Canada's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2024

If you're looking to stay ahead of the game in 2024, you gotta keep your eyes peeled on the sizzling startup scene in Canada. These young guns are shaking things up with their fresh ideas and slick tech solutions that are disrupting industries left and right.

By keeping tabs on these rising stars, you'll gain valuable insights into cutting-edge tech and emerging trends that could land you your dream job or even inspire your own side hustle.

For all you tech professionals out there, here's why you should be paying attention to Canada's startup landscape:

• Career Opportunities: Discover potential career opportunities at innovative, fast-growing companies
• Emerging Technologies: Get a front-row seat to emerging technologies and how they're being applied in the real world
• Entrepreneurial Inspiration: Fuel your entrepreneurial spirit with inspiration for your own ventures or passion projects
• Networking: Network with fellow tech enthusiasts and industry leaders

To curate our list of the top 10 Canadian startups to watch in 2024, we considered factors like innovation, growth potential, industry impact, and funding raised.

Our sources include tech publications, startup databases, and insights from VCs and industry experts. We even dug into Canadian startups showcasing at major events like TechDay in NYC. So buckle up and get ready to explore the companies leading Canada's startup revolution!

Let's talk about ApplyBoard - this EdTech startup is killing it! Founded in 2015, they're making waves by simplifying the process for international students to apply to schools worldwide.

Their cutting-edge platform connects students with educational institutions across the globe, streamlining the entire journey.

That's not all - ApplyBoard is crushing it in multiple areas:

• Series D funding: In 2022, they raised a mind-boggling $300 million in Series D funding, valuing the company at a staggering $4 billion. Talk about investor confidence!
• Revenue growth: From 2020 to 2022, their revenue skyrocketed by an incredible 540%, fueled by their rapid global expansion into major markets like India, Vietnam, and Mexico.
• Strategic partnerships: They've formed strategic partnerships with over 1,800 educational institutions across North America, the UK, and Australia, making them a go-to platform for international student recruitment.

By 2024, ApplyBoard plans to:

1. Global expansion: Expand to over 60 countries, opening doors for even more students worldwide.
2. Advanced AI: Implement cutting-edge AI and machine learning to further streamline the application process.
3. Mentorship programs: Launch personalized mentorship programs to guide students through their academic journeys.

As ApplyBoard's co-founder and CEO, Joseph Davis, puts it,

"We are on a mission to build a truly borderless world through education. Our platform is empowering students worldwide to access quality education and unlock their full potential."

With their innovative approach, rapid growth, and ambitious goals, ApplyBoard is undoubtedly redefining the EdTech game.

They're a startup to keep a close eye on in 2024 and beyond!

Clearco is shaking up the whole financial game! These guys are all about that revenue-based financing life, which is a game-changer for startups and businesses looking to level up.

Instead of giving away a chunk of equity, Clearco hooks you up with that sweet, non-dilutive capital in exchange for a slice of your future revenue. Brilliant, right? It's like they're invested in your success, not just trying to cash in.

And the numbers don't lie - since kickin' it off in 2015, Clearco has dished out a mind-blowing $3.2 billion across 8,500+ investments worldwide.

They even scored a massive $215 million equity funding round led by the big dogs at SoftBank. With a valuation soaring to $2 billion after acquiring Ember Fund in 2022, these guys are straight-up ballers in the fintech game.

But they're not slowing down anytime soon.

Clearco is aiming to pump out a billion dollars in non-dilutive capital annually by 2025. Their CEO, Michele Romanow, has her sights set on making Clearco the "world's largest e-commerce investor," using AI and data to streamline the funding process.

Talk about ambition! With their fresh approach and plans for massive expansion, Clearco is definitely one to watch if you're looking to get that capital flowing without sacrificing ownership.

Check this out - Wealthsimple is slaying the game when it comes to managing your money online. These guys, based in Toronto, have been killing it since 2014.

We're talking over $15 billion in assets under management and over 1.5 million users across Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. (as of early 2024). That's some serious growth!

What makes Wealthsimple so sick is their super user-friendly platform that takes the hassle out of investing, no matter your experience level.

Here's the deal:

• Automated Investment Portfolios: Their smart algorithms build and manage low-cost, diversified portfolios tailored to your risk tolerance and financial goals. It's like having a personal investment manager without the crazy fees.
• Socially Responsible Investing: You can feel good about your investments with their range of socially responsible options. Invest in companies that align with your values, and make a positive impact.
• Tax-Efficient Strategies: Wealthsimple's got your back with tax-efficient strategies like automated tax-loss harvesting. That means more money in your pocket after Uncle Sam takes his cut.
• Accessible and Transparent: No minimum investment requirements and low, transparent fees? That's a win-win. Investing is for everyone, not just the rich kids.

But they're not stopping there.

Wealthsimple recently launched Wealthsimple Cash, a hybrid savings and spending account with high interest rates and no fees.

And for all the crypto heads out there, they've got Wealthsimple Crypto, a secure platform for buying and selling digital currencies. In the future, they're looking to expand into estate planning, tax services, and personalized financial advice, making them a one-stop-shop for all your money needs.

Ada is this super cool startup that's totally killing it in the AI customer service game. These guys have been hustling since 2016 to make customer support dope with their sick conversational AI platform.

It's like having your own virtual assistant that can handle all the boring and repetitive customer queries, freeing up your team to focus on the real deal.

Ada's AI Agent has already powered over 4 billion automated conversations for major companies like Verizon, AirAsia, and Square.

That's insane! They've got this "Reasoning Engine" that lets their AI understand complex questions and provide on-point responses in over 50 languages. Talk about efficiency!

These guys just raised a whopping $130 million in funding last year.

That's some serious cash to take their tech to the next level. They're working on cool stuff like voice AI for phone support, personalized interactions based on your preferences, and seamless experiences across all channels.

According to Contrary Research, Ada's AI Agent can resolve over 70% of customer inquiries automatically, saving companies millions in operational costs.

With plans to expand globally and partner with more major brands, Ada is definitely a startup to keep an eye on in 2024.

These guys are revolutionizing the customer service game with their cutting-edge AI solutions, and it's only the beginning!

Let's talk about Benevity, this absolutely sick startup from Calgary that's re-shaping how companies approach corporate social responsibility (CSR).

In a world where environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts are becoming crucial, Benevity's platform is a total game-changer, enabling employers and employees to amplify their impact like never before.

Founded in 2008, Benevity has experienced insane growth, with over 850 clients including heavy hitters like Microsoft, Google, and Nike.

Their crowdfunding model lets employees support causes they're passionate about, fostering a culture of purpose-driven engagement. By the end of 2024, Benevity is projected to facilitate a mind-blowing $15 billion in donations and 79 million volunteer hours, showcasing their massive influence.

But it's not just about the money, Benevity's true superpower is curating meaningful CSR experiences.

Check out their partnership with Starbucks, where employees collectively donated $18.3 million to non-profits in 2022 and volunteered an insane 1.5 million hours.

This collaboration proves Benevity's ability to foster a culture of giving within organizations.

And they're not stopping there! Benevity's groundbreaking "Missions" feature allows companies to crowdsource micro-donations from employees, customers, and stakeholders for specific causes, amplifying the impact of grassroots initiatives.

As ESG considerations become integral to business strategies, Benevity's role in shaping purpose-driven organizations is set to soar.

"Benevity is at the forefront of a transformation in how companies engage their people, communities, and society at large. We're empowering businesses to lead with purpose and create tangible, lasting change." - Bryan de Lottinville, Founder and Executive Chairperson, Benevity

With a bold vision, unwavering commitment, and cutting-edge technology, Benevity is re-defining what it means to be a socially responsible corporation in the 21st century.

These guys are seriously shaking things up!

Borrowell is this sick personal finance platform that's been changing how Canadians handle their money game. Started up in 2014, they've been climbing the ranks in the fintech world, offering a ton of rad tools and services to make managing your cash a breeze.

What makes Borrowell stand out is how they're all about giving you the knowledge and transparency to boss your finances.

Their main deal, Borrowell Credit Coach, lets you check your credit score for free and get personalized tips to level it up.

82% of Borrowell users saw their credit score rise within 6 months of using the platform!

But that's not all, they've got a bunch of other financial products too:

• AI-powered Loans: Borrowell's AI analyzes your financial deets to hook you up with loan options and rates that won't make you go broke.
• Free Credit Reports: Access your credit reports from Equifax and TransUnion, so you can make smart money moves.
• Loan Insurance: Their loan insurance has got your back in case anything unexpected happens, protecting your loved ones.

Borrowell has been killing it lately, scoring $35 million in Series C funding in 2023 and being named one of Canada's Top Growing Companies by The Globe and Mail for three years straight (2021-2023).

They're planning to expand their offerings into investment management and retirement planning too.

With their focus on innovation and putting customers first, Borrowell is set to revolutionize how millions of Canadians approach their personal finances, helping them achieve their money goals with confidence and transparency.

Check this out! Koho is changing the game when it comes to digital banking. This Canadian fintech startup, founded in 2017, has been making serious waves by offering a fresh take on managing your money, all from your phone.

What makes Koho stand out? For starters, they're all about transparency and giving you complete control over your finances. Their app is packed with features that'll make your life way easier:

• Cash back on purchases: You can earn up to 2% cash back on everyday stuff like groceries and transportation. Ka-ching!
• Automated savings: The "RoundUp" feature rounds up your purchases and stashes the spare change into a savings account. Genius, right?
• Early paychecks: Need your paycheck ASAP? Koho lets you access your cash up to 3 days early.
• Financial coaching: Get personalized tips and advice to help you level up your money game.

The best part? Koho has already attracted over 500,000 accounts and processed a massive $6 billion in transactions.

And they're not slowing down anytime soon. With a recent funding round of $210 million, valuing the company at over $1 billion, they're gearing up to launch new investment products, credit cards, and small business banking options in 2024.

According to the CEO Thomas Perez,

"Our mission is to restore the balance of power between Canadians and the big banks by providing transparent and affordable financial services."

Swift Medical is taking the healthcare game to a whole new level with their insane wound care tech. These Toronto innovators are using crazy AI and computer vision to create wound monitoring systems that track healing progress like it's nobody's business.

It's like having a super smart digital assistant watching over your wounds 24/7, giving docs all the deets they need to make killer treatment calls.

Swift just closed a massive $8M funding round to take their wound care wizardry even further.

We're talking next-level data security, better compatibility with other systems, and souped-up device capabilities that'll blow your mind. These guys are seriously leveling up the entire customer experience game.

Don't even get me started on the pioneering partnership with DIGITAL, Canada's innovation powerhouse.

They're co-investing a whopping $4.5M to accelerate the adoption of Swift's AI tech for wound care across urban, rural, and Indigenous communities. It's a game-changer that'll make top-notch wound treatment accessible to everyone, no matter where they're from.

Swift's CEO, William Thompson, summed it up perfectly:

"We're on a mission to rapidly transform patient care through the power of AI and technology."

With over 4,000 healthcare facilities already on board, and a laser focus on equity and inclusivity, these guys are well on their way to dominating the wound care universe in 2024 and beyond.

Get ready for a healthcare revolution, powered by the tech titans at Swift Medical!

Check this out - Thinkific is killing it in the online education game! This platform has been on a mission to shake up how we learn and share knowledge online since 2012, and they're absolutely crushing it.

What makes Thinkific so great is that it's ridiculously easy to create and sell your own online courses, even if you're a total tech noob.

Their course builder is an absolute beast, letting you whip up visually stunning and interactive courses without having to know a lick of code.

You can throw in videos, quizzes, assignments, forums - basically everything you need to make your course pop off. And let's not forget about the marketing and sales tools they've got on deck.

We're talking customizable sales pages, email marketing integrations, and even affiliate management to help you rake in that cash.

There's more! Thinkific has been dropping some seriously fresh updates lately.

They've got this premium plan called Thinkific Plus that gives you access to insane features like white-labeling, custom domains, and priority support.

And then there's their Communities platform, which is like a social network for your students to connect and collaborate. Oh, and let's not forget about the Thinkific App Store, where you can grab all kinds of third-party apps and integrations to level up your course game.

Looking ahead, Thinkific is gearing up to take online education to a whole new level.

They're working on AI-powered course creation tools to give you that personalized learning experience, expanding their virtual classroom capabilities for live interactive sessions, and even integrating with corporate learning management systems for all you corporate training folks out there.

It's no wonder Thinkific is the future of online education.

With their innovative mindset, user-friendly platform, and commitment to pushing boundaries, they're empowering creators and learners alike to unlock their full potential.

Keep an eye on these guys, because they're about to take over the game.

Clutch is a rad online used car retailer that's shaking things up in Canada. These guys are the real deal, cutting out all the hassle of dealing with shady salespeople and showrooms.

Instead, they've got a slick platform that lets you browse and buy second-hand whips at killer prices, all from the comfort of your couch.

Clutch made Clutch's list of the 100 fastest-growing companies in 2024.

Talk about meta, right? These dudes are seriously crushing it, raking in some serious dough and expanding like crazy across the country. Apparently, they sold over 8,000 cars last year alone, which is insane.

Clutch just scored a $10 million investment from this massive insurance company called iA Financial Group.

With that kind of cash influx, they're planning to level up their game by integrating extended warranties and insurance products into their platform. Smooth move, if you ask me.

The best part? Clutch is all about keeping it real and making the car buying experience as painless as possible for us regular folks.

No more dealing with sleazy salesmen trying to upsell you on unnecessary extras or shady financing deals. These guys are straight-up revolutionizing the game, and I'm totally here for it.

To bring you the sickest list of Canada's top 10 startups for 2024, we got our hands dirty and did some serious digging. Innovation was the name of the game - we were on the hunt for those companies that are straight-up changing the game and flipping traditional industries upside down.

But innovation alone ain't enough, we had to scope out their growth potential too. We wanted startups that could scale like mofos and dominate their markets.

And let's not forget industry impact - we zeroed in on the ones that are seriously shaking things up in their sectors and influencing how we do business.

To gather all this intel, we tapped into some serious resources:

• Tech publications and analysts were our go-to's
• VC firms and startup accelerators gave us the inside scoop
• We mined data from legit entrepreneurship and innovation rankings
• Straight from the horse's mouth - we chatted with founders, investors, and experts in the field

Here's how we narrowed it down to the crème de la crème:

1. Compiled an innovative list of Canadian startups based on our initial recon
2. Went deep on their products, services, and biz models to sniff out the real game-changers
3. Put key metrics like funding, revenue growth, and customer acquisition under the microscope
4. Scoped out their long-term vision, competitive edge, and ability to scale like bosses
5. Picked the brains of industry experts and analysts for their two cents on potential impact and future outlook

With this solid game plan, you can bet your bottom dollar that our final cut is stacked with the sickest, fastest-growing, and most disruptive startups that every tech pro needs to have on their radar in 2024.

As Canada's tech scene keeps leveling up, we'll be right here, spotlighting the companies that are pushing the envelope and shaping the future. Check out Nucamp's inside scoop on Canada's thriving tech hub for more deets.