A Short Guide to Collaborative Funding in Canada
Collaborative funding refers to public–private funding models and co-investment arrangements where two or more partners share cash, contributions, roles, and risk to deliver an innovation project. These partnerships can include industry and academia, multiple firms, or cross-sector consortia. What distinguishes collaborative funding from single-applicant grants isn’t just the number of partners—it’s the shared financial commitment, […]
Consumer Tech Strategy for 2026: Translating Consumer Demand Data
The consumer technology landscape is evolving around a set of increasingly well-documented behavioural shifts: demand for long-term value and durability, expectations for multifunctional and integrated experiences, rising adoption of AI-driven personalization, and heightened awareness of wellness and sustainability. For companies planning technology R&D programs for 2026 and beyond, these signals extend well beyond product positioning; […]
Major SR&ED Policy Changes Pending
What Canadian Businesses Need to Know The federal government has released draft legislation that could mark the most significant update to the Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) program in over a decade. The proposed changes were first introduced in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement and, on August 15, 2025, the government announced draft legislation […]
Top 10 Unicorns in Canada
Canada has become a strong contender in the global startup scene, with diverse sectors like fintech and artificial intelligence. Cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal have shown support for entrepreneurial activity, drawing in top talent and significant investments. Across Canada, the growth of unicorns, or startups which are valuated at $1 billion or more, […]
Québec’s New Tax Credit for Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (CRIC): What You Need to Know
Starting in 2025, Québec is introducing a powerful new incentive for businesses focused on innovation: the Tax Credit for Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (CRIC). Designed to fuel scientific research and support the journey from ideas to market, CRIC is a refundable tax credit that rewards corporations investing in R&D and pre-commercialization activities within Québec. Here’s […]
Top 10 Angel Investors in Canada
Angel investor groups can play a pivotal role in fueling the growth of early-stage startups by providing critical funding and mentorship in exchange for equity. These groups are typically comprised of high-net-worth individuals who invest in promising businesses with high growth potential, often focusing on technology, life sciences, and other innovative sectors. In this article, […]
Top 10 Venture Capital Firms in Canada
Through this three-part blog series, we will be going through the contributions of venture capital firms, angel investors, and high-growth startups (unicorns) in Canada’s innovation ecosystem. Canada’s startup ecosystem has evolved into a global innovation hub, fueled by a diverse range of industries including technology, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and clean energy. This growth is partially […]
Navigating Startup Fundraising: How our Skool Community can Help you Fundraise Smarter
Did you know North Group has a growing online community to help startups fundraise smarter? Our Skool Community, Start-up Funding Connect, is a space designed specifically for founders who want to scale, learn from peers, and tap into expert support on all things funding. Challenges Faced by Startups Fundraising became significantly more challenging in early […]
What Investors Look For: A Guide for Early-Stage Startups Preparing to Raise Capital
For early-stage startups, understanding what investors look for in a pitch can make all the difference when preparing to secure funding. Investors are not only looking for innovative ideas but also concrete evidence that the business is built for long-term success. Here’s a breakdown of the core areas startups should focus on before approaching investors, […]
New Government, New Fiscal Year: What It Means for Funding
Every spring, the start of a new government fiscal year (April 1 in Canada) typically brings a refresh across the government funding landscape. Budgets are released, program allocations are updated, and departments begin implementing revised mandates. For businesses that rely on funding to support innovation, expansion, or workforce development, this can be a time of […]