Start ups

Start ups

MiniTool’s Biggest Discount of the Year

VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — MiniTool, a committed software development firm, offers MiniTool Partition Wizard, MiniTool Power Data Recovery, MiniTool ShadowMaker, MiniTool MovieMaker, MiniTool Video Converter, and other products in the 2024 Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions. From November 25 to December 6, 2024, customers can visit the MiniTool promotion page to purchase products and enjoy big discounts. Promotions and Activities Entrance 1: Discounts for MiniTool Partition Wizard, MiniTool Power Data Recovery, and MiniTool ShadowMaker (UP TO 65% OFF) Entrance 2: Discounts for MiniTool MovieMaker and MiniTool Video Converter (UP TO 70% OFF) MiniTool’s promotion is divided into three forms: lucky draw, combination promotion, and single item promotion. Lucky Draw: Try your luck to get a discount or coupon for your desired single product. Each user has 5 chances per day during Black Friday sales. Combination Promotion: Or you can directly pick up your favorite bundles with a bigger discount! Single Item Promotion: Enjoy exclusive discounts on individual products! Best Seller: MiniTool Partition Wizard Pro Ultimate + MiniTool ShadowMaker Pro UltimateMiniTool Partition Wizard is a top disk manager with comprehensive partition management features that can meet the basic disk and partition management needs of home and business users. It is available in Pro, Pro Platinum, and Pro Ultimate versions. Of these, the Pro Ultimate version is the best choice. MiniTool ShadowMaker is a professional backup software based on the Windows system. It can safely back up files, folders, systems, disks, and partitions to internal or external hard drives. MiniTool Partition Wizard Pro Ultimate and MiniTool ShadowMaker Pro Ultimate are originally priced at $199 and $158, respectively. During MiniTool’s Black Friday promotion, customers can buy these two products for ONLY $160.65 (55% OFF). Double Protection of Data: MiniTool Power Data Recovery Personal Ultimate + MiniTool ShadowMaker Pro UltimateMiniTool Power Data Recovery is the best data recovery software for Windows users. It can successfully recover accidentally deleted files as well as files lost due to system crashes or virus attacks. Windows users can use MiniTool Power Data Recovery to recover data from internal storage, as well as external drives (such as HDD, SSD, USB, SD card, etc.). MiniTool ShadowMaker can set up backup items regularly to properly protect your data and computer. It is the best choice for Windows users to back up files, hard drives, systems, etc. MiniTool Power Data Recovery Personal Ultimate and MiniTool ShadowMaker Pro Ultimate charge $129 and $158 respectively. Now with a discount of 60% OFF, you ONLY NEED to PAY $114.80 for them. 65% OFF: MiniTool Partition Wizard Pro Platinum + MiniTool Power Data Recovery Personal Annual Subscription + MiniTool ShadowMaker Pro Annual SubscriptionMiniTool Partition Wizard Pro Platinum offers all the features of the software, plus one year of free upgrades. It can be used on three devices after purchase. MiniTool Power Data Recovery Personal Annual Subscription offers all the functions of MiniTool data recovery software and a one-year free upgrade. MiniTool ShadowMaker Pro Annual Subscription allows use on two devices, plus one year of free updates. The original prices of these three products are $129, $89, and $120 respectively. During the Black Friday promotion, you can get them all with ONLY $118.30 (65% OFF). 70% OFF: MiniTool MovieMaker Annual Subscription + MiniTool Video Converter 12-Month SubscriptionMiniTool MovieMaker is the best choice for creating and editing videos. It supports adding transitions, special effects, and text to a video. Even beginners can make stunning videos with templates in MiniTool MovieMaker. MiniTool Video Converter can convert audio and video into more than 1,000 formats. Its batch conversion function makes conversion more efficient. In addition, MiniTool Video Converter allows the recording of partial or full-screen activities without background noise. The regular price of MiniTool MovieMaker Annual Subscription is $59.99, and the regular price of MiniTool Video Converter 12-Month Subscription is $119.99. During Black Friday, enjoy both of them for a whole year for ONLY $53.99, SAVING 70%! For more product details, please visit the two promotion pages mentioned above. About MiniTool® Software Ltd.MiniTool® Software Ltd. is a software development company based in Canada. It is committed to providing customers with the most useful applications, such as MiniTool Power Data Recovery, MiniTool Partition Wizard, MiniTool ShadowMaker, MiniTool System Booster, MiniTool MovieMaker, and MiniTool Video Converter.

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KPMG: Nine in 10 Canadian CEOs considering acquisitions

Most CEOs are planning deals in the next three years, with four in 10 considering major transactions, while small and mid-sized companies increasingly tap private markets TORONTO, Oct. 7, 2024 /CNW/ – Nine in 10 CEOs of large Canadian organizations are considering making acquisitions in the next three years to help boost growth – with four in 10 planning major deals – and nearly three quarters of small and medium-sized businesses are considering making acquisitions, according to a pair of KPMG surveys. In KPMG International’s CEO Outlook, a survey of global CEOs, Canadian chief executives cited M&A as their second-most important growth strategy over next three years, just behind organic growth, while CEOs in global markets cited M&A as their top priority – ahead of organic growth. Among Canadian CEOs, 41 per cent said they are likely to make acquisitions that will significantly impact their operations, 49 per cent are likely to do deals that moderately impact their business and only 9 per cent are unlikely to make an acquisition. By contrast, KPMG in Canada’s Private Enterprise survey showed small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are relying less on M&A as a top growth strategy, but they’re still planning to do deals: 34 per cent are considering significant acquisitions, 43 per cent are expecting to make acquisitions with moderate impact on their organizations, and four per cent are seeking to be acquired. “Recent interest rate cuts by central banks in Canada and the U.S., and lower inflation are breathing life back into the M&A market. As the cost of capital eases, investors and corporates are becoming more confident about making acquisitions, so we expect to see dealmaking activity pick up; in fact, 2025 could be one of the busiest years for M&A in quite some time,” says John Cho, KPMG in Canada’s National Leader of its Deal Advisory practice. “As economic headwinds begin to ease, businesses and institutional investors will naturally become more acquisitive. The supply of acquisition targets will likely increase as well, as more private equity funds exit their investments after years of cautiously sitting tight. As the economy starts to improve, more small and mid-sized businesses will be looking for funding to help support their next stage of growth. All these factors point to a busier M&A market,” Mr. Cho adds. For SMBs looking to expand, tapping private capital will be a key strategy, survey data shows: eight in 10 respondents are looking for a long-term investor with patient capital and advice that can help them scale up, and 77 per cent are seeking an investment of 10 years or more. Tapping private capital Just over three quarters (77 per cent) of SMB respondents are considering or would consider teaming with private-equity investors as long as they don’t load up their balance sheet with debt, and 78 per cent said raising private capital is more important to their growth strategy than the public markets. Neil Blair, partner and President of KPMG in Canada Corporate Finance Inc., says private capital has become an increasingly important source of growth for Canadian organizations over the last few years because the alternative – going public – has become more onerous and complicated, according to Canadian business leaders. Almost eight in 10 (79 per cent) respondents said the immense and increasing cost of compliance, governance and disclosure requirements makes going public or being a publicly traded company problematic. If the compliance and governance burden could be eased however, three quarters of respondents said they would definitely consider going public. “Public markets have become more complex and harder to navigate, and many businesses don’t want to deal with that complexity because it can be costly, time-consuming and resource-intensive for many organizations. Private capital is an attractive option for growing businesses, but business owners aren’t just looking for funding – they want true partners who understand and value their vision and purpose. There’s more at stake to doing a deal nowadays,” Mr. Blair says. Creating value in a complex M&A market In addition to having strong relationship dynamics with their investors, sellers are contending with increasingly important factors such as environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards and regulations, and emerging technologies, Mr. Blair says. “Three quarters of SMBs told us they find the M&A landscape far more complex than five years ago because of decarbonization, the growth of AI, concerns over data quality and privacy, and the ability to integrate these into their systems. That underscores the need for sellers to differentiate and position themselves in the M&A market and find novel ways to create and demonstrate value to investors,” he says. “Businesses that are digitally-savvy and have a culture of innovation are likely to get more out of a transaction. Integrating generative AI into their operations, for example, could help sellers boost the value of their business, and our survey bears that out: more than eight in 10 (81 per cent) SMBs think generative AI would make their company more valuable to prospective buyers,” Mr. Blair adds. Getting more value out of a deal is a key consideration for organizations whether they are acquirers or targets: nearly eight in 10 (79 per cent) SMB respondents are looking for ways to create more value for their company ahead of a sale, while 68 per cent have difficulty deciphering the true value of potential acquisitions. Mr. Blair and Mr. Cho recommend the following strategies for acquirors and prospective sellers to get more value from a deal: Use data and analytics and AI tools to identify competitive advantages and synergies Have dedicated M&A personnel, processes and activities in place pre- and post-deal Engage third-party advisors to help identify additional value creation opportunities For more insights on M&A, see our latest article, Getting to the Real Deal.

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Motion raises US$30 million to build the command center for creative strategists

TORONTO, Sept. 19, 2024 /CNW/ – Motion, the creative analytics and research platform used by creative strategists, announced today that it has secured $30 million USD in Series B funding led by Inovia with participation from Threshold Ventures as well as existing investors Headline, Abstract Ventures, and Sugar Capital. The funding will accelerate Motion’s product roadmap and deepen its analytics and creative research capabilities. This raise brings the company’s total funding to $42 million USD. Audience targeting on ad platforms has become more algorithm-based and growth leaders know that creative is the #1 lever for success. This has led to the rise of the creative strategist—a new role responsible for bridging the gap between the analytical and creative sides of marketing. With Motion, creative strategists can research ad trends, analyze performance, and get inspired with new ideas to maximize the revenue impact from creative. Since launching in 2021, Motion has been adopted by top performance advertisers in the ecommerce and direct-to-consumer space. Ecommerce brands like HexClad, Vuori, True Classic, Jones Road Beauty, and Ridge use Motion to analyze over $6B in media spend every year. “Motion’s customers are the best-of-the-best in paid social and the creative strategist is at the core of their workflow. Our goal is to make the creative strategist role more approachable for everyone by building the tools they need to ship more winning ads,” said Reza Khadjavi, the CEO at Motion. In the last year, Motion doubled its headcount from 25 to 50 employees and has grown to over 1,000 customers in the direct-to-consumer and ecommerce industry, as well as the B2B SaaS and consumer app verticals. In addition to its creative analytics tools that help advertisers understand top-performing ads and visualize trends, Motion released today a new product called Creative Research that extends its utility deeper into the research side of ad production. With Creative Research, brands can track competitors on paid social. This helps brands monitor new ads launched by competitors, build a swipe file with ads from Facebook and TikTok, and analyze the media mix, messaging, and landing pages of top competitors. “Motion doesn’t just provide information—it actively helps teams make better decisions and fosters a pathway for innovation, rather than simply iterating on the same ideas,” says Inovia Partner Karam Nijjar. “The team’s experience uniquely positions them to become the command center for creative strategy within marketing organizations.” Motion also announced today that the popular YouTube and advertising industry influencer Dara Denney is joining the company as its Chief Evangelist. In her role, Dara Denney will advise on product direction, create educational content for Motion’s customers, and help train the next generation of creative strategists. Motion is hiring across the board for engineering, product management, marketing, customer success, and sales roles. Visit Motion’s careers page for more information. About Motion Motion is the command center for creative strategists. With Motion, creative strategists get help at every step of their workflow including visual analysis of top-performing ads, competitor tracking, research tools, and automated recommendations to help prioritize what to ship next. Motion’s customers include some of the most prominent advertisers in paid social. Brands like HexClad, Vuori, True Classic, Jones Road Beauty, and Ridge use Motion to analyze over $6B in media spend every year. For more information, visit motionapp.com. About Inovia Capital Inovia Capital is Canada’s leading full-stack software investor, partnering with founders to build impactful global companies. With three investment strategies—Discovery, Venture, and Growth—the team leverages an operator-led mindset to provide entrepreneurs with multi-stage support and access to a worldwide network. Inovia manages over US$2.5B with operations in Montreal, Toronto, Waterloo, Calgary, the Bay Area, and London. For more information, visit inovia.vc.

Featured, Start ups

British Columbia is entrepreneurial epicentre of Canada: GoDaddy

British Columbia (BC) province is home to the highest concentration of online microbusinesses in Canada, beating Ontario, which ranks in second place, and Alberta in third Small but mighty: Prince Edward Island ranks above giant neighbour Quebec, and above Manitoba and Saskatchewan. GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research analyses data from 770,000 Canadian online microbusinesses. TORONTO, ON, June 4, 2024 /CNW/ — British Columbia is the online microbusiness capital of Canada, with its density of online microbusinesses surpassing eastern counterparts including Ontario and Quebec. Venture Forward, GoDaddy’s international research initiative that studies the economic impacts of microbusinesses and the attitudes and needs of the owners who start and run them, analyses data from 770,000 Canadian online microbusinesses (which typically employ ten people or fewer ). Every province and territory in Canada has its density calculated, with “Microbusiness Density” relative to population density. BC is home to the highest concentration of online microbusinesses The research results show that British Columbia is Canada’s province leader, with 2.8 online microbusinesses per 100 residents. Ontario is in second place, with a Microbusiness Density of 2.5, and Alberta third with 2.1. Jean Bradbury, an artist, painter and GoDaddy customer with an eponymous online small business based in Bowen Island near Vancouver, says it’s the unique culture of British Columbia that enables small businesses to thrive there. She comments: “British Columbia is very progressive and community minded. People like to shop ethically and sustainably, supporting local businesses and artists. “There are other key advantages of being in BC. Small business owners can enjoy the scenery and high quality of life of living in rural areas while taking advantage of having a major city hub – Vancouver – nearby. “In my view, having an online presence has been crucial to showcase my newest work and secure high-value public art commissions. My business has grown consistently over the past four years, and I hope to continue expanding it thanks to my online reach.” A healthy online microbusiness landscape across the country The results of GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research support the conclusion that the number of online microbusinesses is thriving across Canada, despite recent economic headwinds. A surprising online microbusiness powerhouse emerged from the rankings, with small but mighty Prince Edward Island (1.59 microbusinesses per 100 residents) placing above neighbour Quebec (1.56), and above Manitoba (1.22) and Saskatchewan (1.32). GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research also found that online microbusinesses can bring significant return on investment for entrepreneurs. Almost three fifths (58%) of online microbusinesses in Canada surveyed were launched with less than $5,000 CAD in initial capital. The data further showed that more than half of the online microbusiness owners said they generated over $2,500 in monthly revenue. And one in four Canadian online microbusiness entrepreneurs now manage more than one business. Young Lee, Canada Market Lead for GoDaddy, commented: “Small business activity contributes to increased incomes and job creation across local communities GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research helps to illustrate the enormous economic contribution of online small and microbusinesses to wider Canadian life and the economy. Right now, British Columbia appears to be the heart of the country’s thriving online business scene. “There are very few research studies that focus specifically on companies with under 10 employees in Canada. GoDaddy aims to change that by sharing this data with businesses and policymakers, helping them to make more informed decisions about entrepreneurs based on the challenges and opportunities that small and microbusiness owners face.” NOTES Online Microbusiness Density and Rank by Canadian Province [source: GoDaddy Venture Forward, 2024] Rank Province Microbusiness Density 1st British Columbia 2.852319 2nd Ontario 2.469034 3rd Alberta 2.093635 4th Yukon 1.623086 5th Prince Edward Island 1.592033 6th Quebec 1.561452 7th Saskatchewan 1.324056 8th Nova Scotia 1.256882 9th Northwest Territories and Nunavut 1.239348 10th   Manitoba 1.22378 11th New Brunswick 0.97433 12th Newfoundland and Labrador 0.750171

Featured, Start ups

Simpli Events: Canadian Startup Revolutionizing Event Marketing Experience

We recently sat down with Ibrahim C, the founder of Simpli Events, where he shared his vision for transforming the event planning landscape. Ibrahim detailed his approach to enhancing ticketing and onboarding experiences for event organizers, aiming to streamline their processes and improve overall efficiency. For more information: https://simpli.events/home In the ever-evolving tech landscape, new platforms often emerge in response to the inadequacies of existing solutions. One such innovator is a Simpli Events that has quickly become a preferred choice for event organizers looking for user-friendly, efficient alternatives. When prospective customers search for a ticketing company, they often use queries like “Canadian events platform,” “How do I sell tickets for my event online?” or look for an “Eventbrite alternative.” Founding Inspirations and Innovations The genesis of Simpli Events traces back to the founders’ own experiences while organizing college events. Frustrated by the cumbersome process of setting up event pages and the sluggishness of handling online payments, Ibrahim C. was motivated to create a solution that addressed these pain points directly. This led to the development of a platform that not only simplifies event management but also enhances the user experience significantly. Overcoming Challenges with Innovative Solutions Embarking on the largest project Ibrahim, founder Simpli events  had ever undertaken, he faced a steep learning curve. He delved deep into coding best practices and honed his customer outreach strategy. His  journey was not without its challenges, but each hurdle provided valuable lessons that helped him refine his approach and improve Simpli Events service offering. Vision for the Future Looking ahead, Ibrahim has set ambitious goals for itself. Within the next five years, he aims to become the go-to events platform for a diverse range of Canadian events, including student activities, festivals, corporate gatherings and more. The focus will increasingly be on customer-centric enhancements, making the event organizing experience intuitive and effective. Advice for Aspiring Tech Entrepreneurs Reflecting on his journey, Ibrahim offer sage advice to upcoming tech entrepreneurs: the real work begins post-launch. It is crucial to engage continuously with customers, demonstrate the value of your product, and remain committed to ongoing learning and innovation. This Canadian startup not only exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit but also illustrates how targeted solutions can transform frustrations into successful business ventures. As Ibrahim continues to grow and refine Simpli Events, the platform not only meets the current demands of event organizers but also anticipate future needs, paving the way for sustained innovation in the tech industry. Reach out to Ibrahim C.,Founder, Simpli Events: ibrahim@simplievents.com Yugbodh (YB) is a contributing writer at Tech Beat Canada, he skillfully weaves captivating stories. For him music and movies serves as an escape, and he finds them fascinating as they constantly evolve. If you have interesting tales to share, feel free to reach out via email at: info@techbeat.ca

Start ups

CrashBay, the First Collision Repair Marketplace, Secures Funding to Transform How Consumers, Insurance Companies and Repairers Connect

TORONTO, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — CrashBay, the premier digital marketplace revolutionizing collision repair solutions for fleets and carriers, today announced the successful completion of a $1.25 million funding round led by venture capital firm Markd, with participation from other collision and insurance industry veterans. The funding marks a pivotal milestone in CrashBay’s commitment to transforming the collision repair industry and reshaping direct repair programs. “This partnership with Markd signifies a major milestone for our company, giving us the fuel we need to achieve our mission of empowering car owners and carriers to connect with trusted repair shops anywhere in the world!” said Founder & CEO John Harvey. “Being backed by such a prolific Insurtech fund like Markd, with their expertise and leadership, uniquely equips CrashBay as we embark on the next stage of our transformation journey.” Parker Beauchamp, Managing Partner at Markd, added: “I’m sick of waiting 6+ months for my car repairs, and I figured everyone else is, too. These guys grew up in body shops and insurance company claims departments. Surely, there are improvements to be made. I’m excited for the CrashBay team and their opportunity.” CrashBay has quickly emerged as a leader in providing end-to-end collision repair solutions tailored to the needs of fleets and carriers across North America. Car owners and carriers can seamlessly book appointments with trusted repair shops through its innovative platform. In contrast, repair shops gain access to a suite of programs designed to streamline their operations and enhance services. CrashBay is redefining the automotive industry landscape by transforming how car owners, insurer fleets, and repair shops connect and collaborate. Its platform offers customized SaaS solutions, digital payments, and claims services developed to address the unique needs of its partners. Co-Founder & President Andrew Daniels on the CrashBay model: “Our traction highlights the importance of creating a unified marketplace that simplifies the complexities associated with collision repair, fostering an environment where trust, transparency, and efficiency thrive. Our focus as a facilitator helps all stakeholders benefit from process digitization.” With the backing of this funding, CrashBay aims to accelerate product development efforts, ramp up customer acquisition strategies, and expand essential services, solidifying its position as the go-to solution for collision repair needs. CrashBay remains dedicated to empowering fleets, carriers, and repairers with the tools and resources they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Featured, Start ups

CYBER101 – Free Cybersecurity training for businesses and individuals

MONTREAL, Feb. 12, 2024 /CNW/ – www.cyber101.com is a new platform launched by two Montreal-based entrepreneurs combining their respective expertise in cybersecurity and animation video. This educational website offers a brief and engaging certification process to raise employee awareness about cybersecurity issues in less than an hour. Rising Cybersecurity Incidents in Canada According to Statistics Canada, the proportion of Canadians victimized by cybersecurity incidents increased from 58% in 2020 to 70% in 2022. The most commonly reported incidents were receiving unsolicited emails and fraudulent content. This makes Cyber101’s mission more relevant than ever. According to Guillaume Bélanger, “Our platform provides essential tools to help you stay on top of threats in an increasingly hostile environment.” “When teaching at the McGill Executive Institute, cybersecurity consistently emerges as a critical issue,” emphasizes Benjamin Beauregard, cofounder of Cyber101. “Guillaume and I created this platform because we believe that education is the key to effectively countering cyber threats.” Free Training for Enhanced Cybersecurity Cyber101 offers companies a unique opportunity to educate their employees on best practices in cybersecurity, at no cost. Businesses and individuals can immediately improve their cybersecurity posture in less than an hour. Benefits for Organizations About Cyber101 Cyber101.com is the brainchild of childhood friends and entrepreneurs Guillaume Bélanger and Benjamin Beauregard. Guillaume, president of an IT services company, identified a crucial lack of easily accessible cybersecurity content for SMEs. He partnered with Benjamin, head of a video production agency, to combine their strengths. Cyber101 is committed to making cybersecurity training accessible to as many people as possible to protect organizations across Canada and beyond.

Featured, Start ups

Vena Joins Cloud Security Alliance as a Trusted Cloud Provider

Strategic partnership strengthens company’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding customer data TORONTO, Oct. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Vena, the Complete Planning platform loved by finance and trusted by business, today announced that it has joined the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining and raising awareness of best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment. This strategic partnership underscores Vena’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its customers’ data. As a Trusted Cloud Provider with the Cloud Security Alliance, Vena reinforces its dedication to the security of its cloud-based corporate performance management software—which is trusted by over 1,600 leading organizations worldwide. “Joining the Cloud Security Alliance further strengthens our commitment to data security at Vena,” said Steve Browning, VP of Data Privacy & Corporate Security at Vena. “In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, data security is paramount. By collaborating with other CSA members and industry experts, Vena will have access to the latest insights, research and resources to continually enhance its security measures and foster knowledge exchange and innovation in cloud security.” Vena remains focused on providing its customers with secure, reliable and user-friendly CPM software. As a Trusted Cloud Provider with CSA, Vena will continue to refine its security posture and practices, ensuring the highest level of data protection for its customers. “This partnership exemplifies our dedication to providing our customers with the highest level of data protection, ensuring their trust and confidence in our services,” said Hugh Cumming, Chief Technology Officer at Vena. “Together, with other CSA members, we are shaping the future of secure cloud computing, setting new standards and reaffirming our promise to prioritize the privacy and security of our valued customers.” To learn more about Vena’s commitment to Customer Trust, please visit www.venasolutions.com/trust. About Vena Vena is the only Complete Planning platform that’s natively integrated with Microsoft 365, empowering teams to plan the way they think. Vena streamlines financial and operational planning, reporting and analysis processes, and provides advanced analytics and modeling capabilities to help business, finance and operations leaders make informed business decisions. With Vena, you can leverage the power of Excel and AI-powered insights in a unified, cloud-based platform that enhances collaboration, scalability and security. Over 1,600 of the world’s leading companies rely on Vena to power their planning. For more information, visit venasolutions.com. About the Cloud Security AllianceThe Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) is the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining and raising awareness of best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment. CSA harnesses the subject matter expertise of industry practitioners, associations, governments, and its corporate and individual members to offer cloud security-specific research, education, certification, events and products. CSA’s activities, knowledge and extensive network benefit the entire community impacted by cloud—from providers and customers, to governments, entrepreneurs and the assurance industry—and provide a forum through which diverse parties can work together to create and maintain a trusted cloud ecosystem. For further information, visit us at www.cloudsecurityalliance.org, and follow us on Twitter @cloudsa.

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RBC + Xero to help Canadian businesses automate payables process

New integration between RBC PayEdge™ and Xero will allow more business owners to benefit from automated accounting reconciliations and digital payments, designed to create significant time and cost savings TORONTO, Oct. 12, 2023 /CNW/ – Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and Xero, the global small business platform, today announced an integration that will allow business customers to sync their RBC PayEdge™ account with Xero to simplify and automate payments to suppliers around the world. RBC PayEdge™ is a payments platform that allows businesses to combine multiple funding sources regardless of a client’s bank or account type, pay suppliers in the payment form of their choice, and gain more flexibility with their working capital tools. Canadian businesses using Xero will now be able to import authorized invoice details into RBC PayEdge™, fund and pay their suppliers through their chosen method, and automatically post the reconciling journal entry back to Xero once done. As a result, businesses will be able to automate their invoice-to-pay process and manage their payments workflow from one location, that may lead to increased efficiency and savings. With access to cash flow data, business owners no longer need to wait for month-end statements and can effectively streamline processes to improve overall financial administration. “Adopting the latest digital payment solutions and technologies is one of the fastest growing priorities for small businesses who are increasingly looking for innovative ways to simplify and expedite their payment needs while maximizing their cash flow,” says Lisa Lansdowne-Higgins, senior vice president, Business Transformation and Deposits, RBC. “We’re excited to introduce the integration of the RBC PayEdge™ and Xero platforms, allowing business owners to unlock the power of automated reconciliation and digital payments, while realizing significant time and cost savings.” “The ability to pay supplier bills is a crucial part of conducting day-to-day business. The integration with RBC PayEdge™ will simplify the bill pay experience, allow small businesses to access cost-efficient payment methods, and give an up-to-date view of their cash flow so they can make better business decisions,” says Faye Pang, Canada country manager, Xero. Connecting to Xero is just one of the many ways in which RBC truly delivers value beyond traditional banking and supports business owners along every stage of their entrepreneurship journey. As an RBC client, businesses have access to exclusive offers and solutions that help them simplify their operations, and save time and money, whether it be registering and incorporating their business with Ownr, integrating a range of ecommerce services and payment solutions with Moneris, searching for talent with Indeed – Canada’s #1 job site – or seeking real-time customer insights and market trends to find their next growth market with RBC Insight Edge™ for Small Business. Contact your RBC Advisor to learn more about our beyond banking services. RBC was also recognized as the winner of the 2023 Best Treasury and Cash Management Provider for Canada by Global Finance for its market-leading efforts to deliver payment innovations and digital banking solutions, including RBC PayEdge™. The RBC PayEdge™ integration is now available to Xero customers looking to transform the way their payables are processed. Current RBC PayEdge™ subscribers with Xero accounts can sync their payables and invoice details directly through their PayEdge dashboard. Click here to learn more https://apps.xero.com/ca/app/rbc-payedge.

Apps, Featured, Start ups

Best days to book and fly: Expedia releases the 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report

TORONTO, Sept. 27, 2023 /CNW/ — Expedia’s 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report was released today, providing the latest essential tips to save travellers time and money on flights, and make air travel less stressful, from when to book, how to avoid cancellations and the best day to depart on your trip. The report comes at a time when travellers are beginning to plan their holiday getaways and are feeling overwhelmed in the process. According to a survey* of 1,000 Canadian flyers, Expedia found that 39% reported air travel to be stressful and more daunting than a flooded inbox or sleeping through an alarm. Almost half (43%) of air travellers find the process of securing a good flight deal especially stressful, and 17% even checked back on ticket prices after booking to see if they could have saved more. “In terms of stress levels, booking your next flight shouldn’t be in the same ballpark as getting a cavity filled,” said Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group Brands public relations. “The good news is many of the things that contribute to travel stress are getting better, and Expedia is constantly releasing new tools like Price Tracking and Trip Planner, that make the whole booking and flying journey smoother.” “Airlines are adding capacity and increasing service to meet the sustained air travel demand we’ve seen throughout 2023,” said Chuck Thackston, managing director of data science and research at ARC. “Air travel has proven resilient over the past few years, with travellers increasingly taking to the skies for both business and leisure.” 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report WHEN TO BOOK Book airfare on a Sunday to save up to 24%.1 Travellers who book on Sundays instead of Fridays tend to save, on average, around 17% on domestic flights and 24% on international flights. Book domestic flights at least a month before to save 33%.2 Travellers that booked 25 days prior to departure saved 33% on average compared to those who waited until the last minute. For international airfare, avoid booking too early as prices are comparatively high 106 days out. However, prices also tend to increase 20 days prior to departure. For optimal availability, selection and savings, book 30-37 days out. WHEN TO TRAVEL Depart on a Thursday to save up to 13%.3 Avoid departing on Sundays, which are the priciest days, on average, to start a trip. Depart before 3 p.m. to reduce chance of cancellations.4 24% of Canadian air travellers try to avoid morning flights because getting up early on the day of travel gives them additional stress. However, year-to-date flight status data reveals flights that depart after 3 p.m. have an 18% higher chance, on average, of being cancelled than those that depart earlier in the day. MONEY-SAVING TOOLS Price Tracking: Take the guess work out of deciding when to book with the Price Tracking feature on the Expedia app, which notifies travellers when flight prices change, and uses exclusive data to pinpoint the best time to book. Bundling: With flights, car rentals, hotels and activities, Expedia offers a wide selection of customizable vacation packages in one place, allowing travellers to save hundreds of dollars on average when booking multiple items on Expedia. Whether booking items together in the same transaction or in steps, travellers also have their itinerary all in one place making it easier to keep track of their journey. 2024 AIR TRAVEL TRENDS The number of scheduled long haul flights is nearly at 2019 levels (<5% less versus 2019) and the number of scheduled short haul flights is at 74% compared to 2019, overall increasing. Average economy ticket prices have decreased by up to 3% compared to 2022.5 Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary range among the most popular domestic destinations for Canadian flyers. The most popular international destinations are Las Vegas (USA), Cancun (Mexico) and New York City (USA). 6 The fastest growing destination, according to Expedia flight demand data, is Beijing in China.7 ABOUT THE DATA Expedia’s annual Air Travel Hacks Report is backed by an analysis of billions of data points and the most extensive air ticketing database in the world through collaboration with Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) and OAG, the world’s largest provider of flight information. Expedia has produced the Air Travel Hacks Report annually for more than a decade, making it the ultimate authority on air travel insights and data-driven travel tips. About ExpediaExpedia® is one of the world’s leading full-service travel brands, with a mission of helping travellers get the most out of every trip they take by providing everything they need all in one place, ensuring they are getting the most out of every trip they take, and above all else, feel supported every step of the way. Our commitment to insights matched with our unprecedented scale allows us to understand our travellers better than anyone else, delivering exactly what they need, when they need it. Our personalized experiences, backed by incredible technology enable us to deliver the widest selection of product offerings across accommodations, transportation, activities and experiences that help you get the most out of your journey. Use our mobile app or visit www.expedia.ca to plan your journey with us. © 2023 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company.  All rights reserved.  Expedia and the Airplane logo are trademarks of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. CST# 2029030-50. Follow Expedia on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube. About Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC)ARC accelerates the growth of global air travel by delivering forward-looking travel data, flexible distribution services and other innovative industry solutions. We are a leading travel intelligence company that possesses the world’s largest, most comprehensive global airline ticket dataset, including more than 15 billion passenger flights representing 490 airlines and 230 countries and territories. Our solutions and expertise strengthen economies and enrich lives by connecting stakeholders across the travel ecosystem. For more information, visit www.arccorp.com. About OAGOAG is the leading data platform for the global travel industry, powering the growth and innovation of the air travel ecosystem since 1929. It has the world’s largest network of flight information, covering the whole journey from planning to customer experience. Customers include airlines, airports, travel technology players, aviation service providers, government agencies, financial institutions, and consultancies. Headquartered in

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