Decoder.ca

Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Shopify Expands BNPL Partnership with Affirm

by

Shopify is expanding its buy now, pay later (BNPL) partnership with Affirm beyond the U.S., launching Shop Pay Installments in Canada and soon in the UK. Affirm will serve as Shopify’s exclusive BNPL provider in these markets. Shopify COO Kaz Nejatian called the move a “no-brainer” given the program’s U.S. success.

Canadian merchants can soon offer customers biweekly or monthly payment plans with terms up to 24 months and 0% APR options. Affirm CEO Max Levchin says merchants worldwide are eager for this feature, setting the stage for further global BNPL expansion.

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

Trade War Fallout: Rural Canada’s Internet at Risk

by

Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s abrupt decision to cancel and then reinstate the province’s Starlink contract highlights the stakes in Canada-U.S. trade tensions. Ford initially announced the cancellation in response to Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canada, only to pause after Trump delayed the tariffs.

While urban areas have broadband alternatives, remote regions heavily depend on Starlink. Data from Speedtest Intelligence shows Starlink adoption in Canada has stabilized, with Nunavut at 40% and other territories following. A cancellation could affect 2 million Canadians, particularly those for whom satellite internet is the only option.

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

Canada’s Telecom Giants Weigh Copper’s Value vs. Theft

by


Canada’s telecom companies are sitting on billions in copper, yet theft is rising as they replace old copper networks with fibre-optics. Telus projects $500M from copper recycling over five years, while Bell cites security concerns, with 88% of network break-ins linked to copper theft.

In Hamilton, theft reports nearly tripled from 2022 to 2023. Rogers downplays copper’s value but also faces vandalism. Telcos are pushing for stricter laws, arguing the current penalties fail to deter criminals. With copper demand set to rise, industry leaders warn the problem may worsen without stronger legal protections.

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

Microsoft Unveils Breakthrough Quantum Processor

by


Microsoft has unveiled Majorana 1, a new quantum chip that could pave the way for million-qubit quantum computers within a single, fridge-sized system. The development—19 years in the making—relies on topological superconductors, a state of matter engineered by Microsoft.

Dr. Chetan Nayak, head of Microsoft’s quantum hardware program, says the company has mapped a path to scalable quantum computing within this decade. The eight-qubit proof-of-concept has already been submitted to DARPA’s US2QC program. If successful, the technology could revolutionize computing power, with 1,000 million-qubit systems surpassing all classical computers combined.

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

Canada’s Growth Sectors Shine in TSXV’s Top 50

by

The TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) has unveiled its 2025 TSX Venture 50™, spotlighting Canada’s top-performing early- and growth-stage companies. Mining dominates, with 31 firms capitalizing on the demand for critical minerals and precious metals.

Kraken Robotics leads the ranking, with its market cap soaring 437% in 2024. The innovation sector also thrived, as SPARQ Systems posted 944% share price growth. Collectively, the 50 companies saw market cap growth of $16B, reinforcing Canada’s position in natural resources, clean tech, and advanced manufacturing.

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

TSX Teams Up with Blossom to Feature Top Venture Stocks

by


Vancouver-based Blossom has partnered with the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) to feature the TSX Venture 50, recognizing the top-performing companies on the TSX Venture Exchange in 2024. This collaboration integrates Venture 50 data into the Blossom app, enhancing access for retail investors.

CEO Maxwell Nicholson called the partnership a milestone, highlighting Blossom’s growing role in investment media alongside Bloomberg. The announcement was made at a TSX market open event, where Blossom engaged with this year’s top-performing firms. Last month, Blossom was named one of Canada’s top 10 fintech startups to watch in 2025.

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

Canadian Fintech Investment Hits Record $9.5B in 2024

by

Canada’s fintech sector secured a record $9.5 billion in 2024, fueled by major deals like Nuvei’s $6.3B take-private transaction and Plusgrade’s $1B private equity investment, according to KPMG’s H2’24 Pulse of Fintech report. Excluding these, fintech investment still doubled year-over-year, surpassing $2B.

The most active sectors included crypto/blockchain (34 deals), AI (19 deals), and payments (14 deals). Venture capital remained strong, with $1.09B invested across 90 deals, including rounds for Koho and Neo Financial. KPMG predicts continued fintech growth, though private buyouts may increase as public companies seek regulatory relief.

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

Vancouver Company Partners with MrBeast to Donate Strep A Tests

by

Vancouver-based Light AI has partnered with MrBeast Industries to donate AI-powered Strep A tests to underserved communities in Africa. The initiative, featured in a Beast Philanthropy video released on February 16, 2025, aims to improve early detection of Strep A, a bacterial infection linked to Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD), which causes up to 350,000 deaths annually.

Light AI CEO Peter Whitehead highlighted the technology’s potential to provide instant, accurate diagnoses, while Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast) emphasized its life-saving impact. The project showcases the power of AI-driven healthcare solutions in addressing global health challenges.

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

    Toronto Tech Week Returns June 2025 with Major Backing

    by

    Toronto Tech Week will take place June 23-27, 2025, uniting Toronto’s tech ecosystem through panels, demos, hackathons, and networking events. Led by the Canada Tech Week Organization, the initiative is backed by Shopify, Google Cloud, and the City of Toronto. The event will highlight Toronto’s strengths in AI, FinTech, and e-commerce, attracting global investment and talent.

    Over 40 community partners, including BetaKit, DMZ, Wealthsimple, and U of T, will host events. Organizer Satish Kanwar emphasized the week’s goal of retaining top talent and strengthening the city’s global tech standing. The full schedule launches in Spring 2025.

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

    BDC Capital Recapitalizes Growth Funds with $950M

    by


    BDC Capital is recapitalizing its growth equity investment programs with $950 million, aiming to support Canadian later-stage startups facing economic uncertainty. The investment includes $500M for its Growth Venture Fund and $450M for Growth Equity Partners, both with a five-year investment timeline.

    BDC, Canada’s largest venture capital investor, has backed 66 companies across these funds since 2016. The move comes as private investment retracts, impacting tech firms’ growth and valuations. BDC’s VC portfolio was valued at $2.98 billion as of Sept. 30, despite recent losses. Experts emphasize BDC’s role in ensuring continued capital access for Canadian innovators.

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