ZayZoon, Verano.ai, and Toast Leaders Recognized at 2024 Start Alberta Tech Awards

For the seventh consecutive year, Start Alberta celebrated the achievements of Alberta’s tech ecosystem by honoring leaders from the startup and venture capital sectors at the 2024 Start Alberta Tech Awards. Since their inception in 2018, the awards have recognized excellence across 11 categories, including Women in Tech, Deals, Service, and Impact. The 2024 event, held at Calgary’s Studio Bell, highlighted standout deals, the fastest-growing companies, and emphasized the growing strength of Alberta’s early-stage ventures.

A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the A100’s One to Watch award, which is given to an early-stage company that the Alberta tech community believes is “most likely to succeed.” The award, determined by members of the A100, a group of influential tech leaders, was presented to Verano.AI, a Calgary-based company led by president Clay Swerdelian and product manager Hugo Kiqumoto. Verano.AI specializes in developing artificial intelligence-powered compliance software designed to meet the needs of regulated industries. The company has quickly made its mark by forming partnerships with major players like Deloitte and ServiceNow. Additionally, Verano.AI recently completed the Creative Destruction Lab’s Rockies accelerator, further bolstering its reputation as an innovative and fast-growing company. Swerdelian, who is also a five-time founder, was recognized with the Most Promising Founder award, a testament to his significant contributions to the Alberta tech scene.

“Winning the A100 One to Watch award means that people are noticing what we’re doing,” said Swerdelian. “We’ve done a very good job in the last 12 to 14 months, trying to be anywhere and everywhere we can. We’re on a pretty quick trajectory.” This recognition is indicative of Verano.AI’s impressive momentum and its potential to continue growing in the competitive AI compliance software market.

The Scaleup of the Year award, given to a later-stage company that has made a significant positive impact on the Alberta tech ecosystem, was presented to ZayZoon, a Calgary-based fintech firm. ZayZoon has developed a platform that allows workers to access a percentage of their earned wages before the official payday, whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. This innovative financial solution not only empowers employees with more flexibility but also highlights the growing presence of fintech solutions in Alberta’s thriving tech landscape. ZayZoon’s commitment to enhancing financial wellness for workers has contributed to its rapid growth and success, cementing its place as a major player in the region’s fintech sector.

The 2024 Start Alberta Tech Awards were a celebration of the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of Alberta’s tech companies and entrepreneurs, recognizing the innovation, resilience, and drive that continue to shape the province’s rapidly growing tech ecosystem. These awards serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that local startups and scaleups are having on both the regional and global stages. By honoring companies like Verano.AI and ZayZoon, the event showcased not only the achievements of today’s leading innovators but also underscored the collective potential of Alberta’s tech community to make significant strides in the years to come.

Verano.AI’s recognition with the prestigious A100 One to Watch award for its AI-powered compliance software reflects the growing importance of Alberta as a hub for cutting-edge technology, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence, regulatory compliance, and data analytics. The company’s partnerships with major firms like Deloitte and ServiceNow, as well as its participation in the Creative Destruction Lab’s Rockies accelerator, are indicative of the exciting trajectory that Verano.AI is on. The recognition of its co-founder, Clay Swerdelian, with the Most Promising Founder award further highlights the remarkable leadership driving Verano.AI’s success.

Similarly, ZayZoon’s recognition as Scaleup of the Year is a testament to the value of its innovative platform, which allows workers to access earned wages before payday, addressing a critical need for financial flexibility and wellness in the workforce. By enabling workers to access their wages on demand, ZayZoon is not only reshaping the payroll process but also creating a new standard for employee financial benefits, particularly in the fintech space. Their success exemplifies the dynamic and fast-evolving nature of Alberta’s tech sector, where solutions to real-world problems are increasingly being developed and scaled to serve global markets.

The 2024 Start Alberta Tech Awards also served as a platform to shine a spotlight on the broader ecosystem that supports these emerging companies, including venture capitalists, service providers, and other stakeholders who play a vital role in nurturing innovation. By bringing together some of the most influential players in Alberta’s tech community, the event fosters collaboration, networking, and knowledge-sharing that further strengthens the province’s position as a leading tech hub in North America.

With the ongoing success of companies like Verano.AI and ZayZoon, and the continued support from Alberta’s innovation ecosystem, the province’s tech scene is poised for even greater accomplishments in the coming years. As these companies grow and scale, they are setting the stage for the next wave of innovation, attracting more talent, investment, and attention to Alberta. The future of Alberta’s tech sector looks bright, with the 2024 Start Alberta Tech Awards serving as a powerful reminder of the immense potential that lies ahead.