![white yacht near high-rise buildings](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1566438503908-4f8377461f58?ixlib=rb-4.0.3&ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8fA%3D%3D&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1000&q=80)
 Canada's startup scene is already impressive in terms of innovation potential, but it has even more potential to tap. Considering the active approach by its efficient public sector to develop startup ecosystems, and a relative abundance of natural resources, Canada is fully able to take an even more substantial role in producing massive global hubs. For this to happen, more Canadian startups with global impact are required, like those built in the neighboring United States. The climate for entrepreneurship in Canada is promising, with attractive incentives like the Startup Visa Program, the ​​Global Skills Strategy, and one of the most educated workforces in the world. 
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 Two examples tell a powerful story of Canada’s opportunities and challenges. The first is Slack, originally a Vancouver based startup and now headquartered in the US where it undertook an IPO and was acquired by SalesForce. The second is Shopify, an ecommerce platform behemoth founded in Ottawa and built by a German immigrant founder. The lesson here is that Canada should ensure its high performing entrepreneurs remain in the country while also working to attract high quality foreign talent. The market-oriented economic system, high standard of living, native English language, and proximity to the US all make the country attractive. 

 

 In Ontario, the leading region of Canadian innovation, the public sector leads by example in developing robust startup ecosystems. [The Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade](https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-economic-development-job-creation-trade) has been pivotal in these efforts, setting a high standard for economic development activities. Within Ontario, municipalities such as the [City of Brampton](https://www.brampton.ca/EN/pages/Welcome.aspx), [Kingston Economic Development](https://www.investkingston.ca/), the [City of Mississauga,](https://www.mississauga.ca/) and the [City of Markham](https://www.markham.ca/) are actively focused on the development of their local ecosystems. Their initiatives have been instrumental in attracting investments and nurturing business growth, demonstrating the province's proactive approach to economic innovation. 

 

 Beyond Ontario, other Canadian cities and regions have also made notable strides. [Edmonton Unlimited](https://edmontonunlimited.com/) and [Calgary Economic Development](https://www.calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com/) in Alberta are standout examples. Moreover, Quebec's vibrant startup scene is supported by [Startup Montreal](https://startupmontreal.com/en/home/), an organization working toward making Montreal an attractive global startup destination. Other national initiatives, such as [Startup Ecosystem Canada](https://www.startupecosystem.ca/) and [Startup Canada](https://www.startupcan.ca/), are also working to connect ecosystem stakeholders in the country. These entities have been fundamental in promoting their regions, attracting global investment, and supporting startups through various stages of growth. 


 With resounding success stories like Shopify, Canada’s startup ecosystems are raising the bar and solidifying its position as an innovative hub in the global market.

Canada

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Markham

CultureAlly startup from Markham, Canada is ranked 25744 out of 193933 worldwide and 801 from the 7554 startups in Canada. See more information and additional rankings on the StartupBlink Global Ecosystem Map

As the innovation hub of the Ontario region, Markham is renowned for its outstanding high-tech R&D capacity, highly-trained professionals, and thriving networks of entrepreneurs which enable our  startup ecosystem to achieve steady continuous growth.

Director General, Department of Academia-Industry Collaboration and Science Park Affairs

Key Stats of the Totonto-Markham Startup Ecosystem

NovX raises US $ 7.8 million and becomes the first Series-C startup in Markham.

2008

Launch of VentureLab, an active non-profit organization that invests in early-stage ventures.

2011

SAP acquires Ontario-based startup, Camilion Solutions.

2013

IBM Innovation Space is launched with US$ 24.75 million investment.

2017

YSpace, York University’s community innovation hub in Markham starts operations.

2018

Spaice, Inc. raises approximately US$ 3.3 million, the highest pre-seed investment to date.

2020

CultureAlly Startup Info & Ecosystem Rankings | StartupBlink