Calgary is among the world’s top 50 emerging startup ecosystems

Calgary is being highlighted in a new global report! Our city has been named one of the world’s top 50 emerging startup ecosystems, so let’s have a look at the details.

According to the 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER), which provides insights about startup trends around the world, Calgary is ranked among the 41-50 Emerging Startup Ecosystems.

“Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, Calgary is an emerging force in clean energy and innovation, while consistently featuring among the world’s most liveable cities. The city has founded unicorns including Benevity, Neo Financial, Shareworks, RS Energy Group and Parvus Therapeutics,” states the report.

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The GSER also adds that in September of 2023, National Bank of Canada and Platform Calgary launched a strategic partnership to improve connections between investors and Calgary technology startups.

“The National Bank Investor Hub will drive faster connections between investors, founders, ideas, and capital. The hub, alongside initiatives like UCeed and Startup TNT will provide more opportunities for Calgary startups to access capital,” it says.

In response to the report, Calgary Economic Development’s president and CEO said that not too long ago, Calgary wasn’t on the map for startups.

“But with talent and investment flowing into Calgary, we have all the right pieces in place for our innovation economy to continue its pace as one of the fastest growing tech-hubs in the world and allow us to continue competing on the global stage,” said Brad Parry, President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development, and CEO, Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund.

Recently, Calgary’s startup ecosystem also received recognition in North America as a Top 10 in North American Ecosystem in Affordable Talent, Top 25 Ecosystem in Bang for Buck, Top 30 Ecosystem in Funding and Top 30 Ecosystem in Performance, according to the Calgary Economic Development.

Now in its 12th year, the GSER provides insights into the world’s leading startup ecosystems, emerging trends and key challenges facing entrepreneurs, states the report.

“It is based on extensive research and analysis of data from 4.5 million startups across 300 global ecosystems and over a decade of independent research and providing policy advice to more than 160 economic and innovation ministries and public/private agencies in over 55 countries.”

Way to go, Calgary!