While some Canadian tech companies move to support Ukrainians, others cut ties with Russia
In addition to support, some startups are following the Canadian government’s lead on sanctioning Russia.
Impact
Virtual Gurus closes $8.4 million amid US-driven demand for diversity-focused virtual assistants
CEO Bobbie Racette one of the first Indigenous women in #CDNtech to close a Series A round.
Phoenix Fire launches angel fund focused on women entrepreneurs
“We need to make sure that everybody has a seat at the table.”
UofT spinout Halt AI launches tool to measure brands’ diversity across social media
Halt AI’s co-founders previously worked at AR beauty tech firm ModiFace.
A year after launch, Backbone Angels is closing gaps felt by underrepresented founders
Backbone’s portfolio is 72 percent first-time founders and 56 percent women of colour.
Federal government announces first four organizations administering Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund
SheEO among group set to provide micro-loans to women entrepreneurs.
New report on Canadian venture, private equity landscape shows firms failing when it comes to inclusion side of D&I
Women partners are six times more likely to report harassment or feel opinions not valued.
Bank of Montreal commits $100 million to launch lending program for Black entrepreneurs
Black entrepreneurs can receive loans of up to $250,000.
The many obstacles to inclusion in startups (and one aid from Innovate BC)
For startups looking to make positive changes, it’s important to first have a conversation about bias.
Amplify Capital closes $30.7 million for second fund, eyes Québec startups with Montréal office
To date, the MaRS spinout has backed 7 companies through Fund II.
What can the metaverse learn from accessibility leaders?
How do we improve accessibility in both the real and virtual worlds?
Tech sees progress in promoting women to executive roles, but still lags behind other sectors
Review places the tech sector at the bottom for female C-suite executives.
Diversio secures $8.13 million CAD on journey to improve corporate diversity and inclusion
Diversio uses AI to uncover bias in companies and recommend solutions.
Dax Dasilva’s Age of Union Alliance donates $4.5 million USD to Sea Shepherd to fight illegal fishing
Age of Union’s sixth global partnership following its initial $40 million pledge.
How the global “phenomenon” of impact investing is heating up in Canada
How to balance profit with purpose.