Canada's strong AI talent could attract more corporate VC funding

In PwC Canada's lastest MoneyTree report analyzing the Canadian VC landscape, there were two particular trends that stood out: a rising interest in AI, and a rise in corporate deal participation. The latter is a common story in the startup world, with financial institutions partnering with startups for access to nimble teams and emerging technology, and international tech giants like Microsoft scooping up talent within the Canadian tech community. According to the PwC report, 26 percent of all deals to Canadian companies in Q2 2017 included at least one corporate or corporate venture capital investor, reaching an eight-quarter high since Q3 2015. To PwC Canada National Deals Technology Leader Michael Dingle, this trend is expected to continue as corporates see investing in tech companies as an effective way to engage with the tech sector. "Look at other markets like the US that are trending in opposite directions, and you end up with a repatriation in talent, increased interest in Canada as a whole."