I remember when the YEG Startup Community Awards were first announced back in 2019. The energy at that inaugural ceremony was electric—entrepreneurs huddled in small groups, exchanging business cards and ambitions in equal measure. Five years later, that same electricity filled the Yellowhead Brewery last Thursday evening, though the stakes and accomplishments have grown considerably.
The 2024 YEG Startup Community Awards celebrated Edmonton’s most innovative companies, with Artificial Agency claiming the coveted Startup of the Year award. The AI-powered marketing platform has been turning heads since its inception, not just locally but across North America.
“Edmonton’s tech ecosystem keeps punching above its weight,” remarked Zack Storms, founder of Startup TNT and one of the event’s organizers. “Companies like Artificial Agency represent exactly what makes our community special—bold innovation paired with prairie practicality.”
Founded by former University of Alberta computer science graduates Melissa Chen and David Okonkwo, Artificial Agency has developed machine learning tools that help small businesses compete with larger corporations in digital marketing. Their platform analyzes consumer behavior patterns and automatically adjusts marketing strategies in real-time.
Chen accepted the award with characteristic humility. “Edmonton gave us our start when we were just two people working out of a basement in Ritchie,” she told the crowd of nearly 200 attendees. “The support we’ve received from organizations like Startup Edmonton and TEC Edmonton made this possible.”
The company recently secured $4.7 million in Series A funding led by Panache Ventures, with participation from several Edmonton-based angel investors. They’ve grown from 4 employees to 27 in just eighteen months, with plans to double their workforce by end of year.
Other notable winners included sustainable construction technology company ReFrame Building Solutions, which took home the Climate Innovation Award, and healthcare scheduling platform MedSync, recipient of the Community Impact Award.
Edmonton’s Deputy Mayor Anne Stevenson presented the awards and highlighted the city’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship. “The innovation happening in Edmonton isn’t just creating jobs—it’s solving real problems,” Stevenson noted. “From climate solutions to healthcare improvements, our startup community is making Edmonton and the world better.”
The ceremony coincided with the release of the annual Edmonton Innovation Ecosystem Report, which revealed a 32% increase in venture capital investment in the city over the past year. According to the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, local startups attracted over $248 million in 2024 so far, compared to $188 million during the same period last year.
Catherine Warren, CEO of Innovate Edmonton, pointed to these figures as evidence of the city’s growing reputation as a technology hub. “We’re seeing more companies choose to stay and grow in Edmonton rather than relocating to larger centers,” Warren explained during the networking session that followed the awards. “The talent from our universities, affordable office space, and supportive community make a compelling case for building here.”
The evening wasn’t just about celebrating success—it also acknowledged the challenges facing Edmonton entrepreneurs. A panel discussion featuring previous award winners addressed issues ranging from talent recruitment to securing later-stage funding.
“The first million is easier to raise here than the next five,” observed Chris Lerohl, CEO of Honest Dumplings and moderator of the panel. “We need to continue developing relationships with investors outside Alberta who understand the value proposition of Edmonton-built companies.”
Despite these challenges, the mood remained overwhelmingly optimistic. Small groups gathered around high-top tables, trading stories and contacts while local craft beer
