Lilia CEO Alyssa Atkins on how COVID-19 changed her Y Combinator demo day
While some people are embracing back to school, in Canadian tech, it’s accelerator graduation season (yes, that’s a thing). “Within the span of a…
Matthew Lombardi tapped as new head of OneEleven
Matthew Lombardi has been named the new head of the new OneEleven, BetaKit has learned. BetaKit has confirmed with multiple sources that Lombardi will…
Top Hat CEO Mike Silagadze on EdTech’s crazy school year
Toronto-based EdTech startup Top Hat has had one hell of a 2020. A massive Series D round was shortly followed by a… global pandemic….
Interac’s Debbie Gamble and futurist Amy Webb talk shifting tech trends September 17
Interac will host futurist Amy Webb in an online event on September 17. Jointly presented by digital production organization Elevate, the streamed event will…
Golden Ventures partner Ameet Shah explains the currently “hot” VC market
Our very first episode of Black Swan, released in March, featured a Canadian VC. At the time, the conversation wasn’t focused on dealfow, but…
Peekapak CEO explains how startups are supporting back to school
On last week’s episode, we talked about the asterisk beside all decisions currently being made, with wary anticipation of what the fall might bring….
Raw Signal Group explains what tech managers are waiting for
There’s a lot going on in the world right now. So why does seem like people are frozen in place? Everyone is just waiting….
Shopify cuts office staff amid remote work shift
Shopify has laid off internal operations staff as the Canadian tech giant shifts to a permanent remote work model, BetaKit has learned. Approximately 30…
Federal government commits $78 million to new COVID-19 vaccine trials and research
The federal government announced several funding commitments earlier today to support COVID-19 vaccine development. The funding includes $59 million in commitments to support clinical…
How Startupfest pivoted from Canadian tech summer camp to a ‘hybrid’ event
Unlike other major tech events in Canada, which look to attract the world’s attention (RIP Elevate), Startupfest has a unique proposition. “I think the…
Black Swan #16: Minister Bains explains the feds’ COVID-19 response
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the federal government has had a direct hand in supplying support to sustain the Canadian innovation sector. “We…
Black Swan #15: The evolving business of preparing for death
This week, we continue to investigate the ways in which different Canadian tech sectors are responding to the challenges presented by COVID-19. “We’re not…
Black Swan #14: Disrupting startup culture and why Canadian FinTechs are pissed
Somehow we’re halfway through 2020. Anyone else need a break? “Wubba lubba dub dub!” We’re rapidly approaching a national holiday, and regardless of how…