UofT spinout Halt AI launches tool to measure brands’ diversity across social media
Halt AI’s co-founders previously worked at AR beauty tech firm ModiFace.
Retail
Somm acquires last-minute restaurant reservation app Dinr to move beyond wine recommendation
Somm describes Dinr deal as “part of a bigger vision” for the wine-focused startup.
R|T: The Retail Times – Shopify doubles down on its compensation approach
Plus: Amazon is shutting 68 retail stores, ending Amazon Books, 4-star and Pop Up shops.
Led by Serena Williams’ venture fund, Calico closes $2.6 million CAD to help D2C fashion brands manage their supply chain
Calico’s founder is building the tool she wishes she had for her own D2C brands.
Shopify platforms acquirer WeCommerce to purchase KnoCommerce for $2.6 million CAD
KnoCommerce would mark WeCommerce’s third acquisition since going public on the TSXV.
R|T: The Retail Times – Carvana revs up
Plus: Former Bench CEO Ian Crosby joins Shopify Balance.
Flashfood secures $12.3 million Series A to expand discounted food marketplace in the US
Opentable founder and S2G Ventures managing director Chuck Templeton will join Flashfood’s board of directors.
Hopper continues acquisition spree with Parisian airline travel tech Smooss
Hopper looks to bolster its B2B offering as it expands into new verticals.
R|T: The Retail Times – Shopify’s stock slips
Plus: Uber Eats vs. DoorDash: The delivery wars are heating up.
Givex acquires Loyalty Lane to expand customer relationship management platform
Givex previously acquired IT service and consulting business Kalex.
Aviron scores $23.6 million CAD Series A round to make rowing fun
Toronto startup hopes to row around Peloton’s shark-infested waters.
Klarna to open offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Québec as company expands service to Canada
The Swedish payments company plans to hire over 500 engineers by 2025.
Former Bench CEO Ian Crosby joins Shopify Balance as product director
The Bench co-founder described Shopify Balance as “a phenomenal product.”
Busbud closes $14 million CAD, acquires Recorrido to fuel Latin American expansion
Chilean energy firm COPEC’s venture arm led the round.
R|T: The Retail Times – Shopify’s strategic investment to solve this supply chain mess
Plus: Massive “coffeetech” investments are giving startups a jolt.