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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.

Featured, Fintech

Constant Contact Acquires Business of Txtify Technologies

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Deal strengthens the platform’s lead generation and social media monetization capabilities, empowering small businesses to convert followers into customers and accelerate their growth WALTHAM, Mass. and TORONTO, Oct. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Constant Contact, a digital marketing and automation platform that has helped millions of small businesses and nonprofits globally, today announced that it has acquired the business of Txtify Technologies, a technology company specializing in mobile-first lead generation through customized microsites and surveys. The acquisition enhances Constant Contact’s platform by providing small businesses (SMBs) with new tools to grow their customer base and convert social media and digital media engagement into valuable customer relationships. This acquisition will help Constant Contact’s SMB customers by enabling them to create mobile-optimized, branded lead generation forms in minutes without coding or web development experience. With intuitive design tools and high-performing templates, SMBs can quickly capture contact information from social media followers and build deeper relationships with them through owned channels, like email or SMS marketing. This ability to quickly turn social media engagement into qualified leads is a valuable addition to Constant Contact’s marketing platform. According to Constant Contact’s Small Business Now report, 60 percent of small businesses rely on social media as their primary channel for engaging with customers. However, one of their biggest challenges is converting those likes, comments, shares, and followers into customers. More than half of SMBs surveyed identified social media as the area of their marketing where they need the most support. “The profile of today’s small business has changed, and many now launch and grow their brand on social media before they build a website or create their first email campaign,” said Frank Vella, CEO at Constant Contact. “Our acquisition of Txtify Technologies’ business enables us to deliver value to mobile-first and social-first entrepreneurs by empowering them to own their audience on social media and turn a follower list into a marketing list. This is a strategic step forward in our mission to innovate on behalf of SMBs and equip them with the tools they need to grow their business.” “We are thrilled to bring our powerful lead generation technology to a wider audience as part of Constant Contact’s platform,” said John Stewart, co-founder and CEO at Txtify Technologies. “Our mission has always been to simplify and scale lead capture and conversion for small businesses, and by joining Constant Contact, I am confident that we will be able to help even more SMBs grow and succeed.” As part of the transaction, Stewart along with Txtify Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Eric Dewhirst, have joined Constant Contact and will play a key role in the integration of the acquired technology into Constant Contact’s platform. When Txtify’s technology is combined with Constant Contact’s existing powerful marketing capabilities, like email, SMS, social media ads and event capabilities, SMBs will be able to grow their contact lists quickly, better understand their audience and potential customers, drive more revenue and more directly correlate social media activity with business results. About Constant ContactConstant Contact makes digital marketing easy and effective for small businesses and nonprofits around the world. Whether just starting out, or managing complex multi-channel campaigns, SMBs benefit from our powerful SaaS platform that delivers a simplified marketing experience with less time spent and better results. With cutting-edge technology, best-in-class deliverability and award-winning customer support, we help the small stand tall.

Events, Featured

DiscoveryX – Toronto – April 17 – 18, 2024

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DiscoveryX is not just another conference; it is an immersive experience. DiscoveryX is the premier innovation event in Canada, hosted by Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). Bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, government, and industry leaders across Ontario. In its 15th year, DiscoveryX is where innovators, thought leaders, and visionaries come together to explore the latest breakthroughs, share game-changing ideas, and build partnerships that propel innovation to dazzling new heights. DiscoveryX Conference, taking place April 17 & 18, 2024, is a catalyst for advancing Ontario’s innovation ecosystem and driving economic prosperity. Immerse yourself in this innovation extravaganza! See and hear from trailblazers in: CleanTech, Agritech, Advanced Manufacturing and Construction, Autonomous and Electric Vehicles, Life Science, MedTech, AI, Investors and more! For more information: https://www.discoveryxconference.ca

Featured, Start ups

Simpli Events: Canadian Startup Revolutionizing Event Marketing Experience

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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

Events, Featured

Collision 2024, Toronto- June 17-20, 2024

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Collision brings together the people and companies redefining the global tech industry. Collision gathers the most prestigious names in international media, attracting more than 920 journalists from publications including Bloomberg, Financial Times, Forbes, CNN Business, CNBC, and the Wall Street Journal. “Collision is one of the world’s biggest tech conferences.” – Bloomberg “Collision continues to be the most frequent answer when I ask others about the conference they most want to attend this year.” – Inc “The stunning future of tech conferences.” – Digital Trends To Register: https://collisionconf.com/

Events, Featured

Fueling Innovation: CIX Summit 2024, Powered by ELEVATE, Sparks Toronto’s Startup Scene

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The team you build is the company you build, not the business plan.VINOD KHOSLA | Founder, Khosla Ventures Discover the pinnacle of Canadian startup excellence at CIX Summit 2024, powered by Elevate, hitting downtown Toronto from March 26 to March 27. Uniting top tech pioneers, global investors, and industry luminaries, this premier event spotlights the nation’s most promising early and growth-stage tech ventures, igniting fresh investment opportunities. Experience curated speakers and networking galore at the kickoff soirée. With 250+ handpicked startups, CIX Summit serves as a hub for business and tech connections, offering unrivaled access to potential investors. Explore enlightening lectures, workshops, rapid-fire pitches, and the esteemed CIX TOP 20 & TOP 10 Awards showcase, culminating in vibrant discussions with industry leaders. Embrace inspiration, innovation, and investment prospects at The CIX Summit 2025 – reserve your spot today! To Register for 2025 CIX Summit: https://cixsummit.com/

Featured, IOT

Canadian retailers are catching up to global peers on seamless commerce: KPMG

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Canada emerges fourth among eight countries in KPMG International report on future of seamless commerce TORONTO, March 22, 2024 /CNW/ – Despite historically trailing behind other countries in seamless commerce, Canada emerged fourth among eight major countries in making retailing a simpler, friendlier and more convenient experience for consumers, according to a new KPMG International report. “Canadian retailers are making significant strides to build bridges across multiple channels – online and bricks and mortar – to become more efficient and improve the consumer shopping experience,” says Kostya Polyakov, Partner and National Leader for Consumer and Retail, KPMG in Canada. “Amid tight profit margins, higher costs and sharply lower discretionary spending, retailers recognize they must embrace digital solutions to remain competitive and stay in business.” Over the past three years, Canadian retailers accelerated their growth in omnichannel solutions amid increased expectations from consumers now accustomed to purchasing from giant U.S. retailers, which in many cases are further ahead in digitizing their operations, adds Mr. Polyakov. A recent KPMG in Canada survey found that, despite the pandemic accelerating the move to online shopping, 67 per cent of Canadians still prefer to shop in-store versus online. A similar storyline is unfolding in the U.S., with 70 per cent of total retail sales coming from brick-and-mortar locations, the report finds.  The survey found Canadian shoppers want more detailed specs, better search functionality, easier returns, the ability to ask questions about a product and a better delivery experience as necessary to improve the online shopping experience. Meanwhile, research found that Americans focus more on speed, convenience, and personalization, likely due to the larger availability of e-commerce experiences and products in the U.S., the report says. “Retailers must shift their focus from channel to customer,” says Mr. Polyakov. “Consumers expect retailers to meet them where they are – online, whether it’s mobile or laptop, in-store, or on social media – and to deliver the same experience regardless. The only way retailers can meet their expectations is by breaking down data silos and developing a seamless, connected experience.” A new type of shopping experience is emerging While physical stores aren’t disappearing anytime soon, Canadian consumers expect a ‘phygital’ shopping experience, which seamlessly combines the service experience of in-store shopping with the product variety and convenience found online, says Mr. Polyakov. “E-commerce capabilities like click and collect and return in-store are becoming must-have services for retailers to remain competitive,” he says. “But seamless commerce needs to go beyond that. Our survey found almost two-thirds of Canadians want retailers to be more creative when replicating in-store experiences online, such as using virtual reality and artificial intelligence.” Retailers in China and most of Asia are already adopting live social commerce—which allows for real-time buying and interaction during live video events. However, Canada has yet to catch on to this concept, with KPMG’s research finding that most Canadians don’t make purchases from social platforms, and that’s not expected to change soon. Over the next three to five years, only four per cent of Canadians say they intend to use social platforms more frequently to make purchases—while nearly five per cent expect to use them less frequently. “While live commerce isn’t a huge factor yet in Canada, we expect this will change as more retailers experiment with their offerings to attract younger audiences who find the format fun and engaging and a way to secure better deals and prices,” says Mr. Polyakov. “Retailers will need to stay one step ahead by delivering consistent, personalized experiences, regardless of how customers choose to shop,” says Mr. Polyakov. Key report highlights: Read more about seamless commerce in Canada here.

Featured, IOT

Converge Technology Recognized on the 2024 CRN Tech Elite 250 List

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TORONTO and GATINEAU, QC, March 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – Converge Technology Solutions Corp. (“Converge” or “the Company“) (TSX: CTS) is pleased to announce that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has honored Converge on its 2024 Tech Elite 250 list. This is the third year Converge has been named to the list. To help customers navigate today’s IT complexities and harness the advantages of state-of-the-art solutions, solution providers—ranging from strategic service providers and systems integrators to managed service providers and value-added resellers—strive to uphold rigorous levels of training and certification from strategic IT vendors, often aiming for the pinnacle tiers within these vendors’ partner programs. The Tech Elite 250 list is a yearly compilation showcasing these solution providers, based in the U.S. and Canada, that have distinguished themselves by attaining top-tier certifications and specializations from leading technology vendors in the areas of infrastructure, cloud, and security. “Converge is proud to have once again been named to CRN’s Tech Elite 250 list, exemplifying our ongoing commitment as a top service provider in North America and globally,” stated Greg Berard, Converge Chief Executive Officer. “This award also showcases the incredible talent of the team within Converge who continually work to improve their industry knowledge and obtain certifications that ensure we are on the cutting edge of new solutions to best serve our customers.” “CRN’s Tech Elite 250 highlights leading-edge solution providers within the IT landscape, distinguished by their comprehensive technical proficiency, expertise, and commitment to achieving top-level certifications in critical technology areas,” said Jennifer Follett, VP, U.S. Content, and Executive Editor of CRN at The Channel Company. “These solution providers persistently strengthen their capabilities to bring the advanced IT solutions to market that customers need.” Coverage of the Tech Elite 250 will be featured in the April issue of CRN Magazine and online at www.CRN.com/techelite250.  About ConvergeConverge Technology Solutions Corp. is a services-led, software-enabled, IT & Cloud Solutions provider focused on delivering industry-leading solutions. Converge’s global approach delivers advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), application modernization, cloud platforms, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and digital workplace offerings to clients across various industries. The Company supports these solutions with advisory, implementation, and managed services expertise across all major IT vendors in the marketplace. This multi-faceted approach enables Converge to address the unique business and technology requirements for all clients in the public and private sectors. For more information, visit convergetp.com.

CIX Elevate 2024 logo red and black
Events, Featured

CIX-Elevate-Toronto-March 26

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Vinod Khosla keynote speaker at CIX-Elevate-Toronto 2024 At CIX, powered by Elevate, bringing visionary leaders and thinkers together is crucial to inspiring, educating, and provoking discussions shaping the future. This year, they announced Vinod Khosla as keynote speaker, following the footsteps of past speakers like Mathew Micheli of Viral Nation, Mohannad El-Barachi of Wrk, and Dave Teare of 1Password. To get tickets: https://cixsummit.com/speakers/

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