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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

 

Calgary Mayor Gondek Pushes for Tech and Talent Growth

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Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek is championing innovation and talent development to secure the city’s future as a tech hub. Speaking during Calgary Innovation Week, she emphasized the importance of modern infrastructure, starting with expanded fibre access, to support growth areas like the city’s planned logistics hub.

Gondek highlighted Calgary’s affordability and welcoming community as key factors attracting businesses and talent. She also called for local capital to fuel homegrown companies, fostering an innovation ecosystem that encourages experimentation and resilience. By connecting entrepreneurs with clients, Gondek aims to establish Calgary as a leader in innovation and business growth.

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

Canadian Fintech Nuvei Goes Private, Eyes Expansion

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Montreal-based fintech Nuvei has officially gone private in a $6 billion all-cash deal led by Advent International, Novacap, and CDPQ. Reporting a 17% revenue jump in its final public earnings, CEO Philip Fayer emphasized Nuvei’s profitability and global reach, spanning 150 countries with nearly 700 payment methods.

Fayer, who remains CEO, highlighted plans to implement a Value Creation Plan focused on operational optimization and accelerated growth. David Lewin of Novacap praised Nuvei’s long-term growth potential as the company enters a new expansion phase. Founded in 2003, Nuvei aims to deepen customer partnerships and advance globally.

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

UniUni Secures Additional $30M, Targets U.S. Market Growth

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Richmond-based last-mile delivery company UniUni has closed a $30 million Series C extension round led by Bessemer Venture Partners, with Lanchi Ventures, Joy Capital, Celtic House, and LFX joining. This funding brings UniUni’s total to over $100 million in the past year, as it aims to expand into the U.S. market and integrate AI and robotics into operations.

Known for its crowdsourced delivery model and partnerships with brands like Shein, UniUni has doubled its warehouse capacity and now employs more than 600 staff. The funds will accelerate its growth and technological advancements.

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

Ontario Invests $100M with Starlink for Rural Internet Expansion

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Ontario has partnered with Starlink, signing a nearly $100 million agreement to provide internet access to 15,000 rural homes and businesses by June 2025. Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma announced the U.S.-based Starlink, chosen over Canadian bidder Xplore, will focus on remote areas, working with Indigenous communities for equitable access.

Ontario aims to connect every community by 2026, with 100,000 connections completed so far and plans for 450,000 more. This partnership marks a critical step in Ontario’s commitment to high-speed connectivity across its vast landscape.

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

Bluesky Hits 15M Users, Surges After US Election

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Bluesky, the decentralized short-form posting platform, surpassed 15 million users following a recent surge linked to the US presidential election, as per Bluesky developer Jaz’s tracking. The app gained over a million new users in a week, with Bluesky COO Rose Wang noting that most new signups are from the US.

Bluesky currently tops the iOS app store, followed by Threads and ChatGPT. Unlike Threads, Bluesky lets users create custom algorithmic feeds. Recent features include video posting, pinned posts, and anti-toxicity tools for user control.

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

Bell Report Highlights Gaps in AI Governance for Canadian Firms

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A new Bell study reveals that 60% of Canadian businesses using AI lack a governance strategy, despite widespread adoption of generative AI (GenAI) tools like ChatGPT. The “Navigating the Generative AI and Cybersecurity Journey” report surveyed 600 Canadian business leaders, highlighting retail as a leading industry in GenAI adoption, followed by manufacturing.

Cybersecurity remains a major concern; one-third of firms fear AI manipulation or data theft. Bell’s findings stress the need for strategic support to manage AI risks, including secure data classification and proactive threat detection.

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

Pender Ventures Secures $100M for Tech Growth in Canada

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Vancouver’s Pender Ventures announced the final close of its Technology Inflection Fund II LP, reaching $100 million with support from Alberta Enterprise Corporation (AEC). The fund aims to propel Canadian health tech and B2B companies. AEC’s involvement strengthens ties to Alberta’s growing tech ecosystem, where health and life sciences startups are thriving.

Managing Partner Maria Pacella emphasized the shared goal of scaling high-potential firms nationwide. Notable contributors include BMO, VanCity, and Export Development Bank. Pender’s previous success includes Copperleaf Technologies and D-Wave Systems.

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

Auto Giants Sound Alarm Over Canada’s EV Charging Shortage

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As Canada’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) targets loom, the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association (CVMA), representing GM, Ford, and Stellantis, warns that EV charging infrastructure is critically lagging. With mandates for 20% ZEV sales by 2026 and 100% by 2035, CVMA says the current pace of charger installation falls short.

The group’s report suggests Canada needs 100 new public chargers daily over 11 years. CVMA’s Brian Kingston stresses the urgency of updating building codes for home EV chargers and reliable infrastructure. Despite government-backed chargers, private investment lags, creating a barrier to meeting ambitious ZEV goals.

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

Wealthsimple Valuation Reaches New High, Exceeds 2021 Peak

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Power Corp. has raised its valuation of Wealthsimple to $2.2 billion, surpassing its previous 2021 peak. The century-old conglomerate’s 55.1% stake in the Toronto-based fintech now outvalues its $2.1 billion mark from March 2021. This valuation boost reflects Wealthsimple’s turnaround, doubling since December 2022 when Power Corp. valued it at $1.1 billion.

Wealthsimple, which celebrated its tenth anniversary in September, reached profitability this year under CEO Michael Katchen. Assets under administration surged to $52.1 billion, a 68.1% increase from $31 billion at the end of 2023.

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

Canadian IPOs Could Rebound as Firms Eye Listings

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Canada’s IPO market could be poised for a resurgence as major companies consider going public. Montreal’s Groupe Dynamite recently launched an IPO, targeting a $2.3 billion valuation, while firms like SRTX and Apotex explore similar moves.

National Bank’s Daniel Nowlan reports increased interest among Canadian firms following large U.S. IPOs, amid steady S&P 500 conditions and $6.59 trillion in U.S. money market funds. EY’s Nabeel Pabani noted that, unlike the 2021 tech IPO wave, today’s interest is more cautious, prioritizing profitability. TMX’s Catherine Kee says companies are “ready to go” when conditions align.

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