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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

 

Shopify Targets Larger Clients Amid Shift in E-commerce Strategy

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Shopify, the Canadian e-commerce giant that began by selling snowboards online, is now targeting larger businesses to boost profit margins. With a more aggressive approach, Shopify has already secured hundreds of former Salesforce clients, including Toys “R” Us and Casper, and recently added high-profile brands like Lionel Messi’s Más+ and Sofía Vergara’s Dios Mío Coffee.

Post-pandemic shifts in consumer habits prompted Shopify to pivot from small businesses to higher-volume clients. Already powering 10% of U.S. e-commerce, Shopify continues to expand globally, with over half its new merchants in Q2 from non-English-speaking markets.

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

Communitech CEO Departs Amidst Controversy Over Venture Fund

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Chris Albinson will leave his role as CEO of Communitech by year’s end to prioritize fundraising for the True North Fund, a venture capital initiative he launched while leading the Waterloo-based tech hub. Albinson, who returned from Silicon Valley in 2021, initially aimed to raise up to $350 million but has so far secured $100 million.

His tenure faced criticism from local entrepreneurs who felt his dual focus on Communitech and True North conflicted with the hub’s support for local startups. CFO Jennifer Gruber will serve as interim CEO as Communitech’s board seeks Albinson’s replacement.

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

Canada Leads in Battery Supply Chain as NEO Battery Materials Expands

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Canada’s lithium-ion battery supply chain dominance continues as Toronto-based NEO Battery Materials advances plans to build a commercial facility for silicon anode production. The company has signed a preliminary lease with an undisclosed Canadian municipality for 8 acres, aiming to construct a multi-building site with a 5,000-ton annual capacity to serve North America’s EV and electronics markets.

With Canada now ranking first in BloombergNEF’s global battery supply chain, NEO’s project supports the nation’s push for zero-emission vehicles. CEO Spencer Huh cites strong government backing, positioning NEO as a critical player in Canada’s sustainable battery ecosystem.

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

eStruxture Invests $750M in Alberta’s Largest Data Center

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eStruxture, Canada’s top AI-ready data center provider, is investing $750 million to build CAL-3, Alberta’s largest data center, near Calgary. Launching in 2026, CAL-3 will offer 90 MW capacity, supporting AI and cloud providers with its high-density, energy-efficient design. Meeting Tier III standards, CAL-3 will cater to next-gen needs, such as GPUaaS, with cabinet densities exceeding 125 kW.

Customizable data halls and inter-site connectivity strengthen Alberta’s digital infrastructure, positioning the region as a North American tech hub. Todd Coleman, eStruxture’s CEO, sees CAL-3 as key to Alberta’s digital economy, fueling sustainable tech growth in Canada.

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

Parachute Raises $1.5M to Support Canadians in Financial Wellness Journey

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Toronto-based fintech Parachute, founded in 2022 by Mark Levitan and Bruce Hodges, recently secured $1.5M in seed funding to support its financial wellness platform. With backing from Adrenaline Fund, Highline Beta, and angel investors, the round raises Parachute’s total capital to over $2M.

Parachute offers loans, debt consolidation, and a financial education platform to help Canadians manage debt and improve financial habits. The platform employs behavioural science and a unique rebate system, rewarding users for wise financial decisions. Parachute now seeks credit union partnerships to boost distribution and access capital, aligning with its expansion goals in Canada.

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

Six Canadian Innovators Make Prestigious Global Fintech 100 List

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Six Canadian fintech firms, including Arteria AI, Boosted.ai, Brim, Conquest Planning, Micruity, and Relay, have earned spots on CB Insights’ 2024 Fintech 100. The list, drawn from 9,000 contenders, highlights high-momentum companies advancing financial services through innovation.

Arteria AI, specializing in documentation infrastructure, gained special recognition for its generative AI deployment, while others like Boosted.ai and Conquest Planning bring AI solutions to investment and financial planning. According to CB Insights analyst Laura Kennedy, the list reflects advancements in AI, data solutions, and financial inclusivity. This marks Canada’s growing impact on the fintech sector worldwide.

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

Google Expands AI Search Summaries to Over 100 Nations, Including Canada

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Google’s AI Overviews, launched in the US in May, are now expanding to over 100 countries, including Canada, Australia, and South Africa. AI-generated summaries will appear in various languages, including English, Hindi, and Spanish, catering to users worldwide.

    While ads were recently introduced in the US AI Overviews, other countries will continue with traditional ad placements. This update also enhances cited webpage visibility in Overviews, following testing since August in markets such as the UK, India, and Brazil. Google aims to streamline multilingual search experiences, offering more accessible information globally.

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

    Canada’s Workforce Sees Four Generations Coexisting in New Era of Work

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    Canada’s workplaces now host four generations—baby boomers, Gen X, millennials, and early Gen Z—each with unique needs. Toronto-based Humi’s latest survey reveals surprising similarities and differences in work values across these groups.

    Key findings show that flexible hours, achievement, and culture are universal priorities. However, Gen Z, Gen X, and baby boomers lean toward hybrid work, while millennials prefer remote work. Job security, a top priority for Gen Z (54%), is less crucial for older workers. Humi’s VP of People, Courtney Lee, encourages managers to align on core values while tailoring experiences to enhance satisfaction.

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

    TELUS Backs Photonic in Canadian Quantum Communication Push

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    TELUS has partnered with Coquitlam-based Photonic to advance quantum communication in Canada. Under this collaboration, TELUS will offer Photonic exclusive access to its fibre-optic network, facilitating tests for quantum innovations.

    Photonic, a leader in quantum technology, aims to strengthen data security across industries by utilizing TELUS’ infrastructure. This project includes a 30-km fibre network in British Columbia, advancing quantum encryption, key distribution, and computing. The collaboration, the first of its kind in Canada, marks a significant move towards a quantum-secure future.

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

    Waymo Raises $5.6 Billion for Expansion of U.S. Robotaxi Service

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    Alphabet-led Waymo’s recent $5.6 billion funding round will accelerate its U.S. robotaxi expansion. The round saw participation from key investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, Fidelity, Perry Creek, Silver Lake, Tiger Global, and T. Rowe Price, supplementing Alphabet’s $5 billion planned investment in Waymo. Notably, Canadian investors CPP Investments and Magna declined to disclose any renewed involvement.

    Despite a December 2023 software recall due to a Phoenix accident, Waymo reported a tenfold increase in paid rides over the past year. With this funding, Waymo intensifies its competition against Tesla’s upcoming robotaxi launch.

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