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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Canada Post Strike Jolts Charities’ Year-End Drives

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Canada Post’s strike has left Canadian charities scrambling as critical year-end direct mail campaigns crumble, threatening their essential programs. Nearly half of Canadians who typically donate via mail are not switching to online giving, according to an Ipsos poll commissioned by CanadaHelps. Charities like Distress Centres of Greater Toronto and TB Vets Charitable Foundation face dire revenue shortfalls, jeopardizing services such as crisis intervention and respiratory care.

CanadaHelps highlights the growing importance of subscription giving and engaging Millennials and Gen Z through digital platforms. Charities must accelerate their digital transformation to ensure resilience against future disruptions.

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

Shopify-Led Frontier Buys 667,000 Tonnes of CO2 Credits

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Frontier Climate, co-founded by Shopify, Google, Stripe, Meta, and McKinsey Sustainability, purchased 667,000 tonnes of carbon removal credits in 2024, supporting 16 CO2 removal deals. The initiative, launched in 2022, aims to bolster the emerging carbon capture sector by providing revenue to startups for successfully storing atmospheric CO2.

Key contracts include Vancouver’s CO280, receiving over 224,000 credits for capturing biomass emissions, and Connecticut’s CREW, which secured 72,000 credits for its CO2-reactor technology. Shopify’s CEO, Tobi Lütke, underscores the Sustainability Fund’s commitment to advancing carbon removal innovation as vital for climate solutions.

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

Montreal’s Valsoft Expands Acquisition War Chest

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Montreal-based Valsoft has raised $150 million USD in equity financing, achieving a valuation of over $2 billion. The round was co-led by Portage Capital Solutions and Viking Global Investors, with Propelr Growth also participating. Valsoft specializes in acquiring and growing software firms in sectors like dental practices, construction, and government, boasting over 100 acquisitions to date.

This latest funding follows a $170 million debt raise in January and bolsters its capacity for further acquisitions. Operating similarly to Constellation Software, Valsoft centralizes resources for its acquired companies, providing marketing expertise and capital to drive growth.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on The Globe and Mail.

Sitemate Raises $18M to Redefine No-Code in Industry

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Sitemate, Australia’s rising SaaS star, has raised $18M USD in Series A funding led by Blackbird, joined by Shearwater Capital and Marbruck. Known for its flexible no-code platforms, Sitemate empowers built world companies to ditch clunky all-in-one systems for customizable tools.

The company doubled its workforce to 140 in 2024 and rebranded its Nomad Fleet acquisition as Gearbelt. Offices in Vancouver and Toronto are already operational, with a Texas team planned for 2025. CEO Hartley Pike credits six years of monthly growth to Sitemate’s Atlassian-style product suite, built for flexibility, simplicity, and real-world efficiency.

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

Zombie Funds Haunt Canada’s Venture Capital Scene

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The number of new Canadian venture capital (VC) funds is plummeting, with just 14 launched in 2024, the lowest in a decade, according to PitchBook. Behind this trend lurk “zombie funds,” VC firms unable to raise new financing but still managing old portfolios.

Liquidity challenges, weak returns, and inflated valuations during low-interest years have deterred investors from reinvesting in underperforming funds. Emerging managers, particularly vulnerable, face prolonged breaks or reduced operations.

Despite this downturn, initiatives like the federal Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative and secondary investment deals offer hope. Experts foresee gradual recovery, though the zombie fund dilemma remains urgent.

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

Fiserv to Acquire Toronto’s Payfare in Major Deal

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Fiserv, a global financial technology leader, has announced its agreement to acquire Toronto-based Payfare. The deal, pending shareholder and court approvals, is set to close in early 2025. Known for its instant banking solutions for gig workers and hourly employees, Payfare’s innovations include its Pronto platform for on-demand wage access.

Fiserv aims to integrate Payfare’s program management solutions with its own banking and payment expertise, enhancing embedded finance solutions for enterprises. CEO Marco Margiotta called the merger a “tremendous opportunity.”

The acquisition aligns with Fiserv’s goal to empower clients with scalable financial tools for workforce payments and lending solutions.

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

Hothead Games Shuts Down After 18 Years

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Vancouver’s Hothead Games has closed its doors after nearly two decades. The studio filed for bankruptcy following abrupt contract cancellations by key partners, president Ian Wilkinson announced.

Hothead’s pivot back to console development faltered when prospective publishers for its AAA game playable withdrew. “Our only remaining option was bankruptcy,” Wilkinson stated.

Founded in 2006, Hothead created notable titles like Hero Hunters, winner of Google Play’s Most Innovative Game Award, and the Kill Shot series, marking its most successful era. Praised as a top workplace in Canada’s tech industry, the studio’s final day was December 13.

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

MaRS CEO Alison Nankivell Moves to EDC Leadership

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Alison Nankivell is leaving her post as CEO of Toronto’s MaRS Discovery District to become President and CEO of Export Development Canada (EDC). Announced by Minister Mary Ng, Nankivell succeeds Mairead Lavery at the Crown corporation focused on supporting Canadian export businesses.

Nankivell’s tenure at MaRS, which began in March, included a significant restructuring effort, with staff cuts aimed at reducing public funding reliance. Previously, she held leadership roles at BDC Capital and EDC, emphasizing venture investments and global scaling.

MaRS now faces leadership uncertainty amid ongoing financial challenges.

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

AI: The $230 Billion Opportunity for Canada

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2024 saw generative AI transform from experimental to essential for Canadian businesses. Companies like TELUS reaped efficiency and cost benefits through full-scale AI deployments. AI’s economic potential in Canada is vast, with predictions of a $230 billion boost and 175 annual work hours saved per employee.

Looking ahead, AI-powered products will reshape customer experiences, streamline workflows, and drive innovation in sectors like finance, telecommunications, and healthcare. Canadian startups like Cohere and Viral Nation are poised to scale with AI.

As AI adoption deepens, leaders must embed AI strategies into their operations, setting the stage for a transformative 2025.

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

Roger McNamee Joins Indiegraf to Back Local Journalism

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Indiegraf, a Vancouver startup reshaping local journalism, announced tech investor Roger McNamee’s addition to its board. Known for warning against misinformation on social media, McNamee brings expertise in venture capital and media strategy as Indiegraf expands globally.

Indiegraf offers a “media business in a box” solution, providing tools for website creation, ad management, and marketing automation to sustain independent publishers. Amid growing news deserts, McNamee hailed Indiegraf’s model as a lifeline for local journalism.

CEO Erin Millar praised McNamee’s dedication to advancing local media, highlighting his alignment with Indiegraf’s mission to empower underserved communities worldwide.

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