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Vendasta secures $119.5 million in venture funding after pausing IPO plans (BETAKIT)
The fresh venture funding also comes just over two months after Vendasta filed to go public on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) on March 16. The startup priced its IPO on March 22, aiming to raise $100 million.
The pandemic effect: IPOs the new path for Canadian tech firms
The Canadian tech ecosystem is thriving in Canada. COVID-19, or the “pandemic effect” has resulted in emerging tech companies in Canada eyeing the public market more than ever for growth. This has led to a tech IPO boom early in 2021, with likely more to come.
Amazon to buy MGM Studios for $8.45 billion (CNBC)
Amazon is buying MGM Studios for $8.45 billion, the companies announced, marking Amazon’s most ambitious move yet into the entertainment business – but lawmakers want bigger merger enforcement.
Toronto-based Q4 files to go public on TSX (BETAKIT)
The IPO proceeds will also allow Q4 to pursue its growth strategies and make new acquisitions. VerticalScope, a Toronto-based digital platform for online enthusiasts, has also filed.
SoftBank-backed Contentsquare valued at $2.8B following $500M Series E (CRUNCHBASE)
As part of the investment, Michel Combes, president of SoftBank Group International, will join Contentsquare’s board of directors.
eSSENTIAL Accessibility secures $67 million CAD to meet increasing demand for accessible online content (BETAKIT)
The round, which eA referred to as an “historic investment in the digital accessibility technology sector,” follows a growing reliance on online services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Apple employees are going public about workplace issues — and there’s no going back (THE VERGE)
Employees say the recent leaks might have changed the tech giant forever.
Why startups are easier targets for cybercrime (and what founders can do about it) (BETAKIT)
Microsoft Canada CSO Kevin Magee explains how startup leaders can prioritize security without impacting growth potential.
Uber has recognized a trade union for the first time. 70,000 drivers in the UK can now join and collectively negotiate wages, sick pay, and pensions. (BUSINESS INSIDER)
It’s the first recognition deal between a ride-hailing app and a union.
BBTV announces $65 million in new deals (BETAKIT)
The deals consist of a private placement and convertible debenture sale totalling $35 million, as well as a $29 million debt deferment for a period of five years. This comes as the company generated $107 million CAD in revenue for 16 percent revenue growth year-over-year compared to Q1 2020.
Is online test-monitoring here to stay? (THE NEW YORKER)
Despite students’ complaints and the coming return to in-person learning, Proctorio and its rivals are betting on a lucrative future.
PartnerStack aims to capitalize on channel sales demand with $35 million CAD Series B round (BETAKIT)
According to PartnerStack, the funding caps off the startup’s fourth consecutive year of triple-digit revenue growth.
Nine things we learned from the Epic v. Apple trial (THE VERGE)
Once you start digging through CEO Tim Cook’s inbox, all sorts of interesting stuff comes out.
7shifts secures $21.5 million Series B round to scale restaurant staff management platform (BETAKIT)
7shifts raised about $21 million CAD in Series A financing in 2019, including an initial $13 million CAD round that January and a $7.9 million CAD extension in October.