Dunn, Pierre, Barnett & Company Canada Ltd

Perplexity AI has quickly become a major force in the artificial intelligence industry, and its funding journey reflects just how much confidence investors have in its future.

Confirmed Funding Highlights

• As published on Wikipedia, as of April 2024, Perplexity AI had raised approximately US $165 million, giving the company a valuation of over US $1 billion.

• According to reports published in mid-2025, Perplexity secured an additional US $500 million in funding, increasing its valuation to around US $14 billion.

• Further reports from July 2025 state that the company raised another US $100 million, which pushed its valuation to approximately US $18 billion.

Estimated Total Raised

Based on these publicly discussed funding rounds, Perplexity AI is estimated to have raised over US $765 million in confirmed funding. However, when including unconfirmed or undisclosed amounts from earlier rounds and investor contributions, some industry analysts believe the total amount raised could be approaching or surpassing US $1 billion.

Why This Funding Matters

Perplexity AI’s latest funding round underscores the growing demand for AI-powered search and browser technologies. With innovations like the Comet AI Browser and its AI-driven answer engine, the company is positioning itself as a strong competitor to established industry leaders. The level of investment reflects investor confidence in Perplexity’s ability to innovate, scale its platform, and transform how users search for and interact with information online.

This improved financial standing also helps explain Perplexity’s decision to allocate $42.5 million to its Publisher and Creator Fund—a strategic move designed to reward high-quality content contributors and accelerate adoption of its platform.

If you’re a creator or publisher and want to understand how this initiative can benefit you, read the full article here:
https://www.pampermenetwork.com/en/matrix/18/

To explore how this technology can help monetize your content, download the Comet AI Browser at:
https://pplx.ai/pmn

For submission guidelines and details on the Publisher and Creator Fund, visit:
https://www.pampermenetwork.com/en/matrix/18/

More Perplexity Articles Like This:

• Unlocking the Power of the Perplexity Comet Browser: 10 Game-Changing Use Cases
• 5 Ways AI Will Create & Monetize Content While You Sleep
• Who Pays When AI Uses Your Content? A Guide to AI Usage Revenue-Share Programs
• OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Atlas Browser — How It Stacks Up Against Perplexity’s Comet
• Microsoft’s AI Marketplace for Publishers — and How Perplexity & Pamper Me Network Are Creating New Creator Economies
• Apply To Claim Your Share Of $42.5 Million Perplexity Creator & Publisher Fund
• Perplexity AI Is Paying Creators $20 To Encourage Comet Browser Downloads
• Why Perplexity AI Is Targeting Students: Inside Its Campus Partner Strategy
• How Beauty Experts Can Monetize Their Content with Perplexity’s Creator Fund and Pamper Me Network
• How Much Has Perplexity AI Raised? An Estimate
• Stop Working for Free: Your Old Content is Fuel for the $20 TRILLION AI Economy

Artificial intelligence is transforming how nonprofits operate—from automating repetitive tasks to powering data-driven decision-making. If your organization wants to start its AI journey but feels overwhelmed by cost or complexity, Microsoft offers the perfect launchpad: the $2,000 (USD) Azure Grant for eligible nonprofits.

This annual grant gives nonprofits access to powerful cloud and AI tools, helping them modernize operations, harness data, and build impactful AI-powered solutions—without breaking their budget.

Start Your AI Journey with Confidence

Microsoft empowers nonprofits to use Azure—the same cloud platform trusted by global enterprises. With the Azure grant, your organization receives:

✔ $2,000 in Azure credits per year
✔ Access to Microsoft’s complete cloud & AI product portfolio
✔ Free onboarding support through the Azure Concierge
✔ Security-first infrastructure with Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative

Three Steps to Becoming AI-Ready

✅ Step 1: Move to the Cloud

Start by migrating your on-premises infrastructure, applications, and data to Azure. This transition helps your nonprofit:

• Cut IT and hosting costs

• Improve scalability and security

• Enable remote access and collaboration

Use your $2,000 Azure credits to kickstart cloud adoption.

✅ Step 2: Unify Your Data

AI needs organized, accessible data to work effectively. Microsoft helps nonprofits:

• Learn data strategy fundamentals

• Build a centralized data environment

• Develop skills to unlock innovation with AI

You can access free e-books and Azure training tailored for nonprofits.

✅ Step 3: Build AI-Powered Apps

Once your data and systems are in the cloud, it's time to build intelligent tools that elevate your mission. With Azure AI, you can:

• Create chatbots for donor and volunteer support

• Automate reporting and grant writing

• Use generative AI for content creation and data insights

• Improve decision-making with predictive analytics

All using secure, scalable AI tools—powered by your Azure credits.

Security & Responsible AI—Built In

Microsoft is committed to ensuring nonprofits use AI safely and ethically.

Secure Future Initiative:
Microsoft continuously improves its cybersecurity systems to protect nonprofits against evolving digital threats.

Responsible AI Framework:
Every AI service is built on six ethical principles, including fairness, transparency, and accountability.

Free Azure Tools & Resources for Nonprofits

Real Nonprofits, Real Impact

Goodwill Industries of the Valleys modernized its entire infrastructure by transitioning to the cloud with Azure—turning its headquarters into a digital community innovation center.

Is Your Nonprofit Eligible?

If you’re a registered nonprofit or charity, you may qualify for Microsoft’s nonprofit offers. After verification, you can access:

✅ $2,000 Azure credits
✅ Microsoft 365 discounts & grants
✅ Dynamics 365 nonprofit solutions
✅ Security and AI tools—and more

Take the First Step Today

Your mission deserves the most powerful technology available. With Azure and AI, your nonprofit can:

• Increase efficiency

• Expand outreach

• Secure donor and stakeholder trust

• Create lasting community impact

Apply for the Azure nonprofit grant and start building AI solutions today. For submission guidelines please visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/nonprofits/azure 

Innovative health technologies have the power to transform lives—but turning discoveries into scalable solutions requires guidance, mentorship, and funding. Enter ECHO PITCH 2026, an annual pitch competition co-hosted by the Temerty Faculty of Medicine and the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, offering up to $100,000 in funding per stream to ventures ready to make a real-world impact. Scheduled for October 2026 in Toronto, this competition provides a unique platform for researchers, clinicians, scientists, and entrepreneurs to showcase their innovations and secure critical support for growth.

About ECHO PITCH

ECHO PITCH is the culmination of the ECHO program, a 12-month online training initiative designed to empower health innovators to commercialize their discoveries. The competition features two competitive funding streams, each offering non-dilutive startup funding of $100,000:

1. Cardiovascular Stream – exclusively for cardiovascular ventures enrolled in the ECHO program.

2. General Health Stream – exclusively for health ventures in non-cardiovascular fields enrolled in the ECHO program.

This dual-stream format ensures that both specialized cardiovascular technologies and broader health innovations receive tailored support and recognition, maximizing the impact of each venture.

Who Should Attend

ECHO PITCH is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend in-person to celebrate entrepreneurship in the health sciences. Attendees will experience an exciting showcase of health innovations, hear from the next generation of health entrepreneurs, and witness the awarding of significant non-dilutive funding to ventures poised for impact. Interested parties can stay tuned for registration details as the event approaches.

ECHO Program Overview

The ECHO program is a 12-month online accelerator designed for researchers, scientists, clinicians, trainees, and entrepreneurs seeking to bring their health innovations to market. Participants receive comprehensive support through mentorship, training, partnership opportunities, and funding. The program equips ventures with the tools to accelerate the translation of innovations from the bench to the bedside.

ECHO comprises five complementary modules:

1. Principles of Entrepreneurship – foundational training in building and managing a startup.

2. Health Venture Rounds – hands-on practice pitching and refining your venture.

3. Lessons from Leaders – insights from experienced health innovators and successful entrepreneurs.

4. Community of Mentors – one-on-one guidance from expert mentors across sectors.

5. Ignite Startup Funding – strategies and support for securing funding and investment opportunities.

The program begins in October 2025 and concludes with ECHO PITCH 2026, the live pitch competition in Toronto, offering selected ventures the chance to secure funding worth $100,000 per stream.

Program Requirements

To participate in ECHO PITCH, ventures must:

• Enroll in the ECHO program for the full 12-month cycle starting October 2025.

• Attend at least 80% of virtual workshops, webinars, and roundtable discussions.

• Become members of the Health Innovation Hub (H2i) and engage with H2i mentors.

• Compete in ECHO PITCH 2026 if selected, demonstrating progress and readiness to scale.

By completing these requirements, ventures are well-prepared to make the most of the competition, ensuring their innovations are presented at the highest standard.

Why Apply to ECHO PITCH 2026?

ECHO PITCH offers more than just funding—it’s a launchpad for health innovators. Participants gain access to:

• Non-Dilutive Funding: With $100,000 per stream available, ventures can accelerate development without giving up equity.

• Expert Mentorship: Guidance from leading researchers, clinicians, and entrepreneurs to refine strategy, technology, and commercialization pathways.

• Entrepreneurship Training: Comprehensive instruction in business planning, go-to-market strategies, and pitching.

• Partnership Opportunities: Connections with industry leaders, investors, and potential collaborators.

• Global Impact: Support to move innovations from discovery to real-world application, improving health outcomes.

ECHO’s emphasis on mentorship, training, and strategic funding creates an environment where health innovators can move from concept to implementation efficiently and effectively.

Eligibility

ECHO PITCH 2026 is open to ventures enrolled in the ECHO program, categorized into two streams:

• Cardiovascular Stream: For Canada-based researchers, scientists, clinicians, trainees, or entrepreneurs developing cardiovascular technologies.

• General Health Stream: For researchers, scientists, and trainees developing non-cardiovascular health technologies. Applicants must hold a primary appointment at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine or be supervised by a Temerty-affiliated faculty member. Future partnerships may expand eligibility to external institutions.

All applicants must complete two forms by the deadline:

1. ECHO Application Form – submit to Soror Sharifpoor at [email protected]

2. H2i Venture Application Form – submit online

Interviews for selected applicants will be conducted in September 2025, with the program officially starting in October 2025.

The Power of ECHO

ECHO has been transforming the way health innovations move from the lab to the market. Ventures participating in the program have access to high-level mentorship, actionable guidance, and the resources needed to scale quickly. For many participants, ECHO PITCH represents the culmination of months of preparation, learning, and mentorship, with the reward of significant non-dilutive funding and the opportunity to make a measurable difference in patient care.

Beyond funding, ECHO equips ventures with the tools to navigate regulatory pathways, design effective commercialization strategies, and engage with the broader health innovation ecosystem. The program fosters a community of innovators committed to transforming discoveries into solutions that improve lives globally.

ECHO PITCH 2026 is more than a competition—it is a gateway for health innovators to secure up to $100,000 in funding, gain mentorship, and accelerate their ventures from concept to impactful solutions. Whether you are developing cutting-edge cardiovascular technology or advancing broader health innovations, ECHO provides the platform, guidance, and resources necessary to succeed.

Apply now and take the next step to turn your discovery into a scalable, life-changing health solution. This is your opportunity to accelerate your innovation, gain mentorship, and compete for $100,000 in funding to bring your vision to reality.

For submission guidelines please visit https://rhse.temertymedicine.utoronto.ca/echo-application-eligibility-details 

Canada’s startup ecosystem continues to flourish, offering ambitious founders access to mentorship, capital, and networks that can transform ideas into scalable businesses. Among the premier programs for early-stage entrepreneurs is TiEQuest, Toronto’s 10-week accelerator and pitch competition designed to help Canadian startups go further, faster. With up to $100,000 in prizes available for top performers, TiEQuest combines intensive mentorship, workshops, and pitch opportunities with access to a global network of investors and industry leaders, enabling startups to refine their product-market fit, accelerate growth, and prepare for international scale.

What Is TiEQuest?

TiEQuest is not just a competition—it’s a launchpad for ambitious founders. Through the program, participants gain hands-on guidance in validating their business ideas, identifying target markets, and positioning their startups for long-term growth. Over the past 20 years, TiEQuest has helped hundreds of Canadian startups secure investors, refine their products, and access new markets. Now in its 21st year, TiEQuest 2026 builds on this legacy by offering an enhanced focus on product-market fit (PMF), giving founders the tools to achieve measurable progress faster.

Unlike traditional pitch competitions, TiEQuest emphasizes growth, mentorship, and practical guidance. Participants do not just compete—they build. The program leverages TiE’s international network, connecting Canadian founders with top-tier investors and ecosystem leaders in Silicon Valley, Boston, New York, and India, creating opportunities for global expansion.

Who Can Apply?

TiEQuest is open to Canadian startups at any stage that demonstrate strong growth potential and a scalable business model. Entrepreneurs seeking to refine their ideas, test market viability, and gain exposure to global investors will find TiEQuest an ideal platform. The program is structured to support both early-stage and more developed startups, ensuring each participant receives personalized mentorship and guidance relevant to their business.

Program Structure

TiEQuest 2026 is structured into four intensive phases that take startups from idea validation to final pitches before a live audience of investors and industry leaders.

Phase 1 – Workshops & Mentorship
All selected startups participate in a series of interactive workshops led by experienced founders, investors, and ecosystem partners. Key topics include:

• Customer discovery and product validation

• Go-to-market strategies

• Business planning and fundraising

• Storytelling and pitch delivery

In addition to workshops, founders are paired with expert mentors who provide one-on-one feedback, ensuring personalized guidance tailored to the unique needs of each startup. This phase emphasizes practical application, helping founders test assumptions, validate product-market fit, and build a robust foundation for growth.

Phase 2 – Elevator Pitch Round
Startups that demonstrate promise in Phase 1 advance to the elevator pitch round. Here, participants present a concise, compelling pitch to a panel of judges, highlighting their startup’s value proposition and market potential. The most promising companies are selected to move forward, gaining:

• Intensive one-on-one mentoring

• Refinement of market positioning

• Validation of problem–solution fit

Entrepreneurs pitch again after this focused mentoring round, ensuring they are well-prepared for the subsequent stage of the program.

Phase 3 – Business Plan Round
Startups advancing from the elevator pitch round receive deep-dive mentoring tailored to their business needs. This phase focuses on:

• Strategic business planning

• Product-market fit acceleration

• Preparing a comprehensive pitch for the judging panel

From this stage, three finalists per stream (Med-Tech and General) are selected to compete in the TiEQuest Summit 2026 Finals, representing the top-performing startups in the program.

Phase 4 – Finals at TiEQuest Summit 2026
The Finals are the culmination of the TiEQuest program. Finalists pitch live to an audience of investors, mentors, and global partners at Canada’s premier startup summit. This stage provides unparalleled visibility and an opportunity to win cash prizes totaling up to $100,000, alongside other strategic benefits, including investment opportunities and global exposure.

Prizes and Special Opportunities

TiEQuest 2026 rewards top performers not only with cash prizes but also with strategic opportunities to accelerate growth and attract investment.

• Top 6 Finalists: Represent Canada at TiE Silicon Valley’s TiE 50, gain a chance to be featured on Meet The Drapers, and participate in TiECon 2026.

• Top 6 Winners: Unlock further investment opportunities through TiE’s global network.

• All Participants: Receive a complimentary 1-year TiE Toronto & TiE Global Associated Charter Membership, granting access to mentorship, events, and investor networks worldwide.

The availability of up to $100,000 in prizes underscores TiEQuest’s commitment to empowering founders with both recognition and the financial support needed to scale their ventures.

Why Join TiEQuest?

Participating in TiEQuest provides founders with a comprehensive toolkit to accelerate their startup journey. Benefits include:

• Idea Validation & Product-Market Fit: Test business models, assess market sizing, and refine competitive strategies with guidance from experienced mentors.

• Sales & Marketing Mastery: Tailored coaching for B2B sales strategies or consumer/SMB growth experiments.

• Pitch like a Pro: Develop storytelling and presentation skills to captivate investors, partners, and potential customers.

• Access to an Exclusive Network: Connect with investors, mentors, and entrepreneurs in Canada, Silicon Valley, Boston, New York, and India.

• Visibility & Recognition: Gain exposure to top investors and industry leaders, positioning your company among Canada’s most promising startups.

TiEQuest Success Stories

Over the past two decades, TiEQuest has helped launch numerous successful Canadian startups. The program’s alumni include founders who have raised significant funding, scaled globally, and built impactful companies. Past speakers and mentors such as Joanna Griffiths (CEO, Knix), Prashant Matta (Partner, Panache Ventures), Jack Newton (CEO, Clio), and Michelle Romanow (Executive Chairman, Clearco) provide guidance, inspiration, and expertise, ensuring that every participant receives actionable insights to grow their startup.

How to Apply

Applications for TiEQuest 2026 are now open. Founders interested in participating are encouraged to apply early, ensuring they have the opportunity to benefit from mentorship, workshops, and exposure to TiE’s global network. Whether your startup is in the early stages or preparing for international expansion, TiEQuest 2026 provides the resources, guidance, and platform to achieve ambitious goals—and the chance to win up to $100,000 to fuel your growth.

TiEQuest 2026 is more than a competition—it’s a comprehensive accelerator program designed to help Canadian founders achieve product-market fit, secure investment, and scale globally. With expert mentorship, hands-on workshops, access to a global network of investors, and cash prizes up to $100,000, participants gain the tools and exposure necessary to turn ideas into impactful, scalable businesses. For Canadian startups with big visions, TiEQuest 2026 represents a launchpad for growth, success, and global recognition.

Apply today and take the first step toward transforming your startup into a global contender.

For submission guidelines please visit https://toronto.tie.org/tiequest-2026/