Binta Financial takes top prize at the 2025 New Ventures BC Competition

Vancouver-based fintech Binta Financial has been crowned the winner of this year’s New Ventures BC Competition, the province’s largest and longest-running startup contest. The company, which is building infrastructure for borderless credit histories, beat out 216 startups from across British Columbia to secure the $110,000 Innovate BC First Place Prize. 

“Winning the New Ventures BC Competition marks a major milestone for us. Not only does this further validate our vision, but it gives us the extra publicity and recognition we need to accelerate our growth, refine our product, and expand our impact here in B.C. and beyond,” says CEO and co-founder at Binta, Paschal Okwundu.

Binta’s platform enables newcomers to carry verified credit histories across borders and access housing, loans, and employment faster. The company also offers tools such as rent reporting and an AI-powered financial literacy companion, helping immigrants build local credit from day one. 

“Innovation is both an essential driver of B.C.’s economy and a powerful tool for tackling our most pressing challenges,” said Innovate BC president and CEO Peter Cowan in a statement. “Competitions like this one transform ideas into scalable businesses that create jobs, strengthen industries, and generate solutions with global relevance.” 

Second place and the $55,000 Innovate BC prize went to PeerSupport.io, a healthtech startup developing a referral and care navigation tool to help clinics cut wait times by months and reduce administrative burnout. Originally founded in Yukon before moving to B.C., PeerSupport aims to improve patient access while easing pressure on healthcare providers. 

The $30,000 third-place prize was awarded to BuildMapper, a fast-growing platform giving construction sales teams real-time project insights and smarter pathways to contracts. 

Meanwhile, Aspect Biosystems—a global leader in bioprinted tissue therapeutics—took home this year’s Alumni Impact Award for its groundbreaking work in regenerative medicine. 

“This year’s winners are not only advancing technology through the use of AI, but also fueling growth in key sectors like healthcare, food, finance and manufacturing—industries that touch the lives of every British Columbian,” said Angie Schick, executive director of New Ventures BC. 

For a full list of winners, click here.