MOTIVATION TORONTO / BUSINESS
Toronto Business News
Follow Toronto startups, independent businesses and local founders through original profiles and selected business news briefs.
Sources for the curated briefs were checked .
Toronto startups and tech
- CPPIB invests US$50 million in Beacon Software (Toronto / AI investment)
Toronto’s Beacon Software announced a US$50 million investment from CPPIB. BetaKit reports that the investment helps bring its expanded Series C financing to US$425 million as the company pursues acquisitions and develops shared AI tools. Read the source at BetaKit · Reporting ·
- Ada agrees to combine with Dialpad (Toronto / Customer technology)
Toronto customer service software company Ada has confirmed a merger with US communications company Dialpad. BetaKit reports that the transaction is expected to close around November 12; the announcement does not mean the deal has already closed. Read the source at BetaKit · Reporting ·
- U of T connects researchers with startup R&D challenges (University district / Research)
The Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus listed a November 5 forum connecting researchers with Ontario tech and AI companies. The university’s program outlines defined research projects and potential collaboration routes through OCI and Mitacs; it does not report completed funding awards. Read the source at University of Toronto · University event program ·
Local business and development
- The Kitchen plans a home for 12 restaurant brands (Mirvish Village / Local food)
A new dining venue at Mirvish Village is scheduled to open in early 2027. Retail Insider reports plans for 12 local restaurant brands, shared ordering and space for community events. The restaurant lineup has not yet been announced. Read the source at Retail Insider · Announcement coverage ·
- Peloton expands through The Fitness Factory (GTA / Retail)
Retail Insider reports that Peloton is expanding its Canadian physical retail presence through eight authorized Fitness Factory locations, including Markham, Mississauga and Whitby. The partnership offers another way to try equipment alongside Peloton’s remaining branded stores. Read the source at Retail Insider · Reporting ·
- Office conversion wins recognition before completion (Flemingdon Park / Housing)
STOREYS looks at e-lofts, an office conversion planned to deliver 331 rental homes in Flemingdon Park. The project has received an Ontario Home Builders’ Association award, while occupancy remains expected in summer 2027. Read the source at STOREYS · Reporting ·
Original Toronto founder stories
- Creating Her Own Opportunity: Kyra Tang’s Journey to CODE SEVEN ·
After graduating into a difficult job market, the creative from Hong Kong turned her energy toward building a clothing business and began finding a new purpose in the process.
- Hello Marshy: building better pet care, one booking at a time ·
Maha Ali and Behroz Saadat set out to make pet care more affordable. They’re building a Canadian marketplace shaped by feedback from pet parents and sitters across Toronto and the GTA, with a focus on fair fees and transparent pricing.
- How Yéléna Mensah is bringing Toronto teams together through painting ·
After discovering painting during the pandemic, the founder of Tote and Paint began bringing brushes, colour and a chance to slow down into workplaces and community spaces.