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Top 10 Young Canadian Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2025
Meet the next generation of Canadian innovators redefining industries, leading purpose-driven companies, and shaping the economic landscape with their fresh ideas and bold ambitions.
Introduction
Canada has long fostered a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, but in recent years, a wave of young entrepreneurs under 35 has emerged as a powerful force. These individuals are not only disrupting traditional industries but also building ventures that emphasize sustainability, diversity, and technological advancement. According to a 2024 report by Startup Canada, over 45% of new Canadian businesses were founded by entrepreneurs aged 18–35. This demographic is driving transformation in sectors ranging from clean tech and fintech to digital media and healthcare.
As the business landscape continues to evolve post-pandemic, these entrepreneurs are leveraging digital tools, social media, and global networks to scale faster and smarter. This article highlights the top 10 young Canadian entrepreneurs to watch in 2025, showcasing their unique approaches, major milestones, and future potential.
1. Michele Romanow – Co-founder of Clearco
Michele Romanow, already a household name due to her role on Dragons’ Den, is a pioneering force in fintech. She co-founded Clearco, a funding platform that has provided over $3 billion in growth capital to e-commerce brands. Her vision of non-dilutive capital has reshaped how startups secure funding.
Key achievements:
- Clearco valuation surpassed $2 billion by 2023
- Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40
- Active advocate for women in tech and finance
2. Swish Goswami – CEO of Surf
A serial entrepreneur and Gen Z voice in tech, Swish Goswami co-founded Surf, a browser extension that rewards users for their data. His focus on ethical data use and consumer empowerment has gained traction with both users and investors.
Key achievements:
- Raised $5 million in seed funding
- Named LinkedIn Top Voice in Tech
- TEDx speaker and Forbes 30 Under 30 alumni
3. Fatima Zaidi – Founder of Quill Inc.
Fatima Zaidi is transforming the podcasting industry through Quill Inc., a podcast agency and production house. Her company helps brands produce compelling audio content, making podcasting more accessible to businesses.
Key achievements:
- Quill named one of Canada’s fastest-growing media startups
- Host of the Create Community podcast
- Advocate for BIPOC and women entrepreneurs
4. Braden Ream – CEO of Voiceflow
With the rise of voice-activated devices, Voiceflow is enabling developers to build conversational experiences more intuitively. CEO Braden Ream leads the company, which now powers voice apps for Amazon, Google, and major banks.
Key achievements:
- Series A funding of $20 million
- Clients include Spotify, BMW, and U.S. Bank
- Featured in Fast Company and TechCrunch
5. Mallorie Brodie & Lauren Lake – Co-founders of Bridgit
This dynamic duo created Bridgit, a workforce intelligence platform revolutionizing construction project management. Their software helps general contractors optimize workforce planning.
Key achievements:
- Used by over 100,000 construction professionals
- $24 million in funding
- Named in Forbes 30 Under 30 North America
6. Eva Wong – Co-founder of Borrowell
Borrowell is a leading Canadian fintech platform providing free credit scores and personalized financial advice. Eva Wong, co-founder and COO, has been a key driver in promoting financial literacy and inclusivity.
Key achievements:
- Borrowell has over 2 million users in Canada
- Raised over $100 million in funding
- Advocate for women in leadership
7. Sami Hayek – Founder of Flare Systems
Cybersecurity is critical in a digital world, and Flare Systems offers tools that help companies detect and mitigate threats early. Sami Hayek’s innovative thinking has positioned Flare as a leader in digital risk protection.
Key achievements:
- Recognized by Gartner as a cybersecurity innovator
- Clients include major Canadian banks
- Raised $10 million in Series A funding
8. Amanda Levine – Co-founder of Juno College
Formerly HackerYou, Juno College is a tech bootcamp offering in-demand digital skills. Amanda Levine has made coding education accessible for thousands, with a focus on equity and career switching.
Key achievements:
- 80%+ job placement rate for grads
- Featured in Maclean’s Top Entrepreneurs
- Developed income share agreements for tuition
9. Cassie Myers – Founder of Lunaria Solutions
Cassie Myers launched Lunaria, a DEI platform that helps organizations measure and improve their equity practices. Her work sits at the intersection of HR tech and social impact, drawing attention from progressive employers.
Key achievements:
- Clients across North America
- Winner of Future of Good’s Young Impact Leader award
- Mentored by MaRS Discovery District
10. Khaled Sabawi – Founder of Open Screenplay
Khaled Sabawi is behind Open Screenplay, a platform enabling collaborative storytelling and screenplay development. His tool connects brands with writers, making storytelling more inclusive and scalable.
Key achievements:
- Partnerships with Procter & Gamble, Tim Hortons
- Platform users from 120+ countries
- Winner of the Startup Canada Social Impact Award
Tips and Takeaways
- Watch for cross-sector innovation: Many entrepreneurs are blending tech with traditional industries.
- Impact and purpose matter: Young founders are prioritizing sustainability, equity, and inclusion.
- Community building is key: These leaders are not just creating products, but ecosystems.
- Venture capital is flowing: Canada’s startup ecosystem continues to attract global investment.
- Education is evolving: Many founders are rethinking education and upskilling frameworks.
Tools and Resources
- Startup Canada: National resource hub for entrepreneurs.
- MaRS Discovery District: Innovation hub offering programs, mentorship, and funding.
- BDC Capital: Provides capital to Canadian startups with a focus on sustainability.
- Forbes 30 Under 30: Annual list to watch emerging business leaders.
- Communitech: A leading tech ecosystem supporting startups.
Future Outlook
The landscape of Canadian entrepreneurship is undergoing rapid transformation. With more funding available, a stronger support ecosystem, and an increasing emphasis on purpose-driven business, the next decade promises exponential growth. These 10 young entrepreneurs represent a new wave of resilient, creative, and globally-minded leaders. As technology evolves and the world shifts, Canada’s entrepreneurial spirit is poised to leave a lasting legacy on the global stage.
Note: This article was created with the assistance of generative AI, based on verified knowledge and content frameworks. It is subject to updates as new information becomes available.
