Madison McLauchlan
@madisonmcla.bsky.social
📤 101
📥 140
📝 56
Reporter at
@betakit.com
/ Tiohtià:ke/Montréal / Views are my own
reposted by
Madison McLauchlan
BetaKit
3 days ago
Canadian bioeconomy companies are driving economic returns: 84 early-stage biotech firms generated nearly $900M in GDP over recent years, according to new data from Natural Products Canada.
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Canadian companies are generating massive returns in the “bioeconomy” | BetaKit
Just 84 early-stage biotech companies generated nearly $900 million for Canada’s GDP.
https://betakit.com/canadian-companies-are-generating-massive-returns-in-the-bioeconomy/
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Toronto's Alexi has escalated a legal fight with Clio and its subsidiary Fastcase by filing a counterclaim that includes antitrust allegations. Alexi claims the litigation has thwarted acquisition interest and forced it to lay off 2/3 of staff.
#legaltech
4 days ago
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reposted by
Madison McLauchlan
Alex Riehl
6 days ago
I thought this was pretty cool
add a skeleton here at some point
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reposted by
Madison McLauchlan
Sarah Rieger
7 days ago
Canadian social media management firm Hootsuite is providing monitoring tech to the US government's immigration enforcement agency. Via
@betakit.com
reporter Josh Scott and myself.
betakit.com/hootsuite-dh...
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Hootsuite could receive up to $2.8 million USD for contract with US immigration enforcement | BetaKit
Years after scrapping a contract with ICE, Hootsuite is providing monitoring technology to DHS.
https://betakit.com/hootsuite-dhs-contract/
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Researchers at Mila in Montréal are tackling one of the most concerning issues in
#AI
right now: chatbot-induced mental health crises. It's also, Simona Gandrabur tells me, really difficult to get real-world data.
betakit.com/mila-researc...
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Mila researchers target “AI psychosis” amid concerns about chatbots’ mental health impact | BetaKit
The research hub’s AI Safety Studio hopes to limit chatbot outputs that can feed users’ delusions.
https://betakit.com/mila-researchers-target-ai-psychosis-amid-concerns-about-chatbots-mental-health-impact/
8 days ago
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reposted by
Madison McLauchlan
Sarah Rieger
8 days ago
"There’s a lot of money being invested ... with an assumption of having a walled garden. Ultimately, I don’t think that’s worked in the interest of the consumer." Calgary fintech CEO
@nicbeique.bsky.social
on why he sees open finance as the future.
betakit.com/helcim-takes...
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Helcim takes aim at “walled-off” payment systems with new extension | BetaKit
The Helcim Payment Extension will circumvent “walled gardens,” so businesses can integrate payments into any software.
https://betakit.com/helcim-takes-aim-at-walled-off-payment-systems-with-new-extension/
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It’s Legault-ver
9 days ago
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SO COOL. Read my brilliant friend's research!!!
add a skeleton here at some point
11 days ago
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SSENSE founders' bid to buy back company successful, pending approvals
betakit.com/ssense-found...
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Ssense founders’ bid to buy back company successful, pending approvals | BetaKit
The deal for control of the embattled luxury retail platform is expected to close before Feb. 13.
https://betakit.com/ssense-founders-bid-to-buy-back-company-successful-pending-approvals/
11 days ago
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More details on the Ubisoft Halifax
@ubisofthalifax.bsky.social
closure story: a former employee and union rep told BetaKit employees were "blindsided" by the closure, and that the majority of the team was working towards an "aggressive" February project deadline.
11 days ago
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reposted by
Madison McLauchlan
Sarah Rieger
15 days ago
xAI's Grok chatbot has been creating non-consensual, sexually explicit images of women and children. The patchwork of laws that cover the generation, hosting, and sharing of this material in Canada is messy at best. Via
@betakit.com
reporter
@madisonmcla.bsky.social
betakit.com/groks-non-co...
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Grok’s non-consensual sexual images highlight gaps in Canada’s deepfake laws | BetaKit
Experts say Canada’s murky privacy and online harm laws leave victims with limited options.
https://betakit.com/groks-non-consensual-sexual-images-highlight-gaps-in-canadas-deepfake-laws/
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You can find a response from Solomon's office, as well as more context on Canada's patchwork of deepfake laws, in my story here:
betakit.com/groks-non-co...
add a skeleton here at some point
15 days ago
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If you follow Canadian tech, add
@betakit.com
as a preferred source on Google:
betakit.com/how-to-see-b...
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How to see BetaKit stories first as a preferred source on Google Search | BetaKit
Google’s preferred sources feature launched in Canada in December 2025.
https://betakit.com/how-to-see-betakit-stories-first-as-a-preferred-source-on-google-search/
15 days ago
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New Canadian lifestyle-focused media outlet By the North launched yesterday. Bonus: it's up front about not using AI for writing and editing specifically
16 days ago
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Sobering indeed!
add a skeleton here at some point
16 days ago
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reposted by
Madison McLauchlan
Techmeme
17 days ago
Vancouver-based quantum computing startup Photonic raised CA$180M led by Planet First Partners, bringing its total funding to CA$375M (Madison McLauchlan/BetaKit)
Main Link
|
Techmeme Permalink
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Photonic says it's ready to commercialize
#quantum
tech with $180-million CAD fundraise. Investors include enterprise players RBC and Telus.
betakit.com/photonic-say...
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Photonic ready to commercialize quantum with $180M raise | BetaKit
RBC and Telus back the quantum computing company as it looks to develop enterprise-ready technology.
https://betakit.com/photonic-says-its-ready-to-commercialize-quantum-with-180-million-fundraise/
17 days ago
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reposted by
Madison McLauchlan
BetaKit
24 days ago
So many tech platforms have decayed beyond usability. Can we reverse the process? BetaKit is ending the year with a look back at the biggest
#CDNtech
stories of 2025. Here's
@sarahcrgr.bsky.social
on the year enshittification became undeniable:
bit.ly/4pg0kJq
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In 2025, Canada woke up to the possibility of buying and building
#CDNtech
. How did we get here? Sovereignty: the good, the bad, the performative...
betakit.com/2025-was-the...
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The year Canada realized it needs sovereign tech | BetaKit
This year, Canada woke up to the possibility of buying and building Canadian. Real change depends on what happens next.
https://betakit.com/2025-was-the-year-canada-realized-it-needs-sovereign-tech/
about 1 month ago
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Eeeeeee
add a skeleton here at some point
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Madison McLauchlan
André Picard @picardonhealth
about 1 month ago
Quebec government and family doctors reach agreement in principle, putting contentious legislation on hold.
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
via
@theglobeandmail.com
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Quebec government and family doctors reach agreement in principle, putting contentious legislation on hold
New deal to be presented to doctors on Friday before being put to a vote
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-quebec-family-doctors-health-care-medicine-legault/
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reposted by
Madison McLauchlan
Sarah Rieger
about 1 month ago
Canadians: Do you plan on signing up for
@gandersocial.bsky.social
when it launches? Do you care if your social network is built and hosted here?
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Gander hits $1.5-million crowdfunding target as Canadians back homegrown social network | BetaKit
The app now has 1,800 Canadian co-owners and is extending its funding deadline to January amid high supporter interest.
https://betakit.com/gander-hits-1-5-million-crowdfunding-target-as-canadians-back-homegrown-social-network/
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reposted by
Madison McLauchlan
BetaKit
about 2 months ago
#CDNTech
startup Toothpod is trying to reimagine dental care with a chewable tablet that can clean teeth without needing any water. Co-founder and
@utoronto.ca
alumna Vishar Yaghoubian claims the tablet kills bacteria connected to tooth decay and bad breath.
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Floss, brush, chew? Toothpod launches a chewable tablet for dental hygiene | BetaKit
University of Toronto founder wants her product to be an essential part of the dental routine.
https://betakit.com/floss-brush-chew-toothpod-launches-a-chewable-tablet-for-dental-hygiene/
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Canada's division of Coinbase wants blockchain tech to be part of AI minister Evan Solomon's portfolio. Plus: updates on the feds' Stablecoin Act.
betakit.com/crypto-advoc...
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Crypto advocates want blockchain tech added to Canadian AI minister’s portfolio | BetaKit
The Canadian government's new Stablecoin Act responds to some of the industry's demands.
https://betakit.com/crypto-advocates-want-blockchain-tech-added-to-canadian-ai-ministers-portfolio/
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Madison McLauchlan
BetaKit
2 months ago
A high-level Swedish delegation visited Montréal’s Mila this week to deepen
#AI
research ties. Attendees included Mila's Hugo Larochelle, Québec’s economy minister Christine Fréchette, Cohere chief AI officer Joelle Pineau, and AI safety organization LawZero CEO Sam Ramadori.
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Sweden brings urgency—and royalty—to Montreal as it seeks AI research partnership | BetaKit
Swedish deputy PM says countries must be “risk aware, not risk averse” as royal delegation visits Mila.
https://betakit.com/sweden-brings-urgency-and-royalty-to-montreal-as-it-seeks-ai-research-partnership/
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What is the economic promise of a Canadian
#sovereign
cloud?
betakit.com/what-is-the-...
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What is the economic promise of a Canadian sovereign cloud? | BetaKit
A data centre CEO and an academic say Canadian-owned digital infrastructure could unlock an AI industry.
https://betakit.com/what-is-the-economic-promise-of-a-canadian-sovereign-cloud/
2 months ago
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NEW from me: Shopify's shuttered Indigenous entrepreneurship program Build Native will relaunch in a new form led by the Centre for Native Nation Builders and Tracy Ridler:
betakit.com/shopifys-shu...
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Shopify’s shuttered Indigenous entrepreneurship program will relaunch, says program cofounder | BetaKit
Build Native program was quietly cut in January alongside layoffs of Shopify’s Equitable Commerce team.
https://betakit.com/shopifys-shuttered-indigenous-entrepreneurship-program-will-relaunch-says-program-cofounder/
2 months ago
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Soooo pumped 🚀@sarahcrgr.bsky.social (bluesky gets more emoji energy)
add a skeleton here at some point
2 months ago
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reposted by
Madison McLauchlan
André Picard @picardonhealth
2 months ago
It's official: Canada has lost its measles elimination status because of an outbreak that has persisted for more than 12 months. Country can regain status only if on-going spread is of measles interrupted for more than a year.
www.cbc.ca/news/health/...
via
@cbcnews.ca
add a skeleton here at some point
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Canadian tech policy wonks react to
#Budget2025
. Also I make my ad read debut....
www.youtube.com/watch?v=39VQ...
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Budget 2025: “cautiously optimistic”
YouTube video by BetaKit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39VQ2w6V6kc
2 months ago
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reposted by
Madison McLauchlan
BetaKit
3 months ago
#Budget2025
has dropped, promising $1 trillion in new investments over 5 years and a $78.3-billion deficit for 2025-26. Major commitments across
#AI
and quantum, VC, financial services innovation, and defence. We've got a comprehensive look up now:
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What’s in #Budget2025 for Canadian tech? | BetaKit
Feds make huge spending commitments, but finally get competitive on defence, taxes, and financial services.
https://betakit.com/canada-budget-2025-ai-defence-open-banking/
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A “huge budget for FinTechs,” according to Fintechs Canada’s Adriana Vega:
add a skeleton here at some point
3 months ago
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Grammarly has rebranded to Superhuman, completing its shift to an AI productivity platform
betakit.com/grammarly-re...
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Grammarly rebrands to Superhuman as it expands from catching typos to AI productivity | BetaKit
Superhuman houses writing assistant, email, collaboration tools, and AI agents in a unified platform.
https://betakit.com/grammarly-rebrands-to-superhuman-as-it-expands-from-catching-typos-to-ai-productivity/
3 months ago
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reposted by
Madison McLauchlan
Techmeme
3 months ago
Toronto-based Wealthsimple, an online investment management service, raised CA$750M co-led by Dragoneer and GIC at a post-money valuation of CA$10B (Josh Scott/BetaKit)
Main Link
|
Techmeme Permalink
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reposted by
Madison McLauchlan
ArtButMakeItSports
3 months ago
The Assumption of the Virgin, by Guido Reni, 1597, 📸 via @RoysEnergy
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NEW: Canadian
#FinTech
leaders told to expect open banking movement in the federal
#Budget2025
. Some hope for stablecoin, too.
betakit.com/canadian-fin...
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Canadian FinTech leaders told to finally expect open banking progress in fall budget | BetaKit
Sources say the federal government is poised to deliver on long-delayed financial data-sharing legislation.
https://betakit.com/canadian-fintech-leaders-told-to-finally-expect-open-banking-progress-in-fall-budget/
3 months ago
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The planet has entered a ‘new reality’ as it hits its first climate tipping point, landmark report finds https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/13/climate/tipping-points-coral-reef-ice-amoc
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The planet has entered a ‘new reality’ as it hits its first climate tipping point, report finds | CNN
The widespread death of coral reefs is the first in a series of catastrophic and potentially irreversible tipping points the world may hit, according to a landmark report produced by 160 scientists ac...
https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/13/climate/tipping-points-coral-reef-ice-amoc
3 months ago
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reposted by
Madison McLauchlan
The Narwhal
4 months ago
Plans to expand the Port of Montreal threaten an endangered fish found only in Quebec. Advocates for the copper redhorse fear the project — now on Mark Carney's major projects list — will deal a critical blow to a species already on life support.
thenarwhal.ca/copper-redho...
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Endangered Quebec fish at risk from Port of Montreal expansion | The Narwhal
A planned expansion of the Port of Montreal in Contrecoeur, one of Mark Carney’s priority projects, threatens the endangered copper redhorse
https://thenarwhal.ca/copper-redhorse-port-of-montreal-expansion/
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reposted by
Madison McLauchlan
BetaKit
4 months ago
What does the future look like for a company like Cohere as Large-language models start to show their limitations?
#ElevateFest25
#AI
#CDNTech
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reposted by
Madison McLauchlan
Alex Spiers
4 months ago
New Merriam-Webster LLM
youtu.be/RvQnl3O0D3c?...
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LLM
YouTube video by Merriam-Webster
https://youtu.be/RvQnl3O0D3c?si=lr048Tjw2iAMSK5h
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The Stark Reality Ten Years after the Truth and Reconciliation Report
thewalrus.ca/trc-introduc...
via @thewalrus
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The Stark Reality Ten Years after the Truth and Reconciliation Report | The Walrus
“We have to wonder: should we just abandon ‘reconciliation’ altogether?”
https://thewalrus.ca/trc-introduction/
4 months ago
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reposted by
Madison McLauchlan
genna
4 months ago
New episode of the podcast with
@annetheriault.bsky.social
! Come sit on a beached whale (that’s what people did for fun in medieval Scotland) and listen to us talk about plucky heroines, actually scary witches, and a little light regicide!
pod.link/1753505445/e...
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reposted by
Madison McLauchlan
Alex Riehl
5 months ago
We’re a Canadian business-focused publication, but my talented colleague
@madisonmcla.bsky.social
has found a way to take that angle and shed a little light on how hostile the US has become for queer people.
add a skeleton here at some point
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reposted by
Madison McLauchlan
BetaKit
5 months ago
A “reverse brain drain” of queer tech talent could be a silver lining for Canada as the US abandons
#DEI
.
#CDNtech
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Queer tech founders explore move to Canada as US abandons DEI
Misfit Ventures co-founders say “reverse brain drain” of talent could be a silver lining for Canada.
https://betakit.com/queer-tech-founders-explore-move-to-canada-as-us-abandons-dei/
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NEW: Some 2SLGBTQIA+ American tech founders are weighing a move to Canada as the US administration targets
#DEI
programs and large corporations follow suit.
5 months ago
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"For now, it's all mushrooms." 4AG Robotics CEO Sean O'Connor told me the BC
#AgTech
company is on track to reach $7 million in revenue this year as it secures $40 million to expand its fleet of mushroom-harvesting robots.
betakit.com/4ag-robotics...
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4AG Robotics looks to grow fleet of mushroom-harvesting robots with $40-million Series B round
AgTech startup says it’s on track to hit $7 million in annual revenue amid high demand for agricultural labour.
https://betakit.com/4ag-robotics-looks-to-grow-fleet-of-mushroom-harvesting-robots-with-40-million-series-b-round/
6 months ago
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@alexriehl.com
digs into AI productivity promises for this week's newsletter 👀
add a skeleton here at some point
6 months ago
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reposted by
Madison McLauchlan
Douglas Soltys
6 months ago
Big
@betakit.com
scoop on changes at
@omersventures.bsky.social
. One
#CDNtech
#VC
just told me that the "pensions are all retreating back to Canada."
@madisonmcla.bsky.social
has a first file with more coming from her and Josh Scott.
add a skeleton here at some point
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reposted by
Madison McLauchlan
Tu Thanh Ha
6 months ago
A Globe and Mail reporter investigating allegations of political interference in Alberta healthcare has been targeted by an anonymous X account, which posted surreptitiously obtained photographs of her in public settings and described her private movements.
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
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