returns

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Toronto-based startup Frate has raised $3.6M CAD in an oversubscribed seed funding round led by Matchstick Ventures. With participation from 2048 Ventures, Whitecap Venture Partners, Closed Loop Venture Partners, and Better Ventures, Frate’s total funding now stands at $5.7M CAD.

The company’s returns automation platform helps retailers reduce return volumes and costs while addressing issues like return fraud. Frate’s solutions include AI-powered virtual condition assessments and personalized exchange recommendations. CEO Bailey Newton emphasized that this funding will allow further platform development.

Want to know more? Check out the source code here.

Zenbase Launches Canada’s First Rental Reporting API

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Calgary-based Zenbase has launched Canada’s first rental reporting API, designed to help millions of Canadians improve their credit scores by integrating rent payments into credit-building solutions. Zenbase’s API allows property and financial technology platforms to streamline rental reporting, giving users the ability to enhance their credit scores through their rental history.

With over 10 million Canadians underserved by traditional credit systems, Zenbase aims to democratize credit access. APOLLO Insurance, a leader in digital insurance solutions, is among Zenbase’s launch partners. Founder and CEO Koray Can Oztekin emphasized the importance of making rental reporting an industry standard.

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

Rebelstork Gains Investment from Top Venture Firms to Fuel Growth

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Toronto’s Rebelstork, an e-commerce platform that resells returned baby products at a discount, has secured new funding led by Maveron Ventures, co-founded by former Starbucks executive Howard Schultz. Other investors include Serena Ventures, Marcy Venture Partners, and existing investor Golden Ventures.

Rebelstork, which gained traction during the e-commerce surge caused by COVID-19, plans to use the funds to expand operations, launch new products, and hire more staff. The company’s AI algorithm helps price liquidated and open-box goods, which have seen increased demand as consumers become more price-conscious.

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

Vancouver’s TIMEZYX Wins Big at 2024 New Ventures BC

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Vancouver cleantech startup TIMEZYX won the top prize at the 2024 New Ventures BC Competition, presented by Innovate BC. Co-founded by Kamyab Zandi and Adele Khavari, TIMEZYX secured the $110,000 Innovate BC First Place Prize for its real-time digital twin technology, designed to help cities and infrastructure adapt to extreme climate events.

TIMEZYX’s technology provides insurers and infrastructure owners with real-time simulations to assess and mitigate risks such as floods and earthquakes. SkyAcres Agrotechnologies and skiKrumb won second and third place prizes, respectively. Several other startups, including VulcanX and insporos, were also recognized for their innovative contributions.

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

Canada’s Tech Salaries Cool as Industry Stabilizes

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Canada’s tech compensation market is cooling, according to the 2024 Tech Sector Salary report by TAP Network and Mercer. The report found a median salary increase of less than 4%, down from last year’s 8%. Voluntary turnover also dropped, averaging below 10%, compared to 17% in 2023.

The survey includes salaries and compensation data across Canadian tech subsectors like AI, clean-tech, and gaming. TAP Network CEO Stephanie Hollingshead noted that salary increases have stabilized, reflecting cautious spending in the industry. Mechanical engineering and marketing roles saw the highest increases, driven by clean-tech growth, but may cool in 2025.

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