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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Banking Sector Dominates 2025 Brand Finance Report

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TD Bank remains Canada’s most valuable brand for the third consecutive year, according to the Brand Finance Canada 100 report. Despite a 10% dip, TD’s value stands at $23.4 billion, underscoring its strong consumer preference. The banking sector commands one-third of Canada’s total $342.1B brand value.

RBC ranked second, followed by Brookfield, Scotiabank, BMO, and CIBC. Crown Royal surged 78% to become Canada’s strongest brand. Retailer Circle K and insurers Canada Life and Manulife also posted notable gains. Rising economic uncertainty and trade tensions continue to impact forecasts.

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

Blossom Breaks Equity Crowdfunding Record

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Vancouver fintech Blossom has set a new national benchmark, closing the largest equity crowdfunding round in Canadian history. Over 1,100 users invested a combined $1.86 million through FrontFundr, part of a broader $3 million raise that includes angel capital.

CEO Maxwell Nicholson credited the startup’s 300,000-strong user base for the milestone. Founded in 2021, Blossom has seen rapid growth, adding 10,000 users weekly. Recent partnerships with Nasdaq and the Toronto Stock Exchange signal further expansion, particularly into the U.S. market. “We’re just at the tip of the iceberg,” Nicholson said.

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

Propra Shifts Gears From Proptech to Fintech

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Calgary-based Propra is evolving from property ops software to a full-fledged fintech platform. Founded in 2021, the startup now offers a vertically integrated accounting system for real estate managers, with new AI tools that automate bill and deposit entries. “Replacing paper was never painkiller enough,” said CEO Al-Karim Khimji.

Using AWS Bedrock and LLM workflows, Propra parses invoices and e-transfers to generate clean journal entries. Co-founder Craig Adam calls it a game-changer. With 2.4x revenue growth and 3.4x customer expansion, Propra is betting on deeper automation—not scale—for success.

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

7Gen Secures $48M to Expand EV Fleet

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Vancouver-based 7Gen has secured $48 million in debt financing from U.K. energy firm Zenobē to expand its electric vehicle leasing platform and EV infrastructure across Canada. The cleantech startup, which simplifies the deployment of electric trucks, buses, and vans, will use the funds to finance 400 to 500 new vehicles bundled with charging solutions.

Founded in 2020, 7Gen offers fleet assessments, financing, and operational support. The company’s growing momentum follows recent recognition from BC Tech’s Technology Impact Awards and Foresight Canada. “This financing allows us to accelerate Canada’s transition to zero-emission transport,” said CEO Frans Tjallingii.

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

TD Bank Deepens AI Commitment in America

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TD Bank Group is expanding its artificial intelligence capabilities in the U.S. with a new Layer 6 office in New York City. The AI research hub, originally based in Toronto’s MaRS District, will open later this year at One Vanderbilt with 20 specialists focused on Generative AI and machine learning.

TD says the move will strengthen U.S. operations and support innovation. “This new office establishes a strong foundation,” said TD Bank CEO Leo Salom. The expansion is part of TD’s broader strategy to embed AI across banking services and operations.

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

Calgary’s Startup Scene Hits $1B Milestone

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Platform Calgary-supported startups raised a record $323 million in 2024, according to the organization’s new Impact Report. Since 2018, startups in its network have collectively raised over $1 billion. The Platform Innovation Centre hosted more than 140,000 visitors last year and now supports 623 companies, including 476 based locally.

Programs like Startup 101 and Alberta Catalyzer helped create 6,750 jobs and generate $235 million in revenue. The report highlights strong inclusion metrics, with one-third of companies founded by women or racialized entrepreneurs. CEO Terry Rock says Calgary is now “setting the pace” in the global startup race.

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

Reusables Expands Smart Bin Network with Seed Funding

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Vancouver-based Reusables has raised an oversubscribed $3.6 million seed round co-led by StandUp Ventures and Amplify Capital. The funding will accelerate deployment of the company’s hardware-enabled SaaS platform for institutional foodservice reuse.

Founded by Jason Hawkins and Anastasia Kiku, Reusables pivoted from restaurants to focus on universities and hospitals, enabling seamless reuse of food containers via smart bins and on-site cleaning. The platform avoids transport emissions and cuts packaging costs. UCLA and UC Riverside launched Reusables on Earth Day. With revenue on track to triple and 34+ locations already live, the firm is building a scalable solution to packaging waste.

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

Meet the 14 Startups in Google Canada’s 2025 Accelerator

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Google’s 2025 Startups Accelerator: Canada program has launched with 14 innovative startups from across the country. This year marks a record five companies from Montréal, joining ventures from Vancouver, Saskatoon, Kitchener, Waterloo, and Toronto. The equity-free accelerator supports founders solving problems in health, energy, finance, and education with Google AI.

Selected startups include Luxsonic (VR for radiology), ConeLabs (AI infrastructure inspection), and Singularity Health (digital chronic care). Over three months, participants receive mentorship, AI tools, and investor access. Since 2020, 120 Canadian startups in the program have raised $480M and created 1,100 jobs.

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

Canadian Hydrogen Tech Gets Scale-Up Boost

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Mississauga-based Next Hydrogen Solutions has secured a $5 million working capital debt facility from Export Development Canada. The funding will support the company’s scale-up of its patented water electrolysis technology for green hydrogen production. Founded in 2007, Next Hydrogen holds 40 patents and recently completed extended durability testing of its GEN2 electrolysis cells.

CEO Raveel Afzaal emphasized the firm’s role in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors globally. EDC’s Tushar Handiekar called the partnership a strategic opportunity to elevate Canadian cleantech on the world stage. The support reflects growing global momentum for clean hydrogen innovation.

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

TD Tech Leader Shares Lessons on Lifelong Learning

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Chitra Phal, Associate Vice President of KYC Engineering at TD Bank Group, credits continuous learning and mentorship with shaping her successful tech career. In a recent interview, Phal emphasized the value of certifications, stretch assignments, and industry events like TD’s TechCon in future-proofing skills.

Mentorship helped her transition into the Canadian workforce, while sponsorship accelerated her path to leadership. Today, she leads teams building secure, innovative customer solutions. Phal says technical and soft skills alike—plus alignment with corporate values—are key to long-term success in tech.

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