- Canadian tech startups unveil new funding at Collision conference in Toronto
- Montréal-based Heylist secures $1.6 million in first-ever funding round
- Toronto-based Vosyn announces $2.2 million seed funding for AI language translation
- Ability Biologics closes seed funding extension, totaling $24.7 million CAD for drug discovery
- EdTech startup Pok Pok raises $6 million in Series A funding for app development and STEM expansion
Canadian Tech Startups Unveil New Funding at Collision Conference
The tech industry in Canada received a significant boost as the Collision conference in Toronto kicked off, showcasing the innovation and growth of several Canadian tech startups. Among the notable announcements at the conference were funding rounds secured by four startups, highlighting the diverse range of technological advancements being made in the country.
Heylist Secures $1.6 Million in First-Ever Funding Round
One of the standout announcements at the Collision conference came from Montréal-based startup Heylist, a marketplace connecting “nano-influencers” with brands and agencies. Founded in 2022 by CEO Vicky Boudreau, Chief Experience Officer Nicolas LeBlanc, and CTO Alexandre Borgia, Heylist revealed that it had secured $1.6 million in its first-ever funding round. The funding was led by Accelia Capital, with participation from The51, Anges Québec, and the Québec government through the Impulsion PME program.
Vicky Boudreau expressed pride in the support received from Accelia and The51, highlighting that Heylist’s team comprises 70 percent women. The funding will be utilized to enhance the product development and drive sales growth in both Canada and the United States. Leveraging the networks of strategic angel investors, Heylist aims to expand its presence in key markets across North America.
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Vosyn Announces $2.2 Million Seed Round at Collision
Toronto-based startup Vosyn, founded by CEO Brian Armstrong and President Andil Houlder in 2023, made waves at Collision by announcing a significant milestone in its funding journey. The company secured $2.2 million of a targeted $8-million seed round, showcasing the potential of its artificial intelligence (AI) models for real-time language translation across various mediums.
Having previously raised a $2-million pre-seed round, Vosyn is eyeing an initial public offering in 2025 as part of its growth strategy. The startup’s commitment to leveraging AI technology for language translation underscores its innovation in addressing global communication challenges.
Ability Biologics Closes Seed Funding Extension
Outside of the Collision conference, Ability Biologics, a drug-discovery startup, announced the closure of a seed funding extension, bringing its total seed raise to $18 million USD ($24.7 million CAD). The company, which emerged from stealth mode in December, focuses on developing antibody therapeutics for cancer and immune-system disorders using generative AI through its AbiLeap discovery engine.
Supported by investors such as Amplitude Ventures, Fonds de solidarité FTQ, and Investissement Québec, Ability Biologics stands out for its innovative approach to enhancing biotherapeutics’ potency and patient outcomes. The funding injection will further accelerate the company’s research and development efforts in the field of drug discovery.
Pok Pok Raises $6 Million in Series A Funding for EdTech Expansion
EdTech startup Pok Pok, founded by a pair of mothers and spun out of Toronto gaming studio Snowman, secured $6 million in Series A funding led by Adjacent, with participation from Konvoy Ventures, MetaLab Ventures, and Banana Capital. Noteworthy angel investors, including Michelle Kennedy and Brandon Leonardo, also contributed to the round.
Pok Pok’s commitment to providing play-based learning experiences for children aged two to six has garnered significant attention and support. The funding will enable the startup to launch its Android app, cater to a growing waitlist of families, and introduce a STEM-based product expansion. The company’s focus on capital-efficient growth and empowering women-led initiatives has set a precedent for fostering diversity and innovation in the EdTech sector.
The Collision conference served as a platform for Canadian tech startups to showcase their achievements and secure vital funding for their growth trajectories. The diverse range of innovations presented by Heylist, Vosyn, Ability Biologics, and Pok Pok underscores the vibrancy of the tech ecosystem in Canada and the potential for further advancements in the industry. As these startups continue to push boundaries and drive innovation, they are poised to make a lasting impact on the global tech landscape.
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