Montreal Startup Funding 2025

Montreal is a global AI powerhouse and gaming capital with the lowest operating costs among major North American tech hubs. Strong French-English bilingual talent and generous Quebec tax credits make it incredibly attractive for tech startups.

$3.2B+
Ecosystem Size
4,500+
Active Startups
$950K
Average Funding
6
Unicorn Companies

Why Start Up in Montreal?

Key Strengths

  • World-leading AI research (MILA, Element AI alumni)
  • Gaming industry capital of Canada (Ubisoft)
  • Lowest operational costs in North America
  • Generous Quebec tax credits (up to 50%)
  • Bilingual talent pool (French/English)
  • Strong aerospace and advanced manufacturing

Top Industries

Artificial Intelligence & Deep Learning
Gaming & Entertainment
Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing
Fintech
Visual Effects & Animation
Healthtech & Life Sciences

Montreal Funding Programs

Government grants, tax credits, and local programs available to Montreal startups

Quebec SR&ED Tax Credit

14-30% provincial + 35% federal

Provincial credit combining with federal for up to 50% total

Investissement Québec

Up to $5M

Financial support for innovative companies

Montreal International

Soft landing services + grants

Support for foreign startups relocating to Montreal

E-Business Tax Credit

Up to 24% refundable credit

Quebec tax credit for e-commerce and online businesses

Montreal Accelerators & Incubators

Programs that provide funding, mentorship, and resources to help your startup grow

FounderFuel

B2B SaaS and marketplaces

Up to $200K + mentorship

NEXT AI

AI-focused startups

Education + investor access

District 3 Innovation Center

Tech and social innovation

Resources + mentorship

Centech

Deep tech and hardware

Up to $100K + facilities

Active Investors in Montreal

VCs, angels, and investment firms actively funding Montreal startups

Real Ventures

VC Fund

Seed-stage tech companies

iNovia Capital

VC Fund

Early to growth-stage tech

Anges Québec

Angel Network

Early-stage startups

Desjardins Capital

VC Fund

Quebec-based companies

Brightspark Ventures

VC Fund

Enterprise software, AI

Montreal Success Stories

Inspiring companies that started and scaled from Montreal

Lightspeed

Retail/Commerce Platform

Publicly traded, $3B+ market cap

Behaviour Interactive

Gaming

Dead by Daylight, 50M+ players

Element AI

Artificial Intelligence

Acquired by ServiceNow for $500M+

Frank And Oak

E-commerce Fashion

Sustainable fashion pioneer, $100M+ revenue

Montreal Startup Resources

Coworking Spaces

  • WeWork Montreal
  • Notman House
  • Station F Montreal
  • Le Centech
  • District 3

Universities

  • McGill University
  • Université de Montréal
  • Concordia University
  • École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS)
  • HEC Montréal

Key Events

  • C2 Montreal
  • Montreal Startup Festival
  • AI & ML Summit
  • Montreal International Game Summit
  • Web à Québec

Ready to Fund Your Montreal Startup?

Access SR&ED tax credits, local grants, and connect with Montreal's investor community

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