BKR Capital secures additional $4.5 million, announces first four investments in Black-founded tech startups
The fund backs Black-founded Canadian tech firms at the seed stage.
Montréal
Data monetization platform TickSmith raises $20 million CAD Series A
TickSmith claims to simplify the online data shopping, distribution experience.
Optina secures up to $2.6 million from Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos-backed foundation for Alzheimer’s discovery
The funding will be used to expand the number of Optina’s clinical study sites.
RenoRun closes $181 million CAD Series B to fuel Canada, US expansion
RenoRun is building a vertically-integrated “one-stop shop” for construction materials.
Venture funding for Montréal tech sector grew steadily in 2021, with $1.6 billion raised
Montreal venture funding grew 33 percent in 2021.
Mila, Vector Institute announce, extend partnerships with Canadian banks
Both work with CIFAR as part of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy.
Lightspeed adds global tech entrepreneurs Nathalie Gaveau and Dale Murray to its board
The two appointments bring the board’s female representation to 44 percent.
Marking its sixth acquisition, Paystone acquires Canadian Payment Services
Paystone CEO claims its the company’s largest deal to date.
Inovia Capital promotes Hugues Lalancette to partner on growth investment team
Lalancette helped Inovia build its growth strategy from scratch.
Startupfest plans a “fresh start” for in-person event return in July
“We need fresh starts for founders in Montreal and beyond,” the org said.
Shakepay secures $44 million Series A led by QED Investors to roll out more Bitcoin products
The round gives the Montréal crypto startup a $313 million valuation.
Sonder makes Nasdaq debut following close of SPAC deal
Sonder’s CEO called the listing “a historic moment” for the company.
Amplitude Ventures, AltaML pen partnership to build AI, biotech companies
The partnership gives Amplitude access to Alberta’s sizeable AI sector.
XMachina AI acquires Bain Public in its second acquisition since forming in mid-2021
XMachina specializes in AI acquisitions, and is preparing for an IPO.
Review of 11 Canadian tech companies to watch in 2021
Startups on the 2021 list made major financing deals and exits.