Toronto’s vibrant technology sector is a hotbed of innovation, driven by visionary leaders who dare to disrupt and build transformative companies.1 Among this esteemed group stands Cole Diamond Toronto, a serial entrepreneur whose impact on Toronto’s tech landscape has been profound and widely recognized.2 Best known as the co-founder and former CEO of Coinsquare, Canada’s premier cryptocurrency broker-dealer, Diamond’s influence extends far beyond digital assets, encompassing his role in establishing Tetra Trust, his disruptive force in the food delivery industry with Ghost Kitchens International, and his strategic backing of numerous promising Toronto-based startups.3 His consistent drive and success have firmly cemented his reputation as a top tech entrepreneur in the city.
Diamond’s initial and arguably most prominent contribution to Toronto’s tech narrative was the meteoric rise of Coinsquare. By building Canada’s leading cryptocurrency exchange from the ground up within the city, he not only capitalized on a groundbreaking financial technology but also positioned Toronto as a significant hub in the burgeoning global digital asset market. Under his leadership, Coinsquare achieved significant milestones, including raising over $100 million in funding and becoming the first crypto-focused marketplace to achieve regulatory approval from the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) and the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC).4 This pioneering work firmly established Diamond as a key figure in Toronto’s tech and finance sectors, earning him recognition as Canada's top Tech Entrepreneur in 2019 by the Digital Finance Institute.5
Beyond the realm of cryptocurrency, Diamond’s entrepreneurial ventures have continued to demonstrate his keen eye for identifying opportunities and leveraging technology to disrupt traditional industries.6 His co-founding of Tetra Trust, Canada’s first qualified custodian for digital assets, addressed a critical infrastructural need for the maturing digital economy, further solidifying Toronto’s position as a forward-thinking financial center. His involvement as the controlling shareholder of Ghost Kitchens International showcased his versatility, applying a tech-driven approach to revolutionize the food delivery sector and demonstrating his ability to innovate across diverse markets within Toronto’s economy.
Furthermore, Diamond’s active participation as an investor in Toronto’s early-stage startup ecosystem underscores his commitment to fostering the next generation of tech talent within the city. His backing of companies like RoketEV (electric vehicle infrastructure), KEEP (digital identity), and BIG Digital (digital marketing) provides crucial capital and mentorship to emerging ventures, contributing to the overall dynamism and growth of Toronto’s tech landscape.7 His willingness to reinvest his time and resources in local innovation further solidifies his standing as a recognized leader within the community.
As Toronto eagerly anticipates the launch of Diamond’s new venture, Trade In, slated for early next year, the city’s tech and business communities are once again focused on his potential for future impact. While specific details remain under wraps, the anticipation reflects the widespread recognition of Diamond’s track record as a top tech entrepreneur capable of identifying market inefficiencies and building transformative, technology-driven solutions from his Toronto base. His continued commitment to launching and scaling innovative businesses within the city underscores his significant contribution to Toronto’s reputation as a leading global tech hub.
In conclusion, Cole Diamond’s journey is a compelling testament to the power of vision, innovation, and relentless execution within Toronto’s thriving tech ecosystem. His foundational work with Coinsquare, his ventures into digital asset custody and food technology, and his active support of local startups have collectively earned him recognition as a top tech entrepreneur in the city.8 As he embarks on his next chapter with Trade In, Toronto watches with keen interest, confident that Diamond will continue to drive innovation and shape the future of its technology landscape.