2024 Platform Calgary Impact Report

Purpose of this Report

This report illustrates Platform Calgary's impact on Calgary’s tech ecosystem, encompassing both direct and indirect contributions. The goal of this report is to help our partners, donors, sponsors, general public, and other interested parties better understand the role and value of Platform Calgary in fostering innovation and growth in the Calgary economy.

By offering qualitative insights and key success metrics, this report provides a comprehensive overview of Platform Calgary and other organizations’ contributions to the city’s tech sector. It highlights aspects such as community building, economic impact, and the support provided to members, all of which are essential for appreciating the broader narrative of Calgary’s growth in this sector, not only locally, but also relative to other cities in North America.

Excerpts From The Forward by Terry Rock, President & CEO of Platform Calgary

On the state of Calgary’s ecosystem: 

“Calgary’s tech ecosystem finds itself at a defining moment. After years of development and collaboration, the city’s community of innovators has reached a new “normal”—one marked by growth, support, and a clear pathway for success. This pivotal point invites us to look back on where Calgary started, assess where we are today, and set our sights on the future of this thriving tech hub.”

On measurable progress:

“The impact of Platform Calgary’s work is evident. Startups connected to Platform Calgary have generated 6,750 jobs, while more than 3,843 aspiring entrepreneurs have benefited from mentorship and programming. These efforts are building a tech ecosystem that can compete globally, with Calgary-based startups raising $548 million in 2024 alone.”

On community contribution:

“As Calgary’s tech sector continues to evolve, we pause to recognize and celebrate the contributions of everyone who has played a role in this journey. To the more than 50 dedicated city builders on the Platform Calgary team, our Board and Advisory Council, and the countless founders, investors, partner organizations, corporate partners, government supporters and volunteers—your commitment to collaboration, innovation, and community-building has made this growth possible. “

On what’s next:

Together, we are writing a new chapter for Calgary as a global tech hub. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey—there’s still so much more ahead.

👉 Read Terry’s full message in the Forward of the 2024 Platform Calgary Impact Report.

Report at a Glance

Platform Calgary (“Platform”) is a catalyst for growth and diversification in Calgary’s tech ecosystem, driving economic resilience through collaboration and innovation. By uniting entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and partners, Platform has created a foundation where tech companies can thrive, leading to job creation, increased investment and revenue generation, and a strengthened economy. This report emphasizes that Platform’s partnerships and community-driven approach has contributed to positioning Calgary as a dynamic hub for tech innovation, contributing significantly to its overall economic impact.

• 6,750 jobs created by Platform-connected startups
• 3,843 entrepreneurs supported through programs and mentorship
• $323 million raised by Platform member companies in 2024. Over $1 billion raised since 2018.
• 204K people walked through the Platform Innovation Centre since opening in 2022
• Over $1.7 million worth of rental space donated since 2022

This report also highlights the efforts of other organizations that support the growth and innovation in Calgary’s tech ecosystem. It represents the combined success of a diverse group of stakeholders – entrepreneurs, investors, policy makers, and partners – with a shared vision of fostering a dynamic and innovative city. Platform is a driver and facilitator in this ecosystem, empowering others to create conditions for success, and as a result, the achievements outlined in this report are the result of a collective effort. The spirit of collaboration that defines Calgary’s tech sector is what drives us forward.

Platform Calgary's Evolving Role

In June of 2022 the Platform Innovation Centre opened its doors to the public. This transformative development gave local innovators unprecedented access to Calgary’s tech ecosystem resources within a dedicated space. This front door to Calgary’s innovation community provides a place for innovators, founders, funders, industry and supporters to meet and collaborate at every stage of their journey.

Since 1981, Platform has had different names, governance structures, and core functions. Over the past 3 decades, partners in government, business and the community have collaborated and built the foundation for Platform to contribute to the growth and diversification of Calgary’s economy. Today, the vision for Platform is shaped by collaboration, community, and a shared passion to establish Calgary as a world class tech hub.

Platform’s role goes far beyond providing a physical space for innovation to being a keystone organization that fosters connections and drives collaboration. By coordinating people, ideas, and capital, it helps to accelerate the creation and scaling of tech companies, which, in turn, contributes to job creation, investment, and overall economic resilience and diversification.

As Platform looks toward the future, its vision remains unchanged: To make Calgary the best place in the world for anyone to start and grow a tech company. 

A Collaborative Effort

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.

"We are proud to co-author this report with Platform Calgary. It not only showcases the ecosystem’s growth, but emphasizes the cultural and social impact of building a more inclusive and innovative business community."
— Reinier Deurwaarder, Audit Partner, Calgary Technology Lead, KPMG in Canada

This report reflects the combined efforts of countless individuals and organizations — entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and partners — all working toward a shared vision: making Calgary the best place in the world to start and grow a tech company.

As Platform Calgary looks toward the future, its vision remains unchanged: To make Calgary the best place in the world for anyone to start and grow a tech company.

We want to acknowledge and thank the team at KPMG—our collaboration reflects a shared commitment to accelerating Calgary’s tech sector and building a stronger future for our city.

Download the Full Report

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 full 2024 Platform Calgary Impact Report to explore the insights, impact, and stories behind Calgary’s growing tech ecosystem.

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