Author name: Team Techbeat

Events, Featured

Web Summit 2024: Record-Breaking Attendance and Industry Highlights

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Web Summit 2024, held in Lisbon from November 11 to November 14, broke records with 71,528 attendees from 153 countries.  This sold-out event featured over 3,050 companies, 953 speakers, and 1,066 investors. AI emerged as the leading industry, with new innovations showcased by both startups and well-known tech giants.   The conference floor was abuzz with excitement as partners such as IBM, Adobe, Meta, Huawei and American Express showcased cutting-edge technology. Among the 62 trade delegations attending the event Germany and Brazil lead the way It reinforced the global appeal of this important meeting. Opening night featured high-profile speakers, including Pharrell Williams who spoke about the intersection of commerce and creativity and Twelve Etosha Cave who presented the latest methods for producing fuel from water, CO2. Are you passionate about tech innovations, networking, and inspiring success stories from tech leaders? Don’t miss your chance to be part of the TechBeat Summit and Awards at The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto, on December 11. Secure your spot and buy tickets here! Artificial intelligence took center stage at the event, representing the most significant industry growth with a 16% increase in presence. Other industries included SaaS, fintech, healthtech, and clean tech. Women in tech made remarkable strides this year, with women-founded startups accounting for 44.5% of exhibitors, up from 29% in 2023. Women also represented 42% of all attendees. Web Summit 2024 was again an effective demonstration how technology, creativity, and global collaboration are shaping the future. With an incredibly high attendance and dynamic agenda, it has set a high standard for the tech industry’s most influential conferences. Web Summit 2025 is set to take place in Lisbon from November 10 to November 13. Source: https://websummit.com/ Picture Source: https://websummit.com/

Events

Insight: Synergy & Tech Forum – November 12, 2024

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Register Now Our valued partners are invited to join us to explore the latest IT trends and connect with fellow Insight partners representing organizations of all sizes. Partners will hear from an incredible lineup of speakers about next steps as we navigate the evolving tech landscape together. Our mainstage speakers will include: Reem Gedeon —Senior Vice President and General Manager, Insight Canada Judith Breen — Vice President, Partner Alliances and Portfolio Solutions, Insight Canada Rob Green — Chief Digital Officer, Insight North America Juan Orlandini — Chief Technology Officer, Insight North America

Featured, Fintech

Interac Survey: Newcomers lose financial confidence after arrival in Canada

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TORONTO, Nov. 12, 2024 /CNW/ – Newcomers are experiencing challenges with their financial confidence. A recent survey by Interac Corp. (Interac) reveals that starting a new life in Canada can cause a significant drop in financial confidence for newcomers. While a majority (61 per cent) of newcomers surveyed felt financially confident when first arriving here, that confidence fell (31 per cent) after contending with the economic challenges of settling in Canada. The Interac survey highlights newcomers are disproportionately affected by financial barriers, with over eight in 10 (85 per cent) reporting at least one such barrier impacts their financial security, compared to over half (58 per cent) of the general Canadian adult population polled. This disparity underscores the importance of providing targeted support and resources to help newcomers build their financial confidence and successfully navigate the Canadian financial system. Adding to the complexity, financial knowledge and practices from a newcomer’s home country often don’t readily translate to the Canadian context. “Newcomers are calling for tailored support, with 54 per cent believing that financial resources should be designed by newcomers,” said Lauren Mostowyk, Head, Integrated Marketing & Communications at Interac. “This is why we’ve focused on providing comprehensive support systems through our partnerships with Credit Canada and ACCES Employment. These collaborations provide mentorship from experienced newcomers and free access to a tailored blend of resources, so we can help empower newcomers to build a strong financial foundation. Practical tools such as online courses covering Canadian banking basics (81 per cent) and budgeting apps for local expenses (77 per cent) are highly sought after by survey respondents. To support the need of available resources, Interac sponsored Credit Canada’s Butterfly app to provide newcomers with free access to the app’s resources. This multilingual resource is intended to empower newcomers to take control of their finances, from budgeting basics to cost-of-living resources and real-time currency conversion. Created by newcomers, for newcomers, the Butterfly app equips new Canadians with the knowledge and confidence to build financial success in Canada. In addition to practical resources, mentorship plays a vital role in newcomer integration, proving significantly more prevalent among newcomers (51 per cent of respondents have had a mentor) than the general Canadian population (31 per cent). For newcomers, mentors have been said to provide invaluable support in navigating language barriers (89 per cent), understanding Canadian currency (86 per cent), and avoiding financial scams (83 per cent). Mentors who have personally navigated the newcomer journey are crucial as one-third of newcomers feel current financial resources don’t reflect their realities, and over half find their needs evolve over time. ACCES Employment is dedicated to tailored mentorship opportunities and has worked with Interac for over five years to scale programming and reach more newcomers. “ACCES Employment serves as an important resource to support newcomers navigating the Canadian job market and re-establish their financial confidence. We empower newcomers to overcome employment barriers, build strong professional networks, and achieve lasting career success in Canada. Our partnership with Interac has been instrumental in expanding our programs and services for newcomer job seekers, including connecting newcomers with experienced mentors,” said Allison Pond, President & CEO, ACCES Employment. About the Interac research An online nationwide survey was conducted by Discover among 1,459 respondents, age 18 years and older. The sample was comprised of a core sample of 1,000 Canadian adults (representative of the Canadian adult population according to the most recent Statistics Canada census data), plus an oversample to result in a subgroup total of 500 newcomers/new Canadians (defined as those who immigrated to Canada after age 18 and have lived in Canada for less than 10 years). The survey was fielded in English and French from October 10 to October 23, 2024. To learn more, visit In The Know.

Apps, Featured

Seed Round Funding: Wine App InVintory Secures $2.3M USD

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TORONTO, Nov. 12, 2024 /CNW/ – InVintory, the cutting-edge wine management platform, has successfully raised $2.3M USD in seed round funding to fuel its expansion into the hospitality and storage industries. This funding round, led by passionate users, as well as angel and strategic investors, will enable InVintory to launch its industry-leading 3D technology to businesses, including restaurants, hotels, golf and country clubs, wine storage facilities, and wine clubs. This round also marks a significant milestone, as Joshua Daiter steps into the role of CEO. Founded in 2019, InVintory has grown from a vision to simplify wine management into a sophisticated platform trusted by collectors and businesses around the world. Streamlining Wine Management for Businesses Building on its success in the private wine collection market, InVintory is now set to empower hospitality operators with a comprehensive solution. The platform will help facilities streamline wine program management, deliver exceptional guest experiences, and support wine clubs in managing their members’ collections. As the hospitality industry increasingly emphasizes inventory efficiency, InVintory’s tailored platform is poised to become an essential tool for wine programs across the sector. InVintory also plans to expand its product into new international markets, beginning with Europe, to meet the growing demand for innovative wine management solutions worldwide. The new funding will be used for the following initiatives: Development of advanced hospitality and storage features including real-time inventory tracking, analytics, and custom workflows for managing wine usage during events. Team expansion to recruit top talent in product development and sales to accelerate growth. Enhanced marketing efforts to capture significant market share with new audiences. International expansion to introduce InVintory’s platform to new markets. Key Features for Enterprise InVintory’s platform is designed to enhance both operational efficiency and guest experience for hospitality and wine club clients: Real-Time Inventory Tracking – Monitor stock levels in real-time for accurate, up-to-date availability. Customizable Reporting and Analytics – Generate insights on sales trends, inventory turnover, and profitability to help facilities make data-driven decisions. 3D Virtual Cellar Visualizations – Seamlessly organize and track inventory across primary cellars and off-site storage locations. Member and Locker Management for Wine Clubs – Provide personalized dashboards, member insights, and locker management for a unique, branded experience for wine club members. Executive Quotes “InVintory was born out of a passion for simplifying wine management, and I’m thrilled to bring that vision to the hospitality and wine storage sectors,” said Joshua Daiter, CEO of InVintory. “Our platform enables venues to elevate their wine offerings and deliver exceptional guest experiences, all while maximizing operational efficiency.” About InVintory Founded in 2019, InVintory provides a powerful solution for managing wine collections. With features like AI-powered recommendations, advanced analytics, and 3D cellar models, InVintory has become an invaluable tool for wine collectors and hospitality venues seeking to streamline operations. The platform’s innovative design and commitment to the wine community position it as a leader in wine inventory management.

Events, Featured

Scale Without Borders

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Register Here:  Every year, in our annual Immigrants in Tech Summit, Scale Without Borders claims space for thousands of immigrants and newcomers in tech at none other than the Royal Ontario Museum. Throughout the day, we bring the entire immigrant and tech community— key corporate leaders, leading startups, government and non-profit organizations— to support, celebrate, hire and engage the brightest immigrant tech talent and entrepreneurs. Visualize high profile talks, high impact break-outs, curated networking

Featured, Fintech

Top Down Ventures: First Close of US$25M Founders Fund I

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VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 21, 2024 /CNW/ – Top Down Ventures, the premier venture capital firm founded by industry visionary Chris Day, has announced the first close of its US$25M Founders Fund, designed to fuel early-stage SaaS companies within the Managed Service Provider (MSP) sector. Building on its innovative venture studio model, Top Down empowers MSP software startups with not only capital but also unparalleled operational expertise and a proven scaling playbook. The firm’s General Partners – Chris Day, Joel Abramson and Mark Scott –  boast a remarkable track record in the MSP space, including founding and scaling companies like Fully Managed (acquired by TELUS), IT Glue (acquired by Kaseya), N-able (NYSE: NABL), ScalePad, and Produce8. With prior investments in leading MSP software firms such as Backup Radar, Quoter, Control Map and most recently Benji Pays. Focused Expertise in the MSP SaaS Space “We are thrilled with this milestone, which reflects the confidence of MSP founders and executives who make up the majority of our Limited Partners,” said Joel Abramson, Managing Partner at Top Down. “Our deep sector focus and hands-on approach are already driving momentum as we anticipate closing three new SaaS investments in Q4.” Top Down’s Founders Fund targets high-potential SaaS companies generating $1M+ in annual recurring revenue (ARR), with Seed or Series A investments up to $3M. With a carefully curated network of Limited Partners and Operating Advisors – including MSP veterans like Dan Wensley, Janice Siddons and Ryan Voegeli – the fund is uniquely positioned to amplify the success of its portfolio companies. Photo by Aidan Hancock on Unsplash Driving Innovation in a Booming Industry “We’ve been at the forefront of several firsts in the MSP industry, and this fund is the next one,” said Mark Scott, Managing Partner at Top Down. “Our capital, SaaS playbook, and venture studio combined with our global network, provide an unparalleled force multiplier for SaaS startups in an industry that’s on track to reach $1 trillion by 2030.” Top Down not only offers financial backing but also leverages its deep operational experience to drive growth for its portfolio companies. The firm’s venture studio model includes expert guidance in product development, go-to-market strategies, and team building, ensuring that founders receive both strategic and tactical support. To learn more, SaaS founders and LP investors can visit www.topdown.com and sign up for The Future of MSP Work, a thought leadership series exploring key trends and opportunities in the MSP sector. About Top Down Ventures Top Down is a leading venture capital firm specializing in early-stage Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) companies in the Managed Service Provider (MSP) market. The firm’s Founders Fund I focuses on SaaS companies with $1M+ ARR, offering Seed or Series A investments of up to $3M. With a venture studio model that combines operational support and scaling expertise, Top Down helps MSP software companies realize their full potential. For more information, visit www.topdown.com

Events, Featured

Fortinet Cybersecurity Summit 2024

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Calling all IT professionals – the Fortinet Cybersecurity Summit is back! The Fortinet Cybersecurity Summit 2024 is our premier global event designed exclusively for the cybersecurity community. We are thrilled to announce that for the second year in a row, Canada will be playing host to this prestigious gathering.  The primary objective of the summit is to enlighten, demonstrate and share information about market trends, future trajectory of cybersecurity, and its profound influence on business outcomes. Register Here: Fortinet Cybersecurity Summit 2024 The Fortinet Cybersecurity Summit 2024 serves as a unique platform where you will have the opportunity to network with distinguished leaders in the field of cybersecurity. Our event also provides the opportunity to gain insights from our resident experts, gain knowledge from our cutting-edge and transformative content, and immerse yourself in a conducive environment that will aid customers and prospects in making well-rounded decisions regarding comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that safeguard users, devices, and applications across all potential attack vectors.

Events

TechBeat Summit & Awards 2024

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Introducing the first Edition TechBeat Technology Summit and Awards! The TechBeat Technology Awards is an exciting initiative that highlights the increasing impact of technology on Canada’s business environment. The awards serve as a platform for exchanging the latest industry insights, fostering innovation, and offering valuable networking opportunities within specialized fields. Attendees will connect with seasoned speakers from diverse sectors as we delve into data, share insights, and showcase best technology practices to address the evolving challenges faced by companies. Dedicated to celebrating excellence of business and how they have used technology partners to create a significate impact in the industry. These awards provide a platform for Technology leaders to share their knowledge and inspire others to succeed. Join us for an in-person opportunity to engage with industry trailblazers at our annual summit! Register for TechBeat Summit & Awards 2024 To Nominate for Techbeat Awards 2024

IOT

mobiQode unveils lightning-fast Dynamic QR Code Generator

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Generate QR codes in less than 60 seconds to instantly boost your business’s digital presence AHMEDABAD, India, Oct. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Innovative SaaS platform mobiQode has launched its dynamic QR code generator product. Designed to help businesses create QR codes in less than 60 seconds and revolutionize their digital engagement, mobiQode is already being used by a variety of businesses. Speaking to the media, Ankita Saraswat, Founder of mobiQode said, “mobiQode’s mission is to be the easiest QR code generator, making QR code generation simple and accessible for all types of businesses, including retail, healthcare, real estate, education, and many more.” Key Features of mobiQode’s QR code Generator include: Supports a wide variety of QR code data types, including websites, videos, images, social media, PDFs, restaurant menu, vCards, and digital business cards In-depth analytics for performance tracking and optimization GDPR-compliant security measures Bulk QR code creation capabilities to support large-scale campaigns Customizable URLs for branding needs “Our QR code generator provides the highest level of flexibility and caters to a wide range of personal and professional requirements. Whether you are a professional trying to ease the process of sharing contact information with a vCard QR Code, a restaurant enhancing their ordering process with a digital menu QR Code, or a marketer improving their omnichannel efficiency, mobiQode offers a tailored solution for all kinds of businesses,” Ankita Saraswat added. mobiQode offers a free 14-day trial, allowing businesses to access all the major features before any commitment. Paid plans start at just $15 per month, making the mobiQode platform affordable for all types of businesses. This makes mobiQode an indispensable tool for companies to maintain their competitive edge in a digital world . What sets mobiQode’s Dynamic QR Code Generator apart? User-Friendly interface QR code customization options Affordable pricing with a 14-day free trial In-depth Analytics State-of-the Art QR Code design templates To start your 14-day trial today and see how mobiQode can transform your business, visit mobiQode’s QR code Generator .

Apps

Premier Construction Software Partners with Lumber to Revolutionize Workforce Management in Construction

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MARKHAM, ON, Oct. 15, 2024 /CNW/ – Premier Construction Software, the global leader in financial cloud ERP solutions for the construction industry, announces a strategic partnership with Lumber, a modern payroll and workforce management platform. This collaboration brings together two industry leaders with a shared mission to transform workforce management in the construction sector, enhancing operational efficiency, real-time decision-making, and project success. Together, Premier and Lumber are addressing one of the most pressing challenges in construction—streamlining workforce management. By integrating their advanced technologies, this partnership offers construction companies an unparalleled solution that unifies payroll, HR, and real-time labor data, ensuring better job costing, financial accuracy, and workforce optimization. “This partnership elevates our ability to deliver true end value to our clients,” said Karoline Lapko, CEO of Premier Construction Software. “In today’s fast-moving construction landscape, successful project delivery relies on accurate, real-time data flow and seamless software integration. Partnering with Lumber allows us to build a powerful, well-architected API that drives both efficiency and scalability, ensuring that clients are empowered to make timely, informed decisions across their operations.” Shreesha Ramdas, Co-Founder of Lumber, echoed this sentiment: “This partnership is a milestone for the construction sector. By combining Premier’s robust ERP with Lumber’s cutting-edge payroll technology, we’re enabling greater project efficiency and unlocking new opportunities for seamless collaboration across North America. Our combined solution provides construction businesses with a powerful tool to manage labor costs in real-time, improving profitability and project outcomes.” Manish Kumar, Co-Founder of Lumber, added, “We’re thrilled to partner with Premier Construction Software, a company that shares our commitment to integrity and innovation. Together, we aim to empower construction companies with technologies that optimize processes, enhance employee well-being, and ultimately drive success in a highly competitive, dynamic market.” Driving Digital Transformation in Construction Premier’s AI-powered cloud ERP platform sets the standard for automation, real-time visibility, and financial control in the construction industry. This partnership with Lumber furthers Premier’s mission to drive digital transformation by providing clients with the ability to capture labor data in real time, improving job costing accuracy and streamlining both payroll and workforce management processes. A Track Record of Leadership and Innovation As a leader in the construction software space, Premier Construction Software has helped thousands of construction companies optimize performance and drive sustainable growth. With over 30 years of industry expertise and innovation, Premier continues to lead the digital transformation of construction, ensuring clients have the tools and insights they need to succeed in today’s competitive market. For more information about how Premier Construction Software’s award-winning solutions can help your business achieve operational excellence, visit premiercs.com About Premier Construction Software Founded in 2009, Premier Construction Software operates on a global scale with offices across North America, Australia/New Zealand, and the MENA region. We specialize in financial construction software, delivering a unified platform that integrates financial management, project execution, field operations, and AI-driven technology to help clients achieve operational excellence and scalability. Premier Construction Software is a subsidiary of Constellation Software Inc., a global leader in delivering specialized, mission-critical software solutions for both public and private sectors. About Lumber Lumber is a modern AI-powered workforce management platform that seamlessly streamlines payroll for building contractors. Visit lumberfi.com for more information.

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