U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed 25% tariffs on all Canadian products. And while we brace for economic turbulence, we need to be prepared for what’s coming—it’s going to be tough. In fact, it’s going to get worse before it gets better.

This will impact all Canadians, but from where we sit at DMZ, our tech sector is at serious risk and this will undoubtedly be a moment of reckoning. Canada has world-class talent and technology—now more than ever, we need to bet on Canadian-made tech and ensure that our innovation, jobs and IP stay right here at home.

Launching the Oh Canada Tech Directory, by DMZ.

DMZ is stepping up to support Canadian founders and SMEs by making sure founders have the tools, visibility and advocacy they need to thrive in this shifting economic landscape.

The Oh Canada Tech Directory, by DMZ will serve as the go-to web page for governments, ministries, universities and businesses to find the best Canadian tech companies to meet their needs. Launched today, the directory will offer: 

• A directory of Canadian tech companies, simplifying procurement for businesses, policymakers and ecosystem builders by connecting them to companies with Canadian ownership, headquarters and intellectual property.

Courses for founders to navigate tariffs.

DMZ is expanding its Skills Academy to equip founders with the skills needed to adapt and succeed. New courses will cover supply chain diversification, including strategies to source materials and partnerships domestically, international expansion and marketing in a tariff-impacted economy and more. 

Working with government to support Canadian made tech procurement.

DMZ is actively working with government and industry leaders to rethink procurement policies and prioritize Canadian-built solutions. The directory will be a go-to resource for policymakers and procurement teams to ensure they are choosing Canadian tech options.

We’re at a turning point. The decisions we make today will shape Canada’s future in the global innovation economy. It’s time to bet on Canadian tech—because when we invest in our own, we all win.

Founders, if you’re building Canadian software, apply now to be featured in the Oh Canada Tech Directory, by DMZ.  

Now that the initial shock has settled from the second-biggest bank collapse in U.S. history, we can start to process what the demise of Silicon Valley Bank means for the Canadian startup ecosystem. And while a majority of the Canadian tech sector will come out of this relatively scot-free, there will undoubtedly be a trickle effect that will impact founders north of the border.  

The downfall has created an environment of uneasiness for the startup community, and founders are concerned that this will spook investors. 2022 was a challenging year for startups, and while there were small glimpses that we were on the up-and-up, an event of this magnitude does not help the perception of the space. Just from a mere 2 weeks ago, founders are feeling an increased sense of uneasiness. 

It’s important to remember that the ecosystem has been fighting inflation and rising interest rates. In an industry where cash is king, founders were already hanging on for dear life.

So, what’s at stake? Stunting the growth of early-stage founders. In times like this, investors become more risk-averse and want to make safe bets, meaning funding supply at the top of the funnel becomes rare. While many Canadian founders may not have dealt with Silicon Valley Bank directly, losing a key player in the space translates to less funding to go around overall. 

Now is the time to double down on high-potential early-stage founders and their businesses to fuel their growth. Supporting startups when the ecosystem is on a high is one thing, but helping them through bad times is a whole new ball game. 

Early-stage companies are the lifeline to Canada’s startup and innovation ecosystem. At the DMZ we’re doing everything we can to equip our founders to be the next camel startup –  resilient, resourceful and balanced.

If you’re an early-stage tech startup looking for tangible support, learn more about our programs here.