Calgary’s startup ecosystem ranks among the top 30 in North America and top 50 in the world, with continued growth as other markets shrink.
That’s the latest information from the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report from Startup Genome and the Global Entrepreneurship Network, which was released on Thursday morning.
The report showed that Calgary ranked top 10 in North America for talent affordability, and top 15 in the “bang for buck” ecosystem.
Calgary has a startup sector worth roughly $6.7 billion, with $2.6 billion in venture capital raised over the past four years. There have been 90 startup exits in the past five years, and two active unicorns (companies valued at more than $1 billion USD).
“Calgary is a launchpad for the next generation of global innovators. With the right talent, cost advantage and momentum behind us, we’re scaling companies that are shaping the future — from fintech to cleantech and beyond, said Brad Parry, president and CEO of Calgary Economic Development, in a prepared media release.
“We’re no strangers to innovation, and as we continue to double down on our efforts to grow this momentum, we’re creating opportunities for Calgarians to build a meaningful life and career both today and 50 years from now.”
Startup Genome noted that for the first time in five years, the total value of the global startup ecosystem has experienced a sharp decline. They attributed it to a downturn in major exits and initial public offerings (IPOs).
Calgary, however, has experienced a 13 per cent growth in the startup ecosystem between the 2023 and 2025 report. The average globally is a decline of 14 per cent.
“There is something special happening here in Calgary. Despite headwinds facing a lot of other tech ecosystems, Calgary’s incredible resilience and growth are on full display,” said Terry Rock, president and CEO of Platform Calgary.
“Platform Calgary and our network of partner organizations play an important role in this journey, uniting entrepreneurs, investors, and partners at the Platform Innovation Centre to support founders at every stage of their journey. Together, we are building a tech ecosystem that is the best place in the world for anyone to launch and grow a tech startup.”
Earlier this year, CED announced its new innovation strategy, with the goal of adding 187,000 jobs and $28 billion in economic activity in Calgary and area by 2034.
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