Record-breaking Number of Women-Founded Startups Showcased at Collision 2023 in Toronto

Toronto witnessed a groundbreaking moment at Collision 2023, as the renowned tech conference brought together a record-breaking 36,378 attendees from 118 countries. Among the attendees, an impressive 41% were women, reflecting the growing diversity in the industry. This year's event showcased a remarkable achievement, with 30% of the 1,497 startups participating having women founders on their teams.

The inclusivity of the conference extended beyond the attendees, as 36% of the speakers across the 20-plus tracks were women. Notable figures from the tech world, business leaders, and social media sensations converged at Collision 2023, creating an enriching environment for knowledge sharing and networking. Among the esteemed speakers were Geoffrey Hinton, considered the godfather of AI, Sarah Guo, founder of Conviction, Adam Selipsky, CEO of AWS, and Marques Brownlee, the YouTube superstar.

The economic impact of the Collision on the Toronto economy has been remarkable, with a total injection of CA$188 million since 2019. This year, the projected economic boost is estimated at CA$ 77 million, reflecting the positive influence the conference has on the city's growth and development. The event has not only served as a platform for startups and entrepreneurs but has also attracted global partners, including industry giants like Google, AWS, RBC, and AT&T.

The inclusivity drive at Collision is further highlighted by its collaboration with 35 community partners, such as the Black Innovation Alliance, Animikii, and Diversity VC. These partnerships emphasize the importance of supporting and prioritizing underrepresented individuals in the technology industry. The conference's Indigenous Attendee Program, now in its second year, aims to amplify the voices of Indigenous communities and foster respectful relationships within the tech ecosystem. Complimentary access and bursaries were made available for attendees and startups from Indigenous communities to facilitate their participation in Collision.

In terms of startup funding, the impact of Collision has been substantial. Crunchbase reports that exhibiting startups raised a total of US$565 million in the 12 months following Collision 2022, showcasing the potential for growth and investment in the tech industry. Additionally, PitchBook reveals that Canadian and Torontonian startups have surpassed previous funding levels, with deals in Toronto alone reaching CA$1.3 billion in the first half of 2023. The value of deals nationwide has experienced a 40% increase since 2019, indicating the thriving startup ecosystem in Canada.

With its commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and driving innovation, Collision has solidified its position as a leading global tech conference. By providing a platform for women-founded startups, prioritizing underrepresented communities, and fostering meaningful connections, Collision continues to shape the tech landscape and inspire future generations of entrepreneurs. As founder and CEO Paddy Cosgrave affirms, the conference aims to be the most globally inclusive tech event, showcasing Canada's vibrant tech scene on the global stage.

In 2024, Collision will return to Toronto for its sixth year, furthering its mission to connect and empower tech visionaries from around the world.