Decoder.ca

Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Cohere Acquires Vancouver’s Ottogrid to Boost AI Research Tool

by

Vancouver-based Ottogrid, a developer of AI tools for automating enterprise market research, has been acquired by Cohere. Founded in 2023 as Cognosys by Sully Omar and Homam Malkawi, Ottogrid rebranded in 2024 after a major product overhaul. Its current platform offers a table-based interface with AI-powered document parsing and sales lead enrichment.

Backed by GV, Untapped Capital, and Cohere co-founders, Ottogrid raised $2 million prior to acquisition. The team will now integrate its technology into North, Cohere’s generative AI product for enterprise research and knowledge work.

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

Coinbase Backs Canadian Dollar Stablecoin

by

Toronto-based Stablecorp has raised $2.5 million in strategic capital to upgrade QCAD, its Canadian dollar-denominated stablecoin. The round was led by Coinbase Ventures and Side Door Ventures. Funds will support QCAD’s infrastructure overhaul, including independent reserves, transparent reporting, and new payment and FX integrations.

QCAD will be backed by a dedicated trust and offer direct redemption to Qualified Holders. With stablecoins processing $30 trillion globally last year, Stablecorp aims to digitize Canadian commerce. President Alex McDougall called stablecoins “financial superconductor[s],” while Coinbase Canada CEO Lucas Matheson said Canada must modernize its digital currency infrastructure.

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

Made-in-Canada Cement Disrupts Imports

by

Calgary’s ZS2 Technologies has launched its second-generation magnesium cement platform, offering a fire-resistant, low-carbon alternative to traditional gypsum, OSB, and imported MgO. Backed by $9.9 million in grant funding and third-party certifications, the Gen 2 product line uses Canadian industrial by-products to reduce emissions and supply chain risks.

Highlighted by ZS2TechTile™, a new raised flooring system rated non-combustible, the platform targets data centres and modular builds. CEO Scott Jenkins says builders are ready for local, reliable, and sustainable options. Already spec’d into projects, Gen 2 positions ZS2 as a cleantech leader.

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

Former OMERS Exec Exits High-Profile Cleantech Venture

by

Damien Steel has stepped down as CEO of Deep Sky, the Quebec-based carbon removal startup founded by Hopper CEO Frederic Lalonde. Steel, previously managing partner at OMERS Ventures, joined Deep Sky in August 2023. In a LinkedIn post, he cited personal reasons, stating he could no longer give the role his full energy.

Chief operating officer Alex Petre will take over. Deep Sky focuses on direct-air and ocean-based carbon capture. Last year, it secured major deals with RBC and Microsoft, and a US$40 million grant from Breakthrough Energy. Questions remain about the scalability of its technology.

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

American Investors Still Dominate Canadian Startup Deals

by

Despite rising economic tensions, U.S. investors participated in 80% of Canadian venture capital deals in Q1 2025, backing 86 transactions worth US$800 million, according to PitchBook. American firms led nearly half of total deal value. While Canadian backers talk of preserving domestic startup ownership, they’re often outbid on valuations and terms.

Experts including C100’s Michael Buhr warn this reliance threatens long-term ecosystem growth. With tariffs and political friction looming, some Canadian founders are reevaluating foreign capital. Still, investors like Panache Ventures admit U.S. players dominate top-tier rounds. Domestic firms are being urged to lead—before others do.

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

Vancouver Startup Aims to Simplify Creator Marketing

by

Vancouver startup Endlss has launched its flagship AI platform, Endlss Copilot, to streamline influencer marketing for lean brand teams. Founded by the creators of Penny AI, Endlss addresses rising costs and capacity issues in scaling creator partnerships. Its all-in-one platform manages discovery, outreach, gifting, coordination, and analytics.

Features include AI-personalized messaging and “Smarter Links” for precise attribution. Early users like DTC brand No Rivals praise its intuitive design and time-saving tools. CEO David Abbey says the platform aims to help brands turn influencer activity into real commerce at scale.

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

Beacon AI Launches Massive AI Data Centre Project in Alberta

by

Alberta’s emergence as a data centre powerhouse is underscored by a new collaboration between Stantec and Beacon AI Centers. Calgary-based engineering powerhouse Stantec has been selected as lead consultant for a sweeping AI data centre development program backed by Nadia Partners.

The project will span six sites across five municipalities and create thousands of construction jobs and 1,200 permanent roles. Beacon’s new CEO, Josh Schertzer, formerly of Blackstone, will lead its rapid scale-up. With Alberta’s energy advantage, low tax rates, and skilled talent, the province is poised to lead in next-generation digital infrastructure.

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

NorthX to Co-Host Climate Innovation Zone at Web Summit

by

The B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy has rebranded as NorthX Climate Tech, signaling a national commitment to advancing climate hard tech. Under CEO Sarah Goodman, NorthX aims to accelerate tangible decarbonization technologies by providing early capital and industrial partnerships.

The group will co-host the Climate Innovation Zone at Web Summit Vancouver, spotlighting women founders, carbon removal, and wildfire tech. Backed by strong provincial leadership, NorthX emphasizes local collaboration and global ambition. Goodman, recently named a BC Business Woman of the Year, calls this a pivotal moment for Canada to lead in cleantech innovation.

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

Verdi Raises $6.5M to Scale Smart Irrigation

by

Vancouver-based agtech startup Verdi has raised $6.5 million in an oversubscribed seed round, bringing its total funding to $9.5 million. Led by SVG Ventures with backing from NEC, GenomeBC, and others, the round follows a breakout year where Verdi’s retrofit irrigation tech was deployed on over 5,000 acres.

The platform enables row-level irrigation control and remote leak detection, helping growers cut labor by up to 90%, water use by 70%, and increase yields by 20%. CEO Arthur Chen says the capital will support geographic expansion and AI development. Verdi now employs 24 specialists in AI, agronomy, and hardware.

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

Seasoned Operator Joins Amplify Amid Fund III Push

by

Toronto-based Amplify Capital has welcomed Craig Hunter as a partner as it advances toward closing its third impact-focused venture fund. A seasoned tech operator, Hunter brings experience from Uber, Ritual, and Bitmaker, alongside an active angel investing track record.

Amplify Fund III, already 70% raised, will back early-stage cleantech, healthtech, and edtech startups across North America with $1–$3 million cheques. Backed by RBC, Fondaction, and federal programs like VCCI and SFF, the fund has invested in five ventures to date. Hunter aims to help convert hard science into scalable impact through hands-on founder support.

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