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Travel startup Hopper raises $213 million CAD Series F round (BETAKIT)
Led by Capital One, participation in the Series F round also included new and existing investors GS Growth, Inovia Capital, WestCap Group, and Citi Ventures.
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Canadians support tougher enforcement of online hate speech on social media platforms, new poll finds (TORONTO STAR)
The data suggests, however, that Canadians are more divided on what impact greater policing of online speech will have on freedom of expression in the country.
Axonify acquires digital learning platform MLevel (BETAKIT)
Following the deal, MLevel’s employees will work under Axonify, including the majority of MLevel’s leadership.
Enabling Bottom-up Entrepreneurship in Canada (BETAKIT)
How can Canadian tech support & enable more entrepreneurs in Canada? What are the tools & mechanisms required? Join Harley Finkelstein (Shopify), Douglas Soltys (BetaKit), and Andrew D’Souza and Michele Romanow (Clearbanc) for a Clubhouse Chat on how to build a network of bottom-up over top-down support!
Deliveroo hit by investor, rider revolt ahead of London IPO (BNN BLOOMBERG)
Aberdeen Standard Investments and Aviva Investors, two of the U.K.’s biggest asset managers, said they won’t be participating in the IPO.
Thinkific files for TSX IPO as Vendasta prices offering at $100 million (BETAKIT)
The terms of Thinkific’s initial public offering (IPO) have yet to be determined. The company has applied to trade on TSX under the symbol “THNC.”
Microsoft is in exclusive talks to acquire Discord (WALL STREET JOURNAL)
Originally favored by gamers, San Francisco-based Discord offers voice, text and video chatting.
BlackBerry launches $50 million fund to work with AutoTech startups (BETAKIT)
In addition to supporting AutoTech startups with go-to-market, the BlackBerry IVY Innovation Fund aims to accelerate the expansion of BlackBerry’s IVY ecosystem.
Microsoft expanding Canadian presence with cloud hub, data centre, 500 hires in Vancouver (BETAKIT)
“Microsoft is committed to helping Canada emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever.”
Slack quickly removes message invites in its new DM feature over harassment concerns (THE VERGE)
The feature let anyone send you a message before you’ve even accepted an invite.
Deloitte spin-out company Arteria AI raises $13.7 million CAD Series A round (BETAKIT)
Arteria AI is led by CEO Shelby Austin, who previously led Deloitte’s Omnia AI business.
Latest launch makes Kepler Communications largest satellite operator in Canada (BETAKIT)
The satellites, which were assembled at Kepler’s newly-built facility in Toronto, will add capacity to the company’s Global Data Services offering.
Virtual live learning platform Disco raises $6 million CAD seed round (BETAKIT)
The proceeds will be used to bring Disco’s product to market and make additional hires.
