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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

KPMG Acquires LlamaZOO to Boost Digital Twin Tools

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Victoria-based LlamaZOO Interactive has been acquired by KPMG Canada, enhancing the consulting firm’s digital twin capabilities. The 3D visualization company filed for creditor protection in December 2024. KPMG finalized the acquisition on May 20, 2025. Founded over a decade ago, LlamaZOO developed software to convert complex datasets into interactive 2D and 3D digital twins.

Its team—including co-founders Charles Lavigne and Kevin Oke—has joined KPMG’s Victoria-based Digital Twin Centre of Excellence. The centre will support decision-making in sectors like infrastructure and energy. KPMG aims to integrate LlamaZOO’s AI and spatial intelligence into immersive, scenario-based planning tools.

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

Vancouver Startups Take Centre Stage at Web Summit

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Web Summit debuts in Canada this week, drawing global tech leaders to Vancouver. British Columbia’s innovation economy will shine, with startups from across the province showcasing new technologies. Standouts include 4AG Robotics’ autonomous mushroom harvester, Fuse’s EV-powered energy grid, and PharmaServ’s SaaS for life sciences.

Other local innovators include Favoland’s ethical beauty database, Hubjoy’s AI-driven RevOps platform, FutureTwin’s career-planning app, and Sigen AI’s privacy-first video data platform. With thousands expected at the Vancouver Convention Centre, Web Summit offers a global platform for B.C.’s startups to attract investment, customers, and collaborators.

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

Gary Vaynerchuk Urges Canada to Compete for Talent

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At a Calgary event, Gary Vaynerchuk urged Canada to prioritize talent attraction in the digital economy. Speaking with BetaKit CEO Siri Agrell, the entrepreneur praised Canada’s immigration model but warned that retaining top talent now demands bold policy. He proposed founder-focused tax holidays, tailored visas, and stronger global storytelling.

Vaynerchuk stressed that geography no longer limits innovation, and countries must act like startups—fast and competitive. “Every country is now a competitor,” he said. “Canada can’t just lean on being nice.” His call: invest in talent or risk falling behind.

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

Gary Vaynerchuk Tells Canadian Founders to Toughen Up

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Entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk delivered a pointed critique to Canadian founders during a fireside chat with BetaKit CEO Siri Agrell in Calgary. Calling out common startup grievances—from talent shortages to fundraising struggles—Vaynerchuk urged business leaders to stop making excuses and start solving problems.

He emphasized adaptability, AI adoption, and a return to profitability over pitch decks. “You chose this,” he said. “Stop complaining.” His remarks framed Canada as well-positioned, but warned that complacency, not capital, is the real risk. “You have everything you need. So what are you going to do about it?”

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

Cohere Seeks Dismissal of Publisher Lawsuit

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Toronto-based AI company Cohere is asking a U.S. court to dismiss a copyright lawsuit filed by major publishers including the Toronto Star, Vox Media, and Condé Nast. The media firms accuse Cohere of systematic copyright and trademark infringement, citing outputs from its AI that allegedly reproduce news articles verbatim.

In its defense, Cohere claims plaintiffs manipulated prompts to generate misleading results and “gin up” a legal case. Filed in the Southern District of New York, the case adds to growing legal scrutiny of generative AI. Cohere denies wrongdoing and seeks full dismissal.

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

Lightspeed Stock Dips on $556M Writedown

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Shares of Lightspeed Commerce fell 8% Thursday after the Montreal fintech disclosed a US$556-million goodwill writedown. The non-cash charge reflects a decline in the company’s market value relative to its net assets as of March 31. CEO Dax Dasilva, who resumed leadership last year, is attempting to revive the stock through cost controls and a renewed focus on profitability.

However, weak U.S. consumer confidence and broader tech valuation declines have hampered progress. Lightspeed posted US$253.4 million in Q4 revenue, up 10% year-over-year, but cut its 2025 revenue forecast in March. Dasilva now aims to return to growth in 2026.

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

Alberta Cleantech Leaders Honoured at Inventures

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Foresight Canada honoured Alberta’s top clean technology innovators last night at the Alberta Cleantech Awards during Inventures 2025 in Calgary. Winners included Ayrton Energy (Startup), Nanoprecise (Scaleup), Dow (Adopter), CRIN (Supporter), and Emissions Reduction Alberta (Funder).

Each exemplifies Alberta’s shift from industrial legacy to sustainable leadership. Dow’s $6.5B Path2Zero hydrogen project and ERA’s strategic $55M in funding reflect large-scale commitment to emissions reduction. CRIN’s support for late-stage tech commercialization and Ayrton’s hydrogen storage innovation underline ecosystem strength. “You represent Alberta’s future-proof economy,” said Foresight CEO Jeanette Jackson.

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

Toronto Startup Grows to 4M Users in 2 Years

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Toronto-based Collectr, launched in 2022, has swiftly emerged as a leading mobile platform for collectors, supporting over 25 trading card games including Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering. Co-founded by veterans of fintech exit Doorr, the company has reached over 4 million users and eight-figure annual revenue—all bootstrapped.

Its app, boasting 2 million daily opens, offers AI-powered scanning, real-time pricing, and crypto valuation. Collectr also operates the largest ad network in the collectibles space. With Steve Aoki recently joining the team, Collectr continues to blend fintech, culture, and data to redefine how users manage and profit from their collections.

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

Wealthsimple Picks Tetra as First Canadian Custodian

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Wealthsimple has named Calgary-based Tetra Trust as its first Canadian digital asset custodian. Wealthsimple, which began offering crypto in 2020 and now supports nearly 100 tokens, praised Tetra’s regulatory approach and domestic infrastructure. “Tetra Trust has a solid track record,” said Blair Wiley, Chief Legal Officer at Wealthsimple.

Tetra, founded in 2019, holds digital assets in cold storage using institutional-grade protection. CEO Didier Lavallée called the move “a significant milestone.” Wealthsimple continues expanding its product lineup and profitability, recently acquiring San Francisco’s Plenty. The partnership signals a deepening of Canada’s financial infrastructure for regulated crypto custody.

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

Google Funds $5M AI Education Push in Canada

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Google Canada is investing $5 million through Google.org to support AI education nationwide. The grant will fund a consortium led by Edmonton-based Amii, uniting 25 Canadian post-secondary institutions to create AI curriculum resources. The goal is to reach 125,000 students across colleges, universities, and Indigenous institutes.

Amii CEO Cam Linke called the initiative a chance to turn Canada’s AI research strengths into widespread literacy. While Canada leads in AI research, adoption lags. A Google report estimates AI could add $230B to the economy and save workers 175 hours annually.

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