Walmart launches global tech hub in Toronto, plans to hire hundreds
The initial hiring phase for Toronto includes 45 full-time roles.
Retail
R|T: The Retail Times – Calico aces fundraising
Plus: Amazon to secure unconditional EU approval for $8.5B MGM buy.
With $150 million USD in fresh funding, Montréal’s Talent.com is ready to take on Indeed worldwide
Co-CEO says startup wants to be Pepsi to Indeed’s Coke.
Bloom secures $1.4 million CAD, launches AI-powered platform to measure e-commerce product photo performance
Bloom’s big picture vision is to match its algorithm with generative AI.
StoreToDoor secures $1.25 million to take same-day delivery service to new markets
After spending years running his own restaurants, Scott Love wants to help other retailers deliver goods.
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.
Somm acquires last-minute restaurant reservation app Dinr to move beyond wine recommendation
Somm describes Dinr deal as “part of a bigger vision” for the wine-focused startup.
R|T: The Retail Times – Shopify doubles down on its compensation approach
Plus: Amazon is shutting 68 retail stores, ending Amazon Books, 4-star and Pop Up shops.
Led by Serena Williams’ venture fund, Calico closes $2.6 million CAD to help D2C fashion brands manage their supply chain
Calico’s founder is building the tool she wishes she had for her own D2C brands.
Shopify platforms acquirer WeCommerce to purchase KnoCommerce for $2.6 million CAD
KnoCommerce would mark WeCommerce’s third acquisition since going public on the TSXV.
R|T: The Retail Times – Carvana revs up
Plus: Former Bench CEO Ian Crosby joins Shopify Balance.
Flashfood secures $12.3 million Series A to expand discounted food marketplace in the US
Opentable founder and S2G Ventures managing director Chuck Templeton will join Flashfood’s board of directors.
Hopper continues acquisition spree with Parisian airline travel tech Smooss
Hopper looks to bolster its B2B offering as it expands into new verticals.
R|T: The Retail Times – Shopify’s stock slips
Plus: Uber Eats vs. DoorDash: The delivery wars are heating up.
Givex acquires Loyalty Lane to expand customer relationship management platform
Givex previously acquired IT service and consulting business Kalex.