Who are Calgary’s Most Influential Advertising Startups Shaping 2023?

Alberta, particularly Calgary, is witnessing a digital revolution driven by the rise of innovative start-ups, especially within the advertising industry. This is due, in no small part, to the city’s booming technology sector. Indeed, a unique collection of start-ups are making their mark on the advertising landscape, with solutions designed to engage audiences and deliver measured results in innovative and effective ways. In this article, we invite you to explore 15 of these exciting ventures from Calgary, Alberta, operating at the intersection of creativity, technology, and advertising.

These game-changing enterprises have set up shop in an increasingly digital-first world, reflecting the broader shifts in consumer behaviour towards online platforms. While some of them specialize in social media management and digital marketing, others focus on influencer marketing, branding, content creation, and web development projects. What all these start-ups share in common however, is a dedication to forging a new way forward in the advertising industry, using digital tools and platforms to help brands connect with their audience in meaningful and relevant ways.

In the diverse eco-system of Calgary’s advertising start-ups, there’s a growing emphasis on providing comprehensive advertising solutions that combine strategy, creativity, analytics, and technology. From providing digital signage solutions for the cannabis industry to helping business owners increase their revenue through social media management, these start-ups are truly pushing the boundaries of advertising in Canada. Let’s dive in.

Advoz

Advoz is an advertising start-up that offers a social media management app aimed at helping business owners increase revenue. Founded by Jordan Boyd, Advoz operates at the intersection of advertising, marketing, media, and entertainment.

Embold

Embold’s slogan is “Influencer Marketing Simplified”. It functions within the advertising, advertising platforms, digital marketing, internet, marketing, marketing automation, and social media industries.

Arcade

Founded by Mike Payne, Arcade is a digital agency that specializes in strategy, content production, social media, email marketing, and digital advertising.

Marketify

Marketify covers a broad range of digital marketing services, including performance marketing, PPC, marketing strategy, SEO, and social media marketing.

Display Digital Marketing

Under the leadership of Sheldon Semmler, Display Digital Marketing provides full-fledged advertising services with an emphasis on SEO, Social Media, Social Media Advertising, Web Design, and Web Development.

Budvue Media Inc.

Targeting the cannabis industry, Budvue Media Inc. offers digital signage solutions along with its extensive advertising services.

Socialveil

With founders Dario Joseph Verrelli and Jonathan Stiansen at the helm, Socialveil offers a visual-centric SaaS platform for managing & scheduling social media with a unique focus on smart design, efficiency, and education.

Raydius Digital

Under Riyaz Aga, Raydius Digital covers various aspects of advertising, including website development and social marketing services.

Basar

Basar Optimization is a digital marketing company specializing in marketing automation and content marketing—a critical niche in the realm of digital advertising.

Unleashing Influence

Unleashing Influence partners with credible professionals to offer social media solutions in an increasingly digital-first world.

Upper Brand Marketing

Co-founded by Elissa Grohne and Madison Reitz, Upper Brand Marketing is an advertising company that offers brand development, marketing strategy, and public relations services.

Tangent Civic

Tangent Civic offers brand management, web development, and content creation services, particularly catering to the non-profit sector.

Get Likes

Founded by Gagan Singh, Get Likes helps clients improve their online presence across social media, websites, and digital marketing platforms.

Blink Digital Consulting

Blink Digital Consulting offers expertise in digital marketing services and social media marketing management—a key need in the current digital era.

Altered Digital

Concluding our list is Altered Digital, a company specialising in digital marketing and web design services that include SEO & SEM, data analytics, custom design and more.

These startups collectively highlight the innovation and diversity of Calgary’s advertising industry. In their own unique ways, they are reshaping the way businesses connect with their audiences in the digital age. Who knows what incredible innovations we will continue to see from Calgary’s ever-evolving advertising sector?


Looking to amplify your brand’s impact in Canada’s thriving startup and investment sector? Join the league of innovators, leaders, and decision-makers making a difference through Canada Venture News. Engage with our audience of startup founders, investors, and executives through sponsored articles and partnerships. Discover more on our Promotion & Sponsored Articles page or email us directly at [email protected]. Let’s shape your story together.

Canada Venture News

CanadaVenture.news is a Canadian venture magazine that covers startups, business, technology, and innovation in Canada. The online publication provides news, insights, and resources for entrepreneurs, investors, and business professionals, featuring articles, interviews, and analysis of the latest trends and developments in the Canadian startup ecosystem.