Canada
Startup Cultures Across Canada – Montreal
As a cultural hybrid of North America and Europe, Montreal’s tech ecosystem can speak to both continents’ tech ecosystems. It helps that 52 per cent of its residents…
August 2, 2016Startup Cultures Across Canada – Vancouver
Surrounded by natural beauty, Vancouver consistently ranks high on the Economist’s “liveability” ranking and also draws in government grants for innovation, providing the ideal context and value alignment.…
August 2, 2016Startup Cultures Across Canada – Calgary
Calgary’s growing post-oil culture makes space for tech startups, including renewables and energy tech. Image: By Gorgo (Photo taken by author) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons Calgary startup…
August 2, 2016Startup Cultures Across Canada – Edmonton
Edmonton’s sport culture translates into a competitive startup landscape and entrepreneurial spirit. Image: By WinterE229 WinterforceMedia (Own work) [CC 1.0], via Wikimedia Commons Edmonton startup facts: Accelerators in…
August 2, 2016Startup Cultures Across Canada
Canadian tech ecosystems have gained international attention and are continuing to produce competitive tech startups.
August 2, 2016Canada’s Tech Sector Rivals Energy, Finance
The new numbers underscore the degree to which tech startup ecosystems have assumed a position of paramount importance to economies worldwide.
July 26, 2016Startupfest Stories About The Past, Present and Future
Startupfest Montréal, which ran from July 14-15 amid intense heat and torrential rain, showcased the best stories from speakers and audience alike.
July 21, 2016StartupFest Revs Up For 2016 in Montréal
Canada’s biggest gathering of startups, VCs, angels, and accelerators is happening from July 13th to 16th, and TechPORTFOLIO is going to be there.
July 8, 2016Toronto Culture Best Worldwide for Female Entrepreneurs
While ranking first for female-friendly tech cultures, Toronto took sixth in the world overall for women in tech, according to the Dell Women Entrepreneur Cities Index.
June 23, 2016Ideal Has a Solution for Hours Wasted on Sales Recruitment
A Toronto startup that grew as a tangent to another business, Ideal.com uses algorithms and IBM Watson to streamline the recruitment process, from granular analysis to messaging – and follow-up messaging – to potential hires.
June 16, 2016Progress for Women in Canada Doesn’t Show up in Tech
Less than 15 percent of venture capitalists in Canada are women. Meanwhile, women hold one-third of senior management positions overall in Canada. In a country where the prime minister has made a concerted effort to equalize the genders in his cabinet, the continued gender imbalance in tech stands out.
June 1, 2016Toronto Diversity Strengthens the “Cockroach Nest”
A study by the BBC says that while Dubai has 83% of its population hailing from abroad, Toronto has a far wider spread of nationalities – 230 in all. Why Diversity Matters, a report by management consulting firm McKinsey & Co. reveals a strong correlation between diversity and financial success: companies in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to have above average returns.
May 25, 2016Montreal’s #Startup Social Media Discussion
Montreal is home to some of Canada’s largest VC firms, including Real Ventures, Rho Canada, BDC Capital and iNovia Capital. The city also made Compass’ list of top startup ecosystems globally.
May 17, 2016Is a Star Trek-Style Tricorder Here?
Real life is now catching up to the future as depicted in the 1960s. Dr. Sonny Kohli is turning science fiction into reality as the chief medical officer of Cloud DX Inc., a Kitchener, Ontario-based startup with the world’s first working tricorder-like health device.
May 16, 2016Smart Cities Take Root in Canada as Apps Learn to Improve Services
The drive to make cities smart provides more than just faster answers to questions about municipal services. It gives entrepreneurs who respond to the demand the opportunity to create solutions that can be commercialized, which ultimately builds the depth and breadth of startup ecosystems.
April 15, 2016Cinemagraph Pioneer Flixel Hits a Milestone that Investors Prize
The Flixel startup story includes overcoming tough odds before finally getting their big break with the TV program America’s Next Top Model, and an investment from show’s host, supermodel Tyra Banks. The company’s success has since been propelled by the growing interest brands have in using Flixel’s cinemagraphs on social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram.
April 12, 2016Incubator Connects Startups to AI
Qualified Ontario tech startups hope to benefit from a new public-private sector funding program meant to help them use advanced computing technologies including artificial intelligence to grow their businesses. The program is part of the province’s efforts to create jobs and foster the development of globally competitive technologies.
March 31, 2016Shopify Takes Vacant BlackBerry Throne—And What’s Next for Ontario
After the implosion of Nortel and the missteps of Blackberry, Canada wasn’t exactly a symbol of tech success. Ottawa-based Shopify’s IPO offered a chance to restore some faith in the country’s innovation capability. A free-fall in the price of oil, which was about wipe out tens of thousands of jobs in the energy sector, raised the stakes even higher.
March 31, 2016Frequently Asked Questions
What is a startup ecosystem?
The network of founders, investors, universities, accelerators, large companies and governments in a place that together help new companies start and grow.
Which ecosystems does TechPortfolio cover?
Canadian cities including Toronto, Waterloo, Montréal, Vancouver and Calgary, and international hubs from Silicon Valley to Singapore.
What is the Startup Cultures Across Canada series?
A city-by-city TechPortfolio series profiling how startup communities work across Canada. A companion series, Global Startup Cultures, covers other countries.
Does the section cover diversity and talent?
Yes. The Diversity & Talent subsection covers women in technology, skills gaps and immigration.
How can I suggest an ecosystem story?
Email info@techportfolio.net with the city or community and what is changing there.