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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

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.

Legal Tech Leader Clio Targets Canadian Market Growth

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Legal tech giant Clio has inaugurated its largest office yet, a 28,000-square-foot Toronto space at 16 York Street, housing 200 employees. CEO Jack Newton emphasized its importance, balancing a distributed work model with in-person collaboration. Clio’s rapid expansion follows a record-breaking $900M funding round in 2024 and hitting $250M ARR.

The new office supports a strategic focus on Canada, leveraging Toronto’s tech and sales talent to tap into the dense legal market. Newton highlighted embedded payments and generative AI as key growth drivers. Clio’s ambition aims to inspire Canadian tech growth beyond Toronto.

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

From AI to Cleantech: Meet Canada’s Tech Innovators

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The Toronto Star has spotlighted 11 Canadian tech entrepreneurs set to shape 2025. From AI to cleantech, these innovators are driving the nation’s global tech influence. Highlights include Natasha Kostenuk and Dr. Brandy Kinkead of Ayrton Energy, revolutionizing hydrogen storage, and Hussein Fazal of Snapcommerce, whose Super.com app reshapes e-commerce.

Other leaders, like Mike Katchen of Wealthsimple, are redefining fintech, while Anna Sainsbury of GeoComply strengthens online security. The list also features startups tackling sustainability, like Natasha Kostenuk’s Summit Nanotech. These entrepreneurs are celebrated for solving critical challenges and scaling ventures with international reach.

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

Lion Electric Secures Creditor Protection Amid EV Market Woes

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The Superior Court of Quebec has granted Lion Electric protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act, allowing the electric vehicle maker to continue operations while restructuring. The company, known for producing EV buses and trucks, will maintain fleet services for customers.

Lion aims to solicit bids for its assets or entire business by January 7, with an auction likely in March. Facing $500M in liabilities and just $26.3M in cash, Lion struggles with the slower-than-expected adoption of EVs. This move may ease concerns for operators relying on its parts and services but raises uncertainty about the company’s future.

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

Wealthsimple Celebrates 10 Years with Major Innovations

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Wealthsimple marked a decade of growth in 2024 by unveiling products addressing Canadians’ evolving financial needs. The company introduced its first lending product, margin trading, attracting over a third of waitlisted clients.

It expanded access to private investments for clients with $50,000 or more and enhanced Wealthsimple Cash with features like ATM fee reimbursement and joint accounts. The company also became a leader in First Home Savings Accounts, opening over one-third of Canada’s accounts. Looking to 2025, Wealthsimple plans to launch USD chequing accounts, a credit card, and enhanced advisory services.

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

Alberta Cleantech Leaders Shine in 2024

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Alberta solidified its place as a clean energy hub in 2024 with advances in hydrogen, solar, and innovative cleantech ventures. Foresight Canada’s Alberta Cleantech Awards crowned Calgary’s Litus as Venture of the Year for its eco-friendly lithium extraction technology.

Three Alberta firms—Carbon Upcycling, Eavor, and Summit Nanotech—featured on the Global Cleantech 100, while two others, Ayrton Energy and Litus, made the Cleantech 50 to Watch. Calgary-based startups also dominated the Foresight 50 as five companies, including Drishya AI Labs and Ionic Solutions, showcased cutting-edge emissions and desalination solutions. Alberta’s cleantech sector continues to attract global attention.

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

Koho Uses AI to Revolutionize Fraud Detection

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Canadian fintech Koho is leveraging generative AI to streamline anti-money laundering (AML) investigations, cutting investigation times from 95 minutes to 35 and aiming for just five. David Kormushoff, Koho’s VP of Technology and AI, announced at AWS Re:Invent that their tool assists investigators by automating tasks like transaction analysis, open-web searches, and FINTRAC reporting.

Crucially, the AI is not trained on customer data, ensuring privacy. Koho plans to adapt the tool for evolving AI regulations. Beyond AML, Koho envisions AI’s role in fraud detection and customer education. The company remains cautious about deploying customer-facing AI for personalized financial insights.

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