Why Calgary Is Emerging as One of the Best Cities to Build a Startup

Calgary is no longer a “next” tech city. It’s happening now.

From exponential startup growth to a record-breaking rise in tech jobs, Calgary’s innovation ecosystem is hitting its stride. 

Calgary is gaining global attention for something new—tech. What was once a city known primarily for oil and gas is now a fast-growing launchpad for startups, innovation, and investment. And if recent years are any indication, this isn’t a passing trend—it’s a major shift in trajectory.

The 2024 Platform Calgary Impact Report outlines how a unique mix of economic conditions, collaboration, and community support has positioned Calgary as one of the most promising places in North America for tech founders to launch and scale.

Here’s a look at what’s driving Calgary’s momentum—and why more entrepreneurs and investors are paying attention. 

Growth Backed by Real Numbers

Calgary is one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, with strong GDP growth, a 5.6% population increase in 2023, and continued investment in technology, finance, CleanTech, and renewable energy.

In just the last decade, Calgary’s tech sector grew by 150%, according to Calgary Economic Development. This acceleration is part of a broader shift toward economic diversification, with innovation in CleanTech, AgTech, FinTech, and digital infrastructure all gaining traction.

Big Ideas Meet Real Opportunity

Several core advantages are drawing early-stage companies to Calgary:

• Affordability: With an average home price of approximately $577,000—well below the national average—Calgary remains an affordable and attractive place to live for founders and employees alike (source: Canadian Real Estate Association, 2024)
• Talent: With nearly 60,000 people now employed in tech roles and growing, the talent pool is expanding fast.
  
  
• Policy & Tax Incentives: Alberta boasts the lowest corporate tax rate in Canada (8%), and one of the most competitive small business tax rates (2%).
  
  
• Collaborative Ecosystem: Government, post-secondaries, funders, incubators, and industry players are working in sync to support startup success.
  
  

The city’s infrastructure, entrepreneurial culture, and access to capital are forming a powerful combination for growth.

A Surge in Tech Talent and Job Creation

Calgary saw a 78% increase in tech employment between 2018 and 2023—one of the highest growth rates among 50 major North American cities, according to CBRE.

With over 1,490 tech companies now active in the city, many of which are members of Platform Calgary, the need for skilled talent continues to rise. The average annual salary in tech roles has climbed to nearly $105,000, helping Calgary outpace even New York in new tech jobs created over the past five years.

A Magnet for Global Startups and Investment

The Global Startup Visa Program (GSUV) has connected over 250 international startup applications across 21 industries to Calgary-based resources and the local tech community.

While not all applicants were approved for the visa, the program helped entrepreneurs explore Calgary as a place to build—and positioned the city as a competitive global option for launching innovation-focused ventures.

At the same time, Calgary is drawing the attention of major investors. PitchBook ranks the city 12th globally in venture capital growth momentum and 59th worldwide for its VC ecosystem—outperforming global expectations, especially in CleanTech.

A Community-Driven Approach to Building an Ecosystem

What sets Calgary apart isn’t just the stats—it’s the spirit.

As the Impact Report notes, Calgary is “a vibrant community where dreams are transformed into reality, fueled by a spirit of collaboration and proactive engagement.” This momentum is being shaped by a coalition of organizations including Platform Calgary, Calgary Economic Development, Alberta Innovates, Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund, and many others.

Through peer groups, founder-focused programming, and 1:1 coaching, Platform Calgary alone has supported thousands of entrepreneurs and helped members raise over $1 billion in capital since 2018.

A Track Record of Startup Success

Calgary-based FinTech Neo Financial topped the Globe and Mail’s list of Canada’s Top Growing Companies in 2024, with a staggering 38,000% three-year revenue growth. Other Platform members like Goodlawyer, Virtual Gurus, Black Line Safety, and Showpass also earned national recognition—proof that the support systems in place are helping startups scale fast and sustainably.

Building the Future Together

With strong economic fundamentals, a connected and collaborative ecosystem, and a growing pipeline of founders, Calgary is no longer just a city to watch—it’s a city to build in.

As Clay Swerdelian, President of Verano.ai, shares in the report:

“Platform Calgary helped us connect with experienced mentors, colleagues, and investors, overcoming our early funding challenges and providing critical business guidance.”

Calgary isn’t just imagining what’s possible—it’s building it.

Download the Full Report

The 2024 Platform Calgary Impact Report was developed in collaboration with KPMG. By combining KPMG’s global insights with Platform Calgary’s role in delivering entrepreneurial programs, connecting the tech community's resources, and serving as a gathering place for local innovation, the 2024 Impact Report offers a data-driven look at the organization’s role in advancing inclusive innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. The report highlights tangible outcomes, community impact, and the growing value Platform Calgary brings to Calgary’s tech and startup landscape.

The 2024 Platform Calgary Impact Report offers a data-driven look at our work and our impact — from job creation and company growth to ecosystem collaboration and community building.

Download the 2024 Platform Calgary Impact Report to see how local innovators are driving real change—and how you can be part of what’s next.

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