Artemis Update - April 2025

Artemis Update - April 2025

Like us, you’ve been cheering for Canadian tech long before it was trendy, and we see you. Whether it’s homegrown startups or world-class innovation from coast to coast, there’s never been a better time to show some love for the maple-powered momentum.

Welcome to this month’s edition: packed with updates, wins, and reasons to keep waving the (digital) flag for Canadian tech.

All the Moves

Noel Gruber joins CIGI as Director, Communications & Public Affairs

JJ Ethridge joins Avidbots as CEO

Robert Domagala joins Smile.io as Head of Partnerships

Caroline Hood joins Confluent as Regional Sales Director

Zach Yuzdepski joins TeamLinkt as Director of Marketing

Dave Garcia joins RouteThis as CRO

Andrea Kerswill joins North Guide as a Strategic Advisor

Eva Thouvenot is now Head of Growth at Workleap

Paul Poppert joins Even Up Law as VP, Engineering

Brian Martin joins OpenText as Senior Director, Network Operations Centre

Pooya Forghani joins Google as Engineering Manager

Sasha Shannon joins Eclipse Automation as Director of HR North America

David Granton joins Float as Director of Strategic Partnerships

The Hybrid Work Transition

Data analysis from our 2nd Annual Give and Receive Salary Survey is underway, and one early trend is clear: the return to office. As hybrid work becomes the norm, our clients are asking: “what’s the right balance between remote flexibility and in-person connection?”.

Our Senior People + Culture Strategist, Celina Deosaran, shares insights on building a hybrid strategy that drives engagement, productivity, and connection

How to Master the Hybrid Work Transition.

The Peak’s Emerging Leaders 2025

Congratulations Leigh Farlow, Partner, who was named one of The Peak's 2025 Emerging Leaders! The list recognizes up-and-coming leaders under 40 who are shaping Canada’s economy, culture, and society.

We’re incredibly proud to see Leigh acknowledged on a national stage.

Congrats to all included in the Peak’s Emerging Leaders 2025 list.

Way to go!

Humans of Tech

As VP of People and Operations at Railz, Shawna Stewart has led through growth, transition, and transformation. This includes stepping up to lead the company through a successful acquisition during a CEO departure. In Humans of Tech, she opens up about navigating high-stakes moments, speaking up when it matters, and creating space for others to lead with authenticity.

Humans of Tech - Shawna Stewart.

VCAA Ski Conference

Our team joined the vibrant tech ecosystem that is Alberta, for the annual Venture Capital Association of Alberta (VCAA) Ski Conference.

Not only was it a beautiful venue and backdrop, but the content, connections and opportunities were incredible.

In case you missed it, Alberta is not just having a moment - there is serious and sustainable momentum across just about every sector in tech.

What We’re Working On

Explore the job descriptions below and reach out to the corresponding Artemis Consultant:

GM-Canada - Automotive Hardware/Public Safety - Alberta/Canada

Email Carly

VP Product - SMB HR tech - Canada (Remote)

Email Tara

Sr Director of Finance - HW/SW - Waterloo (in-office)

Email Tara

Platform Team Lead - Fintech - Canada (Remote)
Email Ashley

Coming Soon
Stay tuned for these exciting upcoming opportunities:

Chief Product & Technology Officer - Confidential - Canada (Remote)
Email Leigh

Managing Director, Strategic Advisory - Loyalty SaaS/Consulting - Greater Toronto Area (Hybrid)

Email Erin

Congrats Alex!

We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Alex Daminato to Executive Recruitment Consultant on the Artemis Canada team!

Since joining us in November, Alex has quickly become an asset to our team, contributing significantly to our success in executive searches. Her keen understanding of the tech landscape and her dedication to authentically connecting leaders with transformative opportunities have truly set her apart.

All the Stuff and News You Should Know

The future of Canadian Tech runs through Waterloo

Seventy-five Ontario CEOs sign open letter calling on Premier Doug Ford to prioritize homegrown innovation

DMZ Women Innovation Summit boosts women-led AI, farming, and health startups with $535,000 investment

Alberta is eating B.C.’s lunch when it comes to tech and talent

PointClickCare Launches Transitions of Care Solution to Reduce Medicare Readmissions

Clio acquires UK-based ShareDo

Nominations are open for The Globe and Mail’s Canada’s Top Growing Companies - deadline is May 23, 2025

Waterloo region tech companies 'holding their breath' as proposed U.S. tariffs loom

Google reportedly close to buying Waterloo’s AdHawk for its eye-tracking smart glasses tech

Trump’s Trade War Pushes Canadian Tech Workers to Rethink Silicon Valley

Siemens to establish global AI Manufacturing Technologies R&D Center for Battery Production in Canada

Three Waterloo Region tech companies selected to pilot solutions with City of Kitchener

Canada’s fintechs are surging—against all odds

Taiv acquihires fellow Canadian adtech startup Local Reach to aid expansion plans

Shopify acquires search startup Vantage Discovery

Artemis Recommends

From inspiring reads to must-listen podcasts and transformative courses, Artemis Recommends brings you top resources to inform and inspire.

Ashley Recommends: Morning Brew Daily Podcast - This sharp, fast-paced podcast breaks down the latest in business, tech, and culture with wit and insight. Perfect for staying in the loop daily while on the go, it's Ashley’s go-to for a smart, engaging take on current events.

Carly Recommends: Gaze Ahead Podcast - Hosted by Calgary’s Melanie McClare, Gaze Ahead shines a light on leadership, innovation, and the evolving world of tech. It’s an empowering and insightful listen, especially for those looking to navigate their own path in the industry.

Congrats Kristina!

We’re proud to share that our founder, Kristina McDougall, has been named a 2025 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards nominee!

For the past 12 years, she’s been at the helm of Artemis, connecting tech companies to game-changing leaders. This nomination celebrates Kristina’s exceptional leadership, visionary mindset, and unwavering dedication to the Canadian tech ecosystem.

Funding News

KW/Toronto/Canada tech funding powered by briefed.in:

FLiiP - Quebec | Software Development | $4.4M

StackAdapt - Toronto | AdTech | $235.0M

Rayhawk Technologies - Other | Rail Transportation | $3.0M

RetinaLogik - Alberta | Health Diagnostics | $1.1M

Coral - Quebec | Health and Human Services | $4.1M

Hydrostor - Toronto | GreenTech | $200.0M

Glassbox - Toronto | FinTech | $1.6M

Hyperlume - Ottawa | Telecommunications | $12.5M

Reverb Therapeutics - British Columbia | Biotechnology Research | $17.0M

Variational AI - British Columbia | AI | $5.5M

Emtar Technologies - British Columbia | Semiconductor Manufacturing | $18.5M

Paradox Immunotherapeutics - Toronto | BioTech | $10.0M

Dispersa - Quebec | Biotechnology | $5.8M

Opal - British Columbia | Software Development | $1.5M

Variational AI - British Columbia | AI | $7.9M

Venn - Toronto | Financial services | $21.5M

Paperplane Therapeutics - Quebec | Medical Equipment Manufacturin | $1.5M

Avitia - Quebec | Biotechnology Research | $5.0M

Nexera Robotics - British Columbia | Automation Machinery Manufacturing | $4.5M

Vrify - British Columbia | Mining Technology | $12.5M

CIX 2025

Leigh and Alex attended the CIX Summit in Toronto, celebrating Canada’s top emerging and growth-stage companies. Discussions highlighted Canadian pride, the urgency for action, and the opportunity to invest in IP and data-rich businesses.

With a focus on CleanTech, FinTech, and Manufacturing, award winners like Float showed the strength of our ecosystem. As Arlene Dickinson said, this is either a challenging time or the perfect one to invest. Canada has the right ingredients for success, and now it’s time to focus on execution.

Smart Start Canada

It’s client love time! 💙

This month, we’re spotlighting Smart Start Canada, a national leader in alcohol monitoring technology helping to keep Canadian roads safer. With its advanced Ignition Interlock and portable alcohol monitoring devices, the company supports both government programs and personal safety. Smart Start Canada is seeking a General Manager based out of Alberta to drive operational excellence and strategic growth across Canada.

Where You’ll Find Us

Scaling Smart: From Seed to Series A

April 10, 2025 | 10 - 11 a.m.

Communitech Hub

She Talks Tech - Women's Health Tech Innovation Edition

April 17, 2025 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Catalyst Commons

Learn & Connect: Maximizing your SR&ED Refund & Understanding Eligibility

April 23, 2025 | 9:30 - 11 a.m. EST

Communitech Hub / Hybrid

Scaling Smart: Achieve Product-Market Fit

April 24, 2025 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Communitech Hub

Scaling Smart: Mastering Executive Hiring for Growth

May 1, 2025 | 9 - 10 a.m. EST

Communitech Hub

We’d Love to Hear from You!

Have you had a great experience working with Artemis that you would like to share? We’d love to hear it. Follow this link to tell us your story!

Similarly, if you love our newsletter content and would like more Artemis insights throughout the month, be sure to follow our LinkedIn page.

Artemis Canada
Artemis Canada

April 2, 2025