Calgary-based Cashew emerged as the top-funded startup at DMZ’s Women Innovation Summit, securing $190,000 in investments from DMZ Ventures ($150,000) and The Firehood ($40,000).
The AI-driven market research platform was one of four women-led startups awarded funding at the Toronto event, which saw a total of $535,000 invested in promising female entrepreneurs.
Now in its third year, the Women Innovation Summit has grown into a key platform for advancing women-led startups. This year marked the first time DMZ Ventures, the for-profit investment arm of DMZ, joined The Firehood as an investment partner, expanding available funding.
“With this funding, we’re ready to grow our team, level up our AI, and expand Cashew to international markets,” said Addy Graves, CEO and Co-Founder of Cashew, who credited DMZ’s pitch coaching for refining their message.
Other startups receiving funding included Migranium ($125,000), Edie Farming ($120,000), and Metronome ($100,000).
Calgary’s Bobbie Racette, founder and CEO of Virtual Gurus, was also honored at the Summit as one of DMZ’s 2025 Women of the Year for her contributions to Canada’s tech ecosystem.
The event featured roundtables, candid discussions on women’s entrepreneurship, and the unveiling of DMZ’s 2025 Women of the Year honorees, which included leaders from Mejuri, Startup Canada, Growclass, and Elevate.
“Women-led startups drive innovation and stronger returns,” said Abdullah Snobar, CEO of DMZ Ventures, emphasizing the importance of doubling down on investments in female entrepreneurs.
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