As global demand for data centre capacity and sustainable technology solutions continues to surge, Alberta is emerging as a significant player in the high-tech space. At the forefront of this evolution is Calgary-based CoolIT Systems, a world leader in liquid cooling technology for data centres. In this interview, we speak with Patrick McGinn, Chief Operating […]
Interviews
Our Q+A series highlights the province's notable domain experts and is meant to offer guidance and insight to our readers. Interested in sharing your story? Reach out to get started.
Tech-Driven Cleaning: How Home Spritz Supports Living Wages
A living wage is the hourly pay needed to cover basic expenses and ensure a modest standard of living after accounting for government transfers and taxes. In 2024, Calgary’s living wage was announced at $24.45 per hour—a striking 63% higher than Alberta’s minimum wage of $15 per hour. This sharp increase reflects the soaring costs […]
Confronting Canada’s New Cyber Threat Landscape: Insights from ISA Cybersecurity’s Syed Ahmed
“Canada has entered a new era of cyber vulnerability.” Those are the chilling first words of the introduction to Canada’s National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025-2026, released at the end of October. The report describes a world filled with complex threats and shadowy threat actors. It’s a scary world – but one that Canadian cybersecurity firm ISA […]
Inside Game Invest West: Pioneering Game Investment in Western Canada
Shred Capitals’ Calgary office is hosting the first annual Game Invest West summit in tandem with the Banff Venture Forum on October 23rd. With a laser-focus on game investment, this summit is the first of its kind in Western Canada, and is invite-only, limited to participants in Shred’s Scaffold venture studio program. Scaffold was created […]
How ZayZoon is Advancing Financial Empowerment for Small Business Employees
Earlier this week ZayZoon announced it had added $20 million to its coffers as an extension to its Series B round. The news came just six months after announcing a previous fundraise, surprising even ZayZoon co-founder and CEO Darcy Tuer (pictured above with co-founders Jamie Ha and Tate Hackert). ZayZoon is an Earned Wage Access […]
How Merchant Growth is Reshaping CEBA Loan Repayment for Canadian Small Businesses
The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) has been a vital lifeline for countless small businesses across Canada amidst the economic turmoil brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally introduced as part of the government’s economic response to the crisis, CEBA provided interest-free loans to eligible businesses to help them weather the storm. The federal government […]
Expert Tips for Tech Startups Moving Into a New Facility
Driven by the return to in-person gatherings, new data shows venture-backed startups are renting more office space. While legacy companies may stay in a single office building for decades, quick-growing tech startups typically require more flexibility and to be able to change their space as they expand. In the excitement of expansion or relocation, there […]
From Soda Sales to Software Success: Chantelle Little’s Journey to Founding a Top Web Agency
What began as a youngster selling soda cans at her father’s local golf course sparked the entrepreneurial journey behind one of Canada’s most innovative, tech-focused web and brand agencies. Chantelle Little knew she loved entrepreneurship well before she understood anything about brand, SaaS or the technology sector. From her days selling sodas as a kid […]
How PayShepherd Helped Industrial Facilities Avoid $1 Million in Overspending
Launched in 2018 by Wesley Sessenwein, Jenn Hunter, and Johan Lee, Calgary’s PayShepherd wants to become the “system of record” for financial transactions between industrial facilities and contractors. Working as a billing management and contract assurance platform, the company’s solution sits between facilities and the contracted workforce to identify billing issues, increase visibility and accountability […]
Baby Registry That Knows No Boundaries: Giftstart’s Game-Changing Platform To Support Canadian Parents
Baby registries have been around for decades, moving from physical stores to online platforms. However, the focus has mostly stayed on physical items. like bibs and strollers. Now, the needs of today’s parents are different, with the opportunity to offer support beyond just baby gear. Channeling her passion for helping families and her background in […]