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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Clio Acquires vLex in $1B Legal Tech Deal

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Vancouver’s Clio has announced a $1 billion acquisition of vLex, a global leader in legal intelligence and AI research. The transaction, combining cash and stock, is the largest in Clio’s 17-year history. CEO Jack Newton called it a “watershed moment,” positioning Clio to unify legal practice management with advanced research tools.

vLex’s AI platform, Vincent, is trusted by Am Law 100 firms and courts worldwide for its accuracy and vast legal content. Clio plans to integrate Vincent with its legal operating system to create a single intelligent platform. The deal is expected to close later this year pending approvals.

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

Sustane Signs BASF Deal for Recycled Plastics Supply

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Nova Scotia’s Sustane Technologies has inked a long-term offtake agreement with BASF to supply recycled plastic feedstock from its Chester facility. The deal will see BASF purchase pyrolysis oil produced from hard-to-recycle plastics, supporting its Ccycled® product line. Sustane’s proprietary process converts waste plastics into virgin-quality inputs with lower carbon intensity.

The agreement covers current output and a planned expansion that will triple capacity. “This partnership affirms our Canadian innovation globally,” said Sustane CEO Peter Vinall. The companies also plan to explore additional sites, positioning Canada as a leader in clean technology and circular materials solutions.

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

Canada Rescinds Tech Tax, Trade Talks Restart with U.S.

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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Sunday that Canada will rescind its planned digital services tax on U.S. technology firms, paving the way for trade talks with the United States to resume. U.S. President Donald Trump had suspended discussions Friday, calling the tax “a direct and blatant attack.”

The tax, scheduled to take effect Monday, targeted revenues from online services operating in Canada. Carney and Trump spoke by phone and agreed to restart negotiations toward a July 21 deadline set during the recent G7 summit in Alberta. The move aims to defuse tensions and restore momentum in bilateral trade discussions.

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

Xatoms Raises $3M to Advance Solar Water Tech

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Toronto-based cleantech startup Xatoms has raised $3 million in pre-seed funding to scale its solar-powered water purification technology. The round included $2 million in venture capital led by Quantacet and $1 million in non-dilutive funding. Founded in 2024, Xatoms uses AI and quantum chemistry to develop materials that remove contaminants using sunlight or LEDs.

CEO Diana Virgovicova said the funds will support pilot programs and expansion into underserved communities. Backers include Genesis Ventures, BDC’s Thrive Lab, and League of Innovators. The technology has applications in Indigenous communities, industrial sites, and remote regions where clean water access remains limited.

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

NiaHealth Raises $5.75M to Advance Longevity Platform

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Edmonton-based NiaHealth has raised $5.75 million in seed funding to expand its Longevity-as-a-Service platform, bringing total investment to $8.25 million. Led by Golden Ventures, the round includes prominent backers from Fullscript, Good Future, Roar Ventures, and Version One. Since emerging from stealth, NiaHealth has tested over 100,000 biomarkers and grown users by 30% monthly.

The startup aims to deliver proactive, personalized healthcare through clinical testing, AI-driven insights, and clinician support. Upcoming Platform 2.0 upgrades include wearables integration, CGM, and expanded biomarker analysis. CEO Sameer Dhar says the goal is to transform Canada’s care model from reactive to preventative.

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

    Fintech Giant Kraken Targets Global Finance Gap

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    Kraken has launched Krak, a next-gen mobile app designed to tackle outdated financial systems by enabling instant, low-cost cross-border transactions. The Wyoming-based fintech firm aims to serve both unbanked populations and fee-weary users in advanced economies.

    Supporting over 300 assets, Krak allows peer-to-peer payments, offers up to 4% rewards on USDG balances, and plans to introduce physical cards. Co-CEO Arjun Sethi described the app as a “core building block” for modern finance. Kraken recently gained Restricted Dealer status in Canada after surpassing $2 billion in assets under custody, further expanding its regulatory presence in North America.

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

      INETCO Partners with Serfinsa to Expand Across Central America

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      Vancouver’s INETCO has partnered with Serfinsa, El Salvador’s top payment processor, to power real-time monitoring for acquiring services across Central America. INETCO Insight, the company’s AI-driven platform, offers transaction visibility without compromising speed, helping detect failures, streamline diagnostics, and enable real-time analytics.

      With ambitions to expand in Costa Rica, Honduras, and beyond, Serfinsa selected INETCO for its proven ability to scale. CEO Leandro Guini highlighted the need for reliable insights as Serfinsa now serves 90% of El Salvador’s acquiring banks. Founded in 1984, INETCO has grown quietly into a global fintech leader, now active in over 30 countries.

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

      Propel’s AI-Powered Lending Drives Global Credit Inclusion

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      Propel Holdings (TSX: PRL) has extended $2 billion in credit to over one million consumers through platforms like CreditFresh, MoneyKey, and Fora Credit. The Toronto-based fintech leverages AI, bank partnerships, and its Lending-as-a-Service model to scale financial inclusion in Canada, the U.S., and the U.K.

      Chief Revenue Officer Noah Buchman attributes Propel’s performance to strong leadership, values-aligned partnerships, and market demand. Notably, its KOHO partnership is thriving. Despite global uncertainties, Propel sees opportunity as traditional lenders pull back. Buchman says Propel’s focus remains clear: deliver fast, responsible access to credit in overlooked markets globally.

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

      Shopify CEO, Palihapitiya Debate AI’s Limits and Promise

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      At Toronto Tech Week’s Homecoming panel, Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke and Social Capital’s Chamath Palihapitiya discussed artificial intelligence’s promise and pitfalls. Lütke warned companies against clinging to tools instead of focusing on core problems. “Fall in love with problems,” he said, urging flexible thinking in AI use.

      Palihapitiya called AI “transformational,” capable of rebuilding society, but downplayed “vibe coding” as ineffective. Both stressed infrastructure challenges ahead, from energy to silicon. Lütke rejected claims that STEM degrees were devalued by AI, labeling it a “dangerous narrative.” The panel, hosted by Satish Kanwar, offered both optimism and caution for AI’s next frontier.

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

      BlackBerry Stock Jumps 13% After Surprise Profit

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      BlackBerry shares surged 13% Wednesday after the company posted its first quarterly profit since 2022. The Waterloo-based tech firm reported a US$1.9 million profit in Q1, surprising analysts who projected a US$10 million loss, according to Visible Alpha. Revenue reached USD $121.7 million, topping expectations of USD $112.6 million.

      The rebound comes as BlackBerry restructures operations, including a revamp of its QNX division and the sale of a major cybersecurity unit. Additionally, it gained approval to provide its AtHoc secure communications software to U.S. federal agencies. The earnings report marks a potential turning point in the company’s ongoing transformation.

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