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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Unblocked Raises $27.5M to Clarify Complex Code

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Vancouver startup Unblocked has secured $27.5 million in Series A funding to advance its contextual code intelligence platform. The company, led by CEO Dennis Pilarinos, helps developers understand the history and intent behind complex codebases—addressing a widespread issue in modern software development.

Used by thousands of developers, Unblocked reduces time spent deciphering legacy code or sifting through outdated documentation. With demand rising alongside AI-generated code, the company plans to expand into AWS, GCP, and Datadog environments while strengthening core features and open-source partnerships. Unblocked was named one of B.C.’s top startups to watch in 2024.

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

Safe Software Ramps Up Hiring as Revenue Soars

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Surrey-based Safe Software is expanding rapidly amid surging demand for AI-integrated data tools. CEO Don Murray expects revenues to hit $112 million in 2024, up from $80 million last year. The company, which specializes in data integration and geospatial analytics, has grown from 244 to nearly 400 employees and plans to hire 100 more.

Safe Software’s tools help organizations link AI to internal systems and visualize information in augmented reality—for instance, overlaying pipe networks or service records in the real world. With rising interest in digital twins, especially among airport authorities, Safe’s geospatial focus is proving a key differentiator.

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

Freightera Marks 11 Years with Record Growth

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Vancouver-based Freightera is celebrating its 11th anniversary with record growth and profitability, bucking trends in a struggling logistics sector. In 2024, the online freight marketplace grew revenue by 31.4%, expanded its automated freight division by 35.8%, and increased EBITDA by 270%.

Freightera serves 25,000+ clients, offering fixed-price LTL and truckload booking with emissions tracking powered by SmartWay™ data. Over half its customers reduced freight emissions by more than 20%. With global expansion ahead and only $8 million raised to date, the climate-aligned firm is attracting investor attention.

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

Calgary Fintech Teams Up with TELUS for Fleet Overhaul

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Calgary-based fintech Fillip has partnered with TELUS to launch an integrated fleet management solution combining real-time vehicle insights with digital fuel payments. The partnership links Fillip’s Visa-powered app and universal fleet card—accepted at over 11,000 fuel stations—with TELUS’ Connected Fleet, Telematics & Asset tools.

The offering provides real-time expense tracking, fraud prevention, and vehicle performance monitoring. TELUS estimates businesses can save up to 10 hours monthly on administration and reduce annual costs by 5–10%. Available nationwide, the platform addresses a $53-billion market and offers enhanced control for Canada’s 2.8 million fleet vehicles.

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

Shakepay Joins Payments Canada to Boost Speed, Trust

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Montreal-based Shakepay has joined Payments Canada, advancing its status as a regulated financial entity in Canada. The cryptocurrency-focused fintech, which recently earned securities dealer recognition from the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization, now gains the ability to apply for direct access to Canada’s core payment infrastructure.

CEO Jean Amiouny said the move will improve speed and efficiency for customers while reducing reliance on third-party systems. Shakepay serves over one million Canadians and offers Bitcoin rewards through its payments card. The company views upcoming Real-Time Rail infrastructure as transformative and is preparing accordingly.

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

Campus Buddy App Connects UCalgary Students

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James Mtendamema, a University of Calgary entrepreneur, has launched Campus Buddy, an app designed to centralize student life by connecting users to campus events, clubs, and a marketplace. Developed through UCalgary’s Hunter Hub programs like Tech Start and Launchpad, Campus Buddy aims to streamline engagement for students and provide businesses with a direct marketing channel.

Co-founded with Jennifer Igwe and Yang Liu, the app customizes feeds based on user interests. Now preparing for Web Summit 2025 in Vancouver, the team hopes to expand its reach.

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

Agrawal Warns Canada’s AI Lead Is at Risk

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Speaking at the KPMG AI Made Real Summit in Vancouver, Ajay Agrawal warned that Canada’s early leadership in AI doesn’t secure future dominance. The economist and author highlighted massive investments abroad—such as the UAE’s $100 billion push—contrasting Canada’s modest $2 billion fund.

Agrawal urged Canadian firms to redesign workflows, not merely adopt AI tools, calling the moment a “between times” in global transformation. He likened AI’s impact to electricity’s industrial revolution and stressed that judgment—not prediction—remains uniquely human. The keynote concluded with a call for urgency, scale, and strategic action to ensure Canada doesn’t fall behind.

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

Ottawa Invests $210M More in IBM Chip Plant

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The federal government is investing an additional $210 million in IBM’s semiconductor packaging plant in Bromont, Quebec. The funding, delivered via the Strategic Innovation Fund, supports new equipment and collaboration with R&D hub C2MI.

IBM is midway through a $1-billion upgrade plan for the site—North America’s largest semiconductor packaging facility—where chips are assembled, cooled, and protected for use. Ottawa previously awarded $59.9 million to the project in 2024. IBM’s expanded capabilities are key to reshoring chip production amid geopolitical uncertainty, with Bromont supporting U.S. fabrication efforts tied to the CHIPS Act.

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

Shopify Limits Dev Exemption to $1M Lifetime Cap

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Shopify is ending its annual $1 million USD revenue-sharing exemption for app developers, introduced during the pandemic to aid small businesses. Going forward, the exemption will apply only to a developer’s first $1 million USD in lifetime revenue. The 15% share remains on earnings above that.

While Shopify says the change ensures fairness, critics argue it penalizes successful developers and hurts morale. Developers took to social media to question the policy’s timing and intent. Shopify stated the funds will support tools and infrastructure for all partners. Earnings before Jan. 1, 2025, will not count toward the new threshold.

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

Svante, Mercer Advance Alberta Carbon Capture Project

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Burnaby-based Svante Technologies is advancing its carbon capture partnership with Mercer International at the Peace River pulp mill in Alberta. The project, now in the Front-End Engineering and Design Phase 2 (FEL-2), focuses on assessing commercial viability through detailed engineering and cost analysis.

Targeting biogenic CO₂ emissions, the initiative uses low-carbon electricity and recovered waste heat to enhance net reductions. Svante’s structured sorbent filters are designed for scalable, cost-effective industrial deployment. The collaboration highlights Mercer’s climate innovation goals and Svante’s role in enabling sustainable solutions across Western Canada’s pulp and paper sector.

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