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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

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.

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    Kraken has launched Krak, a next-gen mobile app designed to tackle outdated financial systems by enabling instant, low-cost cross-border transactions.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.

      EarthDaily Launches First Satellite in AI-Ready Constellation

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      Vancouver-based EarthDaily Analytics has launched the first satellite in its ten-satellite EarthDaily Constellation, signaling a breakthrough in Earth Observation. Initial telemetry confirms a successful deployment, with power-positive status and solar arrays extended. Designed for daily, high-resolution, AI-ready imaging, the constellation will support agriculture, mining, climate monitoring, and defense.

      CEO Don Osborne emphasized the system’s predictive capabilities and industry readiness. The remaining satellites will launch by 2026. Backed by Antarctica Capital, EarthDaily aims to provide unmatched global change detection through calibrated, multi-sensor data. This milestone marks a pivotal step in delivering precision Earth intelligence at scale.

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

      Dentons to Co-Develop AI Legal Startups with AXL

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      Dentons Canada and venture studio AXL have forged a strategic partnership to reshape the legal industry through artificial intelligence. Dentons will serve as AXL’s exclusive legal partner and preferred counsel for its AI startup portfolio. Led by Dr. Daniel Wigdor, AXL aims to launch 50 AI-driven firms, merging University of Toronto research with market needs.

      Dentons joins AXL’s Catalyst think tank, contributing legal insight from day one of venture formation. CEO Tim Haney and Partner Mike Hollinger emphasized Dentons’ role in redefining legal services. Together, the partners intend to deliver practical AI tools, transforming law through innovation.

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

      Entropy Acquires Carbon Hubs in $35M Deal

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      Entropy, a Calgary-based subsidiary of Advantage Energy, will expand its carbon capture and storage operations through a $35 million acquisition of three Western Canadian carbon hubs. The definitive agreement includes Belle Plaine and North Battleford hubs in Saskatchewan and a 50% stake in Alberta’s Rolling Hills hub.

        The $20 million cash transaction includes $15 million in milestone payments and is expected to close in July. TD Securities advised the unnamed seller. Funding is via Entropy’s $500 million backing from Brookfield and the Canada Growth Fund. CEO Sanjay Bishnoi called it a milestone in commercial CCS growth.

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