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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Web Summit Debuts in Vancouver with Global Crowd

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Web Summit’s debut in Vancouver drew a global crowd of 15,727 from 117 nations, marking a record-setting launch. Over 1,100 startups from 64 countries are exhibiting, with 44% women-founded—a strong signal of inclusive entrepreneurship. Major partners like Microsoft, Mastercard, and IBM joined 681 investors from Thiel Capital and 500 Global.

Fifty trade delegations, including South Korea and Nigeria, arrived to network and explore investment. The event features 345 speakers and 88 curated meetups tailored through Summit Engine software. With 550 journalists from outlets including The Guardian and CTV reporting on-site, Vancouver took centre stage on tech’s global circuit.

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

Moment Energy Builds First Second-Life Battery Gigafactory

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Vancouver-based Moment Energy is pioneering a global first: a gigafactory repurposing electric vehicle batteries for sustainable energy storage. Co-founded by Sumreen Rattan, the company addresses a looming gap between storage demand and battery supply, with retired EV batteries offering a circular, cost-effective solution.

Backed by US$15 million in Series A funding and a US$20.3 million U.S. Department of Energy award, the startup is expanding operations in Canada and the U.S. With pilot projects like Vancouver International Airport, Moment is reshaping how businesses stabilize grids, cut emissions, and save costs.

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

Jane Software Hits $1.8B Valuation in Secondary Deal

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North Vancouver’s Jane Software is now among Canada’s most valuable private tech firms. A $500-million secondary share sale led by TCV, with participation from JMI Equity and Tidemark, values Jane at approximately $1.8 billion. Founded in 2012, Jane provides practice management tools for over 200,000 healthcare practitioners.

Co-founders Alison Taylor and Trevor Johnston built Jane with less than $10 million in primary capital, achieving profitability early and growing steadily. With 650 employees and nearly US$100 million in annual revenue, Jane is expanding its platform with AI features like an automated scribe tool.

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

KPMG Acquires LlamaZOO to Boost Digital Twin Tools

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Victoria-based LlamaZOO Interactive has been acquired by KPMG Canada, enhancing the consulting firm’s digital twin capabilities. The 3D visualization company filed for creditor protection in December 2024. KPMG finalized the acquisition on May 20, 2025. Founded over a decade ago, LlamaZOO developed software to convert complex datasets into interactive 2D and 3D digital twins.

Its team—including co-founders Charles Lavigne and Kevin Oke—has joined KPMG’s Victoria-based Digital Twin Centre of Excellence. The centre will support decision-making in sectors like infrastructure and energy. KPMG aims to integrate LlamaZOO’s AI and spatial intelligence into immersive, scenario-based planning tools.

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

Vancouver Startups Take Centre Stage at Web Summit

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Web Summit debuts in Canada this week, drawing global tech leaders to Vancouver. British Columbia’s innovation economy will shine, with startups from across the province showcasing new technologies. Standouts include 4AG Robotics’ autonomous mushroom harvester, Fuse’s EV-powered energy grid, and PharmaServ’s SaaS for life sciences.

Other local innovators include Favoland’s ethical beauty database, Hubjoy’s AI-driven RevOps platform, FutureTwin’s career-planning app, and Sigen AI’s privacy-first video data platform. With thousands expected at the Vancouver Convention Centre, Web Summit offers a global platform for B.C.’s startups to attract investment, customers, and collaborators.

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

Gary Vaynerchuk Urges Canada to Compete for Talent

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At a Calgary event, Gary Vaynerchuk urged Canada to prioritize talent attraction in the digital economy. Speaking with BetaKit CEO Siri Agrell, the entrepreneur praised Canada’s immigration model but warned that retaining top talent now demands bold policy. He proposed founder-focused tax holidays, tailored visas, and stronger global storytelling.

Vaynerchuk stressed that geography no longer limits innovation, and countries must act like startups—fast and competitive. “Every country is now a competitor,” he said. “Canada can’t just lean on being nice.” His call: invest in talent or risk falling behind.

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

Gary Vaynerchuk Tells Canadian Founders to Toughen Up

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Entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk delivered a pointed critique to Canadian founders during a fireside chat with BetaKit CEO Siri Agrell in Calgary. Calling out common startup grievances—from talent shortages to fundraising struggles—Vaynerchuk urged business leaders to stop making excuses and start solving problems.

He emphasized adaptability, AI adoption, and a return to profitability over pitch decks. “You chose this,” he said. “Stop complaining.” His remarks framed Canada as well-positioned, but warned that complacency, not capital, is the real risk. “You have everything you need. So what are you going to do about it?”

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

Cohere Seeks Dismissal of Publisher Lawsuit

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Toronto-based AI company Cohere is asking a U.S. court to dismiss a copyright lawsuit filed by major publishers including the Toronto Star, Vox Media, and Condé Nast. The media firms accuse Cohere of systematic copyright and trademark infringement, citing outputs from its AI that allegedly reproduce news articles verbatim.

In its defense, Cohere claims plaintiffs manipulated prompts to generate misleading results and “gin up” a legal case. Filed in the Southern District of New York, the case adds to growing legal scrutiny of generative AI. Cohere denies wrongdoing and seeks full dismissal.

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

Lightspeed Stock Dips on $556M Writedown

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Shares of Lightspeed Commerce fell 8% Thursday after the Montreal fintech disclosed a US$556-million goodwill writedown. The non-cash charge reflects a decline in the company’s market value relative to its net assets as of March 31. CEO Dax Dasilva, who resumed leadership last year, is attempting to revive the stock through cost controls and a renewed focus on profitability.

However, weak U.S. consumer confidence and broader tech valuation declines have hampered progress. Lightspeed posted US$253.4 million in Q4 revenue, up 10% year-over-year, but cut its 2025 revenue forecast in March. Dasilva now aims to return to growth in 2026.

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

Alberta Cleantech Leaders Honoured at Inventures

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Foresight Canada honoured Alberta’s top clean technology innovators last night at the Alberta Cleantech Awards during Inventures 2025 in Calgary. Winners included Ayrton Energy (Startup), Nanoprecise (Scaleup), Dow (Adopter), CRIN (Supporter), and Emissions Reduction Alberta (Funder).

Each exemplifies Alberta’s shift from industrial legacy to sustainable leadership. Dow’s $6.5B Path2Zero hydrogen project and ERA’s strategic $55M in funding reflect large-scale commitment to emissions reduction. CRIN’s support for late-stage tech commercialization and Ayrton’s hydrogen storage innovation underline ecosystem strength. “You represent Alberta’s future-proof economy,” said Foresight CEO Jeanette Jackson.

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