Ottawa Startup Funding 2025

Ottawa is Canada's cybersecurity and telecom capital with a rich history of tech innovation. Home to major tech giants and government tech procurement opportunities, Ottawa offers a stable ecosystem for B2B and enterprise startups.

$2.1B+
Ecosystem Size
3,000+
Active Startups
$1.1M
Average Funding
4
Unicorn Companies

Why Start Up in Ottawa?

Key Strengths

  • Cybersecurity capital of Canada
  • Strong telecom and communications tech
  • Major government procurement opportunities
  • Stable enterprise software ecosystem
  • Lower costs than Toronto
  • Strong engineering talent pool

Top Industries

Cybersecurity
Telecommunications
Government Technology
Enterprise Software
IoT & Smart Cities
Healthtech

Ottawa Funding Programs

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

Ontario SR&ED Tax Credit

3.5% provincial + 35% federal

Provincial tax credit combining with federal SR&ED

Invest Ottawa Programs

Up to $250K

Various support programs for tech startups

Federal Procurement Opportunities

Varies widely

Government contracts for innovative solutions

CanExport SMEs

Up to $75K

Support for international market expansion

Ottawa Accelerators & Incubators

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

Invest Ottawa Incubator

Tech startups across sectors

Resources + mentorship

L-SPARK

B2B SaaS, cybersecurity

Up to $200K + acceleration

Bayview Yards

Hardware and software startups

Facilities + programs

The Code Factory

Software and AI startups

Mentorship + investor connections

Active Investors in Ottawa

VCs, angels, and investment firms actively funding Ottawa startups

Wesley Clover

VC Fund

Communications tech, software

Kaizentek

VC Fund

B2B enterprise software

Golden Triangle Angel Network

Angel Network

Early-stage tech companies

Mistral Venture Partners

VC Fund

Enterprise software, cybersecurity

BDC Capital

Government VC

Tech across sectors

Ottawa Success Stories

Inspiring companies that started and scaled from Ottawa

Shopify

E-commerce

Founded in Ottawa, $80B+ market cap

Kinaxis

Supply Chain Software

Publicly traded, $3B+ market cap

Solace

Event-Driven Architecture

Raised $200M+, serves Fortune 500

You.i TV

Video App Development

Acquired by WarnerMedia, powers major streaming apps

Ottawa Startup Resources

Coworking Spaces

  • Bayview Yards
  • Invest Ottawa
  • The Code Factory
  • WeWork Ottawa
  • Zibi Innovation Hub

Universities

  • University of Ottawa
  • Carleton University
  • Algonquin College
  • Saint Paul University

Key Events

  • Canadian Telecom Summit
  • SecTor
  • Ottawa Tech Tuesdays
  • Startup Grind Ottawa
  • Innovation Week

Ready to Fund Your Ottawa Startup?

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

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