Former CVCA chair alleges CEO Kim Furlong “appeared unwilling or unable to advocate” for membership in meeting with international LPs
Former Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (CVCA) chair and Lumira Ventures managing partner Peter van der Velden has publicly criticized CEO Kim Furlong for her handling of a recent meeting with international limited partners (LPs) in London, UK. In a September 20 LinkedIn post, van der Velden alleged that “the meeting was a […]
Months-long dispute between Bitfarms and Riot Platforms draws to a close as companies reach settlement
The public dispute between Toronto-based Bitcoin mining company Bitfarms and its investor and competitor Riot Platforms is finally drawing to a close, as both companies have entered into a settlement agreement that includes key changes to Bitfarms’ board. As part of the settlement, which was filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission today, […]
Pangaea Ventures closes $115 million CAD impact fund to back sustainability-focused hardtech solutions
Vancouver and Phoenix, AZ-based venture capital firm Pangaea Ventures has held the final close of its $115-million CAD ($85-million USD) impact fund that will invest in HardTech solutions that they claim will address the health of the planet. This is Pangaea’s fifth and largest fund to date. The fund, which will follow a five-year investment […]
Will Canadian VCs rebound in time to fund early-stage startups?
Two data sets dropped this week, giving granular insight into the state of early-stage startups in Canada. A proprietary report from Panache Ventures estimates technology company creation is up nearly 31 percent in the first two quarters compared to last year. That’s enough of a positive signal for the firm’s GP, Prashant Matta, to call […]
Evolving Canada’s AI strategy with CIFAR’s Elissa Strome
Did you know that over the last decade, the federal government has committed over half a billion dollars to a national AI strategy? I’m not sure how many BetaKit readers are familiar with the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy by name, but they’re likely familiar with its outputs: national AI institutes Amii, Mila, and the Vector […]
Koho set to launch line of credit offering through partnership with Propel Holdings
Koho Financial will begin offering a line of credit to its customers through a partnership with fellow Toronto-based FinTech firm Propel Holdings. Koho recently introduced new rent reporting features to help its users build credit history. The partnership will see Koho introduce and manage the line of credit as one of the core lending products […]
Tips for finding a job in a tough market
It’s hard out there for tech sector workers looking for a new role. There have been a rash of layoffs over the past few years, causing increased competition for available positions. And while the majority of recent job losses took place in late 2022 and 2023, there have been significant layoffs this year as well. […]
BC’s cleantech, AgTech startups dominate 2024 New Ventures BC Competition
This week, nine British Columbia-based tech startups were awarded a collective $250,000 in prize money from the 24th annual New Ventures BC Competition. The competition, presented by Innovate BC, gives tech startups based in BC access to in-person events, mentorship, workshops, and a community of peer support over six months, as they vie for the […]
Rebelstork secures $24.45 million CAD Series A to bolster tech and operations
Toronto-based re-commerce startup Rebelstork has secured a $24.45 million CAD ($18 million USD) Series A round following the online marketplace’s significant growth. CEO Emily Hosie claims Rebelstork is growing its revenues at over 300 percent annually. First reported by Fortune, the all-equity round was led by Maveron Ventures with participation from existing seed investor Golden […]
Canadian startup formation data from Panache Ventures points to future demand for capital
I am finally ready to call a market bottom. I know you have heard about the doom and gloom in the venture market. All you have to do is look at the VC X-sphere (RIP Twittersphere) over the last couple of years. Many have tried and failed to predict when the current venture downcycle (except […]