Tech Entrepreneur Joins to Lead Fund II and Empower Canadan Startups

Antler Canada, the Canadian arm of the global venture capital firm Antler, has recently appointed Tammer Kamel as General Partner (GP), aiming to further its goal of nurturing early-stage startups across Canada. This new appointment comes as the firm prepares to launch its second fund, Fund II, with Kamel, along with fellow GP Bernie Li, and Shambhavi Mishra, who was recently promoted to associate partner.

Kamel’s Expertise Set to Drive Antler Canada’s Growth

Kamel brings a wealth of experience to Antler Canada, having co-founded the highly successful Quandl, a financial data platform that was acquired by Nasdaq in 2018 for over $100 million. With his extensive background in building scalable startups, especially in the FinTech and SaaS sectors, Kamel is primed to guide the next generation of Canadian tech entrepreneurs through Antler’s specialized VC model.

In a joint interview with BetaKit, Bernie Li, who serves as Antler Canada’s other GP, highlighted the significance of Kamel’s appointment. “We have ambitions to continue growing forward, which includes an additional fund. Tammer brings incredible experience as an operator of a venture-backed company that was highly innovative,” said Li. “People like him, with a true passion for helping other founders, are rare to come by.”

Axing Traditional VC Models for More Dynamic Support

Antler Canada’s approach to investing in startups goes beyond traditional venture capital methods. The firm’s model provides early-stage startups with not only funding but also comprehensive support to help them grow faster and smarter. Kamel’s influence, as an operator who has navigated the startup trenches firsthand, will be key in this transformative model, helping entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls while accelerating their ventures.

The addition of Kamel to the Antler team also comes as Naman Budhdeo, who played a pivotal role in leading Antler Canada’s initial entry into the Canadian market and its first fund, transitions into a new role as partner emeritus. He will continue to provide guidance in a more limited capacity, ensuring that his strategic input continues to inform Antler’s evolution.

Raising $12 Million for a Stronger Fund II

Antler Canada’s first fund, which raised $23 million in 2022, has already invested in several startups, including EZee Assist (an AI-powered assistant for franchisees), Chexy (a rent-to-rewards platform), Glassbox (a financial modelling tech startup), and NetNow (a trade credit software company). The firm has deployed approximately 60 percent of Fund I across 36 startups and plans to continue investing in another 15 startups by the end of 2025.

Antler Canada’s Fund II is poised to be bigger and more impactful. Kamel, Li, and Mishra will co-lead the fund, continuing Antler Canada’s strategy of identifying and nurturing high-potential early-stage tech startups in AI, FinTech, and marketplace solutions.

The Road Ahead for Fund II

Kamel’s leadership of Fund II comes with a vision to scale the Antler Canada platform, making it a significant player in the Canadian VC space. The firm is gearing up to launch Fund II in 2026, with plans to raise a significantly larger sum. As Kamel steps into his new role, his focus will be on expanding the fund’s reach, building deeper connections with Canada’s innovation ecosystem, and attracting high-potential early-stage companies from across the country.

Antler’s biannual, 10-week residency program for founders will continue to be a cornerstone of the firm’s model, providing early-stage entrepreneurs with $150,000 CAD in funding and hands-on mentorship. This residency has already helped numerous tech startups find success, and the firm’s plans to expand beyond Toronto in the future will ensure that more founders across Canada benefit from this opportunity.

Lessons from Quandl: Kamel’s Mentorship for the Next Generation

Kamel’s experience with Quandl has provided him with invaluable insights into the startup world. He’s familiar with the challenges and obstacles that entrepreneurs face, and he’s eager to help the next generation of Canadian tech founders avoid common mistakes.

“I’ve been through it all — from startup struggles to a successful exit with Quandl,” Kamel reflected. “Now, I can offer my two cents and guide the founders to move faster and smarter with their businesses.”

In addition to his role at Antler Canada, Kamel has been active in angel investing, where he’s had the opportunity to advise numerous tech entrepreneurs. His experience gives him a unique perspective on what it takes to grow a startup from the ground up.

The Future of Antler Canada and Canadian Tech Startups

With the rise of new technologies and the growing Canadian innovation ecosystem, Antler Canada is poised to play a central role in shaping the future of Canadian tech startups. The firm’s expansion into Fund II, along with Kamel’s leadership, will undoubtedly lead to more groundbreaking companies being born from Canada’s diverse talent pool.

As the Canadian VC ecosystem continues to evolve, Antler Canada remains committed to its mission: empowering early-stage startups and helping them scale into global leaders.

Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more updates on the latest from Antler Canada and the exciting world of Canadian tech startups.

Toronto-based Xanadu, a leading quantum technology company, has recently forged two key partnerships designed to fast-track the development of quantum computing hardware and data centers. These collaborations aim to enhance the capabilities of photonic quantum computing, a critical component of the company’s long-term vision to revolutionize computing.

Xanadu Pioneers Partnerships with US Military and Industry

With the quantum computing industry advancing rapidly, Xanadu’s latest deals—one with Applied Materials and the other with the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)—are set to position the company at the forefront of cutting-edge quantum chip manufacturing and silicon-based photonics integration.

Unveiling High-Volume Manufacturing Process for Quantum Chips

In an exciting step forward, Xanadu has teamed up with Applied Materials, a Santa Clara, California-based manufacturing giant, to develop a 300-millimeter high-volume compatible manufacturing process for superconducting transition edge sensors. These sensors play a pivotal role in preparing the state of a qubit—the quantum equivalent of a digital bit—within Xanadu’s photonic quantum computers.

Xanadu’s collaboration with Applied Materials marks a significant milestone in the company’s chip development journey. By utilizing advanced fabrication tools provided by Applied Materials, Xanadu intends to produce higher quality and better-performing quantum chips. This partnership is expected to accelerate the development of quantum chips that are industry-ready and suitable for high-volume manufacturing, thus bringing the future of quantum computing closer to reality.

Collaborating with the US Air Force to Advance Quantum Integrated Circuits

In another breakthrough, Xanadu has entered into a four-year research and development (R&D) agreement with the United States Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This agreement aims to advance the development of silicon-based photonic integrated circuits for quantum applications, providing both parties with an opportunity to combine their expertise in advanced technology and quantum computing.

Under this agreement, Xanadu will have access to the AFRL’s process design tools for silicon photonic circuits, enabling the Canadian company to fine-tune and optimize its quantum chip designs. This collaboration will not only focus on quantum computing applications but also explore potential military applications of quantum technologies. In exchange, Xanadu will provide feedback to help AFRL customize its designs, ultimately driving progress toward quantum-enabled solutions for both commercial and military use.

The partnership with the Air Force signifies a major leap for Xanadu, expanding the reach of its quantum technology into both military and commercial sectors, and it is set to provide significant advancements in the silicon photonics domain.

Securing Funding and Expanding Its Vision for Quantum Data Centers

Founded in 2016, Xanadu has steadily worked its way to becoming a key player in the quantum computing field. As part of its aggressive expansion plans, the company secured $100 million USD in Series C funding in 2022, led by Georgian Partners and supported by high-profile investors like Porsche, Silicon Valley Bank, and venture capitalist Tim Draper.

Xanadu founder Christian Weedbrook has emphasized the need for further investment, projecting that the company will raise between $100 million to $200 million USD by early 2025. This funding will be used to develop quantum computing hardware, a critical component in Xanadu’s efforts to build quantum data centers capable of handling utility-scale quantum computing.

Xanadu’s Aurora system, which is set to be a game-changer, is designed to offer networked quantum computers that are capable of solving complex real-world problems. The company has also partnered with Corning, a leading glass producer, to help network quantum chips using fiber optics and arrays, further advancing its data center capabilities.

Xanadu’s Rising Competition and the DARPA Program

Xanadu’s progress in the field of quantum computing does not come without competition. In fact, the company is one of the few Canadian firms selected by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to participate in a research program aimed at developing a full-fledged quantum computer by 2033. Alongside Vancouver’s Photonic and Nord Quantique from Sherbrooke, Quebec, Xanadu is working to make quantum computing a reality by the 2030s. This highly competitive initiative highlights the growing importance of quantum technology on a global scale.

Meanwhile, Microsoft has also made significant strides in the race to develop quantum computing hardware, with the company experimenting with its Majorana 1 chip—a technology that has the potential to enable million-qubit systems capable of performing tasks that are currently impractical for classical computers.

Despite facing competition from both domestic and international players, Gadhrri remains confident in Xanadu’s ability to lead the quantum revolution. “We’re focused on leveraging our expertise in photonics to create a unique and scalable quantum solution that addresses real-world problems,” he added.

Xanadu’s Vision for the Future: Building a Quantum Ecosystem in Canada

Gadhrri has always been clear about his commitment to building quantum computing in Canada, citing the country’s vibrant tech ecosystem and talent pool as key enablers of Xanadu’s future growth. With an increasing number of robotics companies and the expansion of the domestic supply chain, Canada is poised to become a global leader in the quantum industry.

Axibo’s success will not only benefit Canada’s quantum computing sector, but it will also serve to bolster the country’s overall technological infrastructure, creating jobs and contributing to Canada’s position as a global tech leader.

Looking Forward to a Quantum-Powered Future

With strategic partnerships, substantial funding, and an ever-growing team of talented professionals, Xanadu is well-positioned to continue pushing the boundaries of quantum computing. As the company advances its photonic quantum computers, it’s clear that the future of computing lies in quantum technology—and Xanadu is at the forefront of this quantum revolution.

Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for updates on Xanadu’s groundbreaking work in the world of quantum computing and the technological developments shaping the future.

A Canadian Startup’s Bold Leap into Humanoid Robotics

In an exciting development for the tech industry, Axibo, a Canada-based cinema tech startup, has successfully raised $12 million to launch its humanoid robotics division. This move marks a return to the company’s original vision of creating robots capable of performing various human tasks across industries. The funding will enable Axibo to build and debut its first humanoid robot in 2026, a milestone that could reshape how robots are integrated into everyday life.

From Humble Beginnings to Major Tech Breakthroughs

The story of Axibo began in 2019, when Anoop Gadhrri reached out to Reiner Schmidt with hopes of securing an unpaid opportunity. Along with Sohaib Al-Emara, these McMaster University engineers started experimenting with robotics kits, never imagining that their project would lead them to the forefront of cinematic and robotics innovation. Their initial focus on AI-powered camera assistants evolved over time, and what started as a niche product turned into a crowdfunding success and eventually attracted high-profile clients like Apple and Netflix.

Their innovative work with virtual production technology and partnerships with companies like Netflix, where their tech was used in projects like Aquaman 2: The Lost Kingdom, gained them recognition in the entertainment industry. But as the company expanded, the team knew they wanted to return to their roots and tackle humanoid robotics—an industry with immense potential.

Raising $12 Million: A Strategic Boost

The $12 million funding round led by an undisclosed U.S.-based strategic angel investor and backed by ex-Coinbase CTO, Balaji Srinivasan, values Axibo at $30 million USD ($41.5 million CAD). The majority of the capital—about 70%—will go towards expanding Axibo’s team from eight to nearly 30 employees. To accommodate this growth, the company will also be moving into a larger office space closer to the University of Waterloo, known for its strong engineering programs and robotics talent.

The remaining funding will be directed towards the manufacturing and prototyping of their humanoid robots, with the goal of debuting their first model in 2026.

A Strong Focus on Local Talent and Innovation

Gadhrri expressed his excitement about building the robots in Canada, saying that a significant portion of Axibo’s success will be due to the talent pool in the region. “There’s a lot of talented engineers in robotics at Waterloo University,” he said, reinforcing his commitment to growing Axibo in Canada. His goal is not only to create cutting-edge robots but also to contribute to the local community and economy.

Axibo’s Humanoid Robots: A Glimpse into the Future

Looking beyond entertainment, Axibo plans to use its humanoid robots in a variety of sectors, particularly in agriculture and elder care. Gadhrri, who grew up on a farm, sees great potential for robotics to assist in the labor-intensive agriculture industry, particularly in tasks like crop harvesting and monitoring. Additionally, he believes that robots can provide critical support to an aging population, helping elderly individuals in nursing homes and other care facilities.

“We see our robots as assistants for manual labor across various industries,” Gadhrri explained. “Farming and elder care are two areas that are especially close to my heart.”

Facing Global Competition, Axibo Stays Focused on Canada

While Axibo enters a competitive field with players like Sanctuary AI in Vancouver, Gadhrri remains confident in the company’s unique approach. Despite the well-capitalized Sanctuary AI, which has raised more than $140 million, Gadhrri does not view them as direct competitors. Instead, he looks towards China as the primary competitor, citing the imbalance in the number of humanoid robotics companies in China versus the rest of the world.

He emphasized that the rise of robotics companies in Canada and a growing domestic supply chain will benefit the entire industry. Axibo’s mission is to build not only innovative products but also a strong community of robotics professionals in Canada.

A Vision for the Future: Building in Canada, Giving Back

Gadhrri, an Indian immigrant, feels deeply connected to the country that welcomed him and his family. He views his success as an opportunity to give back to Canada, particularly by creating jobs and contributing to the country’s growing tech sector. “Canada gave me a lot. Gave my family a lot,” he said. “I do feel like I owe Canada a lot.”

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Axibo?

With the successful funding round and a clear vision for the future, Axibo is poised to make a significant impact on the humanoid robotics industry. As they continue to develop their humanoid robots, the company will also expand its presence in the entertainment industry and beyond, creating more advanced robots for a variety of applications.

Axibo’s ability to innovate and adapt will be crucial as they move forward. By leveraging their experience in virtual production and robotics, they aim to redefine what humanoid robots can achieve and how they can integrate into our daily lives.

Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for updates on Axibo’s groundbreaking humanoid robots and other tech innovations shaping the future of robotics.