Calgary Shows Resilience in Global Startup Ecosystem Rankings

Calgary’s startup ecosystem continues to gain global attention for its resilience, momentum and affordability, as featured in the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) by Startup Genome and the Global Entrepreneurship Network.

Released today at VivaTech Paris, the report analyzes data from over five million companies across 350 innovation ecosystems worldwide and is recognized as one of the world’s most comprehensive research projects on startups. The GSER 2025 offers a comprehensive analysis of the current state of startup ecosystems worldwide, along with actionable recommendations for founders, investors, policymakers, and stakeholders committed to advancing innovation.

Calgary’s Standout Performance

Unlike other global startup ecosystems, Calgary experienced a 13 per cent growth in ecosystem value between the 2023 report and the 2025 report — in contrast to a 14 per cent average decline globally. 

The report also places Calgary among the:

• Top 30 ecosystems in North America
• Top 50 emerging ecosystems globally
• Top 10 in North America for talent affordability
• Top 15 ‘bang for buck’ ecosystems globally, meaning founders here get more growth, traction and runway for every dollar spent

Relative to other Canadian cities which experienced drops in their global ecosystem rank — including Vancouver and Toronto-Waterloo — Calgary’s value position for startups remains steady. 

Calgary highlights from GSER 2025: 

• $6.7B ecosystem value 
• $2.6B in venture capital (VC) raised (2020–2024) 
• Ninety startup exits over the past five years — above the global average 
• Two active unicorns (companies valued at more than $1B USD) 
• Fastest tech employment growth in North America, surging 78 per cent from 2018–2023 (CBRE)

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A Community on the Rise

Calgary's ranks are a signal of the city’s durability in a turbulent global startup environment, emerging as a hotbed for local firms including Neo Financial, Eavor, Carbon Upcycling Technologies, and Summit Nanotech closing significant raises in the past year.

Calgary’s performance in the report reflects the strength and adaptability of our growing tech and innovation ecosystem, backed by a strong culture of collaboration. From early-stage founders to scale-up success stories, Calgary’s momentum is supported by a network of committed partners working to elevate local talent, drive startup growth, and connect the city to the global stage.

As we celebrate this milestone, we’re reminded that rankings and recognition are a reflection of the incredible work being done by entrepreneurs across our city. They are builders, risk-takers, and collaborators — and the 2025 GSER reinforces what we’ve long known: Calgary is on the rise, and the world is taking notice.

📘 Read the full 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report here.

This year’s GSER spotlights Calgary’s entrepreneurial strengths thanks to collaboration between Platform Calgary, Calgary Economic Development, the Calgary Innovation Coalition, and Startup Genome. Together, we’re building the conditions for innovators to thrive, from early support and funding access, to global visibility and ecosystem-building strategies.

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“There is something special happening here in Calgary. Despite headwinds facing a lot of other tech ecosystems, Calgary's incredible resilience and growth are on full display. Platform Calgary and our network of partner organizations play an important role in this journey, uniting entrepreneurs, investors, and partners at the Platform Innovation Centre to support founders at every stage of their journey. Together, we are building a tech ecosystem that is the best place in the world for anyone to launch and grow a tech startup.”  --- Terry Rock, President & CEO of Platform Calgary.

“Calgary is a launchpad for the next generation of global innovators. With the right talent, cost advantage and momentum behind us, we’re scaling companies that are shaping the future — from fintech to cleantech and beyond. We’re no strangers to innovation, and as we continue to double down on our efforts to grow this momentum, we're creating opportunities for Calgarians to build a meaningful life and career both today and 50 years from now.”  --- Brad Parry, President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development.

"Ranking in the top tier globally for affordable talent and startup runway, Calgary stands out as fertile ground for founders to scale with impact. We’re proud to partner with Platform Calgary, Calgary Innovation Coalition and Calgary Economic Development — their collaboration continues to power this momentum."  --- JF Gauthier, Founder & CEO, Startup Genome.

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