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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

 

Canadian Fintechs APOLLO Insurance and Paysquad Solutions ‘Deepen Relationship’

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Launched in 2019, Vancouver-born digital insurance innovator APOLLO Insurance this week expanded its partnership with property management software organization Payquad Solutions to embed tenant insurance directly into Payquad’s workflows, providing renters easy access. For property managers, the insurance purchase experience is embedded directly into leasing and renewal workflows.

“Payquad is thrilled to deepen our partnership with APOLLO,” said CEO David Janowski of Ontario’s Paysquad. “APOLLO’s digital first and resident-centric approach has been well-received by our customers. By fully integrating tenant insurance directly into our portals and leasing workflow, we are making it even more convenient for renters to obtain the coverage they need.”

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

Toronto’s Carbon6 Acquires Junglytics to Bolster AI Solutions for Amazon Sellers

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Toronto’s Carbon6, a software platform for Amazon businesses, announced the acquisition of Junglytics, an AI-powered business intelligence product designed to enhance data-driven decision-making for sellers. The acquisition strengthens Carbon6’s capabilities by integrating Junglytics’ AI technology with Carbon6’s data platform, offering sellers a tool for optimizing operations and maximizing profitability.

“This acquisition is a perfect alignment of our vision to revolutionize the way sellers interact with their data through AI-driven conversations,” stated Naseem Saloojee, cofounder of Carbon6. “Junglytics brings a transformative approach to AI that allows sellers to not only access data but also to act on it without delay.”

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

Declining Interest in EVs Amidst Industry Slowdown, Survey Finds

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Interest in electric vehicles (EVs) among Canadians is waning, according to a recent survey by The Logic, with 74% of respondents considering an EV purchase—down from 78% two years ago. Concerns over battery range, affordability, and Canada’s cold climate were cited as major deterrents.

The findings coincide with a broader industry slowdown, as automakers like Ford and Tesla adjust their EV production plans due to lower-than-expected demand. While current EV owners expressed satisfaction with their vehicles, issues such as inadequate charging infrastructure and high prices remain significant barriers for potential buyers.

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

Apple Begins Beta Testing ‘Intelligence’ Suite in Canada

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Apple Intelligence became available through beta for the first time last month and now the tech titan’s emerging suite of AI offerings is beginning to appear in Canada. The toolkit of AI-powered features is slated to enhance everything from writing and design to smarter notifications—including Siri.

“Apple Intelligence is … integrated into the core of your iPhone, iPad, and Mac through on-device processing—so it’s aware of your personal information without collecting your personal information,” stated the Silicon Valley giant. “And with groundbreaking Private Cloud Compute, Apple Intelligence can draw on larger server-based models, running on Apple silicon, to handle more complex requests for you while protecting your privacy.

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

Cellphone Bans Across Canada to Impact Classrooms as Students Return to School

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Smartphones have been troubling educators since the BlackBerry, but as the problem worsens, tough solutions are on the menu. New rules in many Canadian provinces will see fewer cellphones during school time this year as Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, and Manitoba all seek to curb distractions in the classroom.

Given that approximately 90% of teenagers use mobile technology devices, and teens are notoriously rebellious besides, such rules may be challenging to enforce, which has some teachers concerned. But similar rules executed in Europe have thus far yielded positive results, early data suggests.

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

Cybertruck Launches in Canada at Awkward Time as EV Industry Slows

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The timing of Elon Musk’s latest product launch may be suboptimal—the limited-edition Foundation Series Cybertruck is now officially available without reservation in Canada, but the steel beast arrives at a moment when the nation’s electric vehicle industry is grappling with some serious issues.

In Canada, the inaugural Cybertruck starts at a whopping $138,000, with a triple-motor version reaching $166,00 before taxes. Those placing orders today could expect their Cybertruck to be delivered as soon as October. That’s one key sign there probably wasn’t that many reservations to begin with.

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

Atlas Revolutionizes Restaurant Management with Tech-Driven Solutions

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Toronto’s Atlas is transforming the hospitality industry with its innovative platform that centralizes data and automates daily operations for restaurant operators. Atlas provides real-time insights, streamlines tasks, and optimizes profitability, supporting popular Toronto restaurants like Nobu and Trinity Market.

The platform integrates seamlessly with existing systems, automating processes like tip distribution and financial reporting. As the industry faces rising costs, Atlas offers solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce the burden on operators, allowing them to focus on delivering exceptional service. Atlas plans to expand its offerings and market presence in the coming months.

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

CRTC Invests $17M to Improve Cell Service Along Major Roads in Quebec and Ontario

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The CRTC is taking action to improve cellphone service along one hundred kilometres of major roads across Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, and Ontario to “help make it safer for Canadians to travel along these roads.” It’s part of the Broadband Fund launched in 2019 to connect rural and remote communities.

Through the Fund, the CRTC is committing over $17 million to Bell Canada, TBayTel, TELUS Communications, and Sogetel Mobilité. to build new cell towers and improve cellphone service along eight major roads. “High-quality communications services are essential to every aspect of our daily lives,” stated  Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, CRTC.

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

Benevity Reveals Next CEO as Kelly Schmitt Steps Down After Six Years at Helm

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Benevity, a provider of social impact software, announced the appointment of Christopher Maloof as the company’s next Chief Executive Officer. The transition “marks a significant milestone as Benevity embraces its next phase of growth as the world’s leading enterprise impact platform.”

Maloof succeeds Kelly Schmitt, who has opted to step down after a six-year tenure. He says it’s an “exciting” time to be joining the organization. “Benevity has a strong foundation as a business, is incredibly successful, and has a deep culture of service,” Maloof stated. “There is a great opportunity to meaningfully expand upon what the team has built.”

Canadian Fintech Hardbacon Collapses Following Changes to Google Search

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Canadian financial technology firm Hardbacon has shuttered. All employees have been let go, CEO Julien Brault stated, and operations have been suspended as his company declares bankruptcy. Changes to Google’s search algorithm impacted sites with affiliate links and caused traffic to Hardbacon to plummet overnight.

Within months, visits were down 97%, “despite extensive SEO and content optimization work.” In an effort to ride out the wave, the CEO attempted to manage expenses, but traffic never returned. Brault hopes that, at a minimum, Google might “lose ground due to its abusive behaviour” as the tech titan is increasingly scrutinized for its monopolizing methods.

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