Benevity raises $140 million on GivingTuesday

Plus, more information on a potential class-action lawsuit against Exro Technologies.

Welcome to this week's Sunday Briefing. In this issue, learn about AI data centres in Alberta, Calgary’s startup ranking, and why a plaintiff is calling Exro Technologies’ forecasts “delusional.” Plus, read 7 other stories you might’ve missed.

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🗳️ Question of the Week

Which Canadian cities did Calgary beat in Pitchbook's ranking of startup ecosystems?

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Benevity raises $140 million on GivingTuesday

Source: Benevity

It was a landmark GivingTuesday for Benevity, which raised over $140 million in donations for nonprofits through its platform, with participation from 637 companies and 148,000 individuals. The Calgary-based company noted that donation dollars per donor increased by an estimated two percent.

“In a year marked by polarization, economic uncertainty, and an increasingly challenging social climate for companies, the corporate community has demonstrated the power of standing united in purpose and generosity, showing how collective action can bring us together,” said Christopher Maloof, CEO of Benevity. “This year’s remarkable GivingTuesday results are a testament to the corporate community’s unwavering commitment to doing good, even giving both of their wallets and time with a notable growth in volunteering time committed to nonprofits.”

GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the Tuesday following the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the day celebrates the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving.

This year, the day broke records across the board, with the GivingTuesday Data Commons estimating that $3.6 billion was donated in the U.S. alone.

“Generosity isn’t just about money — it’s about connection and community,” said Asha Curran, GivingTuesday’s CEO. “In a world that can feel increasingly divided, we’re seeing people unite through simple acts of kindness that have profound ripple effects.”

🤝 Funding, Deals, and Partnerships

  • Acceleware awarded $1.31 million in non-dilutive funding from the Clean Resource Innovation Network. Funded projects are expected to accelerate solutions to significantly improve environmental performance, help meet climate targets, and provide economic and public benefits for Canada. Acceleware

📰 Need To Know

  • Shareholders file proposed class action alleging Exro misrepresented revenue projections. Plaintiff describes 2024 revenue forecasts Exro made in January as “delusional.” Betakit

  • The world’s top startup cities. Calgary makes it onto the list of global cities based on the size and maturity of their startup networks. Pitchbook

  • Alberta tech minister wants $100B in AI data centre infrastructure built over next 5 years. Data centres can require loads of electricity to operate, depending on their size. CBC News

  • Meet the 11 winners of the 2024 Start Alberta Tech Awards. The 7th annual Start Alberta Tech Awards took place on November 20 at Studio Bell in Calgary during Innovation Week, where 11 awards honoured the remarkable achievements of Alberta's founders and startups. Start Alberta

  • EasyRedir unveils new brand identity, Urllo, marking a decade of innovation in connecting companies with their audiences online. The new identity reflects Urllo’s expanded mission to secure and streamline every digital connection, ensuring infrastructure stability and adaptability for clients across industries. Urllo

  • Liquids stay: A new screening line at the Calgary airport has some serious technology. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has just installed a new screening line at YYC, equipped with CT X-ray technology. Daily Hive

  • Alberta proposes to build Canada’s first drilling technology test site by 2026. The proposed facility would be used to accelerate innovations in lithium extraction, carbon storage, and geothermal energy in addition to oil and gas technologies. Journal of Petroleum Technology

  • UCalgary scientists help solve a problem in the developing world. Researchers create a new vaccine to protect cattle from a devastating disease. University of Calgary

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