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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Goodlawyer CEO Urges Founders to ‘Burn the Boats’

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Brett Colvin, CEO of Calgary-based Goodlawyer, delivered a compelling keynote at Startup Canada Tour, recounting his leap from corporate law to entrepreneurship. Triggered by personal loss during a law exchange in Vienna, Colvin chose the “safest hard thing” and became a lawyer. But disillusionment followed, prompting his exit to launch Goodlawyer—a legal platform for high-growth firms.

Colvin described early fundraising from 25 individuals and stressed the importance of retaining loyal talent. With support from colleagues and his mother, Colvin’s message was clear: founders must eventually “burn the boats” and go all in.

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

Calgary Extends OCIF with $60M Funding Boost

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Calgary City Council has approved an additional $60 million for the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF), distributed in annual $15 million increments from the city’s Fiscal Stability Reserve. Launched in 2018 with $100 million, OCIF has since attracted $900 million in external investment, created over 3,000 jobs, and activated 594,000 square feet of downtown office space.

The remaining $6.8 million in the fund is expected to run out by late 2025. CEO Brad Parry stated the new capital will enable company scaling and talent growth. Annual progress reviews are mandated before each disbursement.

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

KPMG Canada Launches Agentic AI Engine to Boost Productivity

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KPMG Canada is investing heavily in agentic AI—advanced digital agents that can operate independently—to help Canadian businesses boost efficiency and adapt to growing economic pressures. The new Agentic AI Engine will develop and deploy AI agents across risk, tax, audit, and ESG functions, while expanding collaboration with academia and tech leaders.

Early solutions include underwriting, customer service, and due diligence agents. KPMG also launched new executive training modules with Microsoft and integrated agentic AI into its audit platform and internal systems, including KPMG Kleo. The goal: revolutionize Canadian productivity through responsible AI innovation.

Want to know more? Check out the source code here.

Former Rogers CEO Tapped for Shopify Board Amid Leadership Shift

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Shopify has nominated former Rogers CEO Joe Natale for election to its board at its June 17 AGM. If approved, Natale will succeed outgoing lead independent director Robert Ashe. Currently an adviser at Altas Partners, Natale brings decades of Canadian telecom experience. His 2021 departure from Rogers followed a high-profile boardroom dispute.

Shopify’s board has recently added leaders from U.S. tech giants and high-profile startups. The company also disclosed that CEO Tobi Lütke’s total compensation rose to US$150 million in 2024—mostly in stock options—up sharply from US$20 million the year before.

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

Maple Scan App Helps Canadians Shop Local With AI

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University of Calgary alum Sasha Ivanov is changing how Canadians shop with Maple Scan, an AI-powered app that identifies local ties to scanned products. Launched in just one week, the app has already surpassed 490,000 scans and 2,000 reviews.

Maple Scan now includes city-specific alternatives and supports the Buy Canadian movement amid tariff concerns. Ivanov credits the Hunter Hub’s Summer Accelerator for early guidance. The app will be showcased at Web Summit Vancouver, alongside nine other UCalgary ventures supported by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking.

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

TD Bank Emerges as Global Leader in AI Talent Race

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A new report from AI intelligence firm Evident shows TD Bank is outpacing global peers in AI hiring. The April 2025 AI Talent Report reveals TD grew its AI team by over 17% in six months, surpassing the 12.6% global average.

TD now ranks among a select group of “banks to watch,” including BNY and Lloyds, closing in on the top 10 globally. With strong AI research staffing and cloud-driven innovation, TD’s efforts reflect Canada’s growing influence in financial AI. In banking, talent is strategy—and TD is quietly pulling ahead.

Want to know more? Check out the source code here.

BASF and University of Waterloo Partner to Advance AI Innovation

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BASF and the University of Waterloo’s Data and Artificial Intelligence Institute (Waterloo.AI) have signed a three-year research agreement to develop advanced AI applications from 2025 to 2028. The partnership will focus on root cause analysis, optimization, and forecasting to improve BASF’s global operations.

Waterloo students and researchers will contribute to AI advancements while gaining hands-on industry experience. The BASF AI Innovation Center will serve as the collaboration hub, aligning research with real-world challenges across production, R&D, and supply chain management. The initiative also supports Canada’s role as a leader in digital and AI innovation.

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

Carbon Removal Canada Urges Government to Prioritize Clean Growth

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Canada has a rare opportunity to lead the global clean economy, writes Tim Bushman of Carbon Removal Canada. He argues that with the re-election of the Carney-led Liberal government, Canada must accelerate investment in low-carbon industries—like critical minerals, geothermal energy, and carbon removal.

Bushman warns of rising climate-related costs and lost GDP if inaction continues, but sees economic promise in clean exports and emissions trading systems. With global trade shifting, Canada’s clean products could offer competitive advantages. The moment calls for bold leadership—and a commitment to decarbonization as a national economic strategy.

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

DailyPay Launches Earned Wage Access in Canada

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DailyPay, a U.S.-based pioneer in Earned Wage Access (EWA), is launching operations in Canada this May, following its U.K. debut in 2024. The platform enables workers to access wages in real-time, promoting financial stability and reducing reliance on credit. Early Canadian clients include Hotel Equities, Sekure Payment Experts, Bamford Produce, Kids & Company, and HGS.

DailyPay says EWA improves retention and productivity, with U.S. employers reporting high satisfaction. As 56% of Canadians live paycheck to paycheck, DailyPay aims to offer a timely solution for financial wellness and workforce engagement across the country.

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

Canada’s Equity Crowdfunding Market Hits Milestone Year

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FrontFundr raised $68.3 million through 66 campaigns in 2024, more than doubling its 2023 performance, according to its newly released Community Capital Report. Since 2015, the platform has facilitated $258 million in capital from nearly 28,000 investors and holds 93% of Canada’s crowdfunding market under NI 45-110. Notable 2024 campaigns include Blossom Social and Edison Motors.

New features, a partnership with StartEngine, and increased retail investor engagement fueled growth. Women made up 26% of investors; Ontario led regional participation. With 87% of funded companies still active, FrontFundr is reshaping Canada’s private investing landscape.

Want to know more? Check out the source code here.