What Reboot Canada does

reBOOT Canada is a registered Canadian charity founded in 1995 that refurbishes donated computer equipment and redistributes it through three core programs: reSTART (subsidized laptops/desktops priced $165-$295 for social-assistance recipients), reSOURCE (complete IT solutions for registered charities and non-profits), and reLAY (free 24/7 Wi-Fi infrastructure deployed via Cisco Meraki access points in Indigenous and remote communities). The organization processes approximately 14,000 donated devices annually using a three-stream system — Stream 1 for program deployment, Stream 2 for resale through wholesale and retail channels, and Stream 3 for certified recycling — with NIST 800-88 compliant data sanitization and full chain-of-custody documentation throughout. Operations are run from three physical locations in Vancouver, Toronto, and Peterborough, with depot drop-offs in Brampton and Surrey and nationwide shipping.

Revenue is generated through a hybrid social-enterprise model combining subsidized device sales to low-income individuals (reSTART), cost-recovery IT solutions for charities (reSOURCE), wholesale and retail sale of refurbished devices to the general public, certificate-of-destruction and certificate-of-recycling services for corporate donors, and computer repair fees. Non-cash inflows are substantial, with over $600,000 in gift-in-kind value recorded in 2024 from corporate and institutional donors. Customer segments span individual low-income families (nearly 2,000 supported annually), Canadian registered charities, Indigenous and remote communities (4TB+ of free Wi-Fi provided across 9 active access points), marginalized youth (4,000+ hours of paid training in 2024), and seniors via the legacy reCONNECT program. Distribution relies on retail storefronts, partner referrals through social service agencies, corporate pickup logistics, and direct shipping across all provinces and territories.

Strategic partnerships anchor operational capacity: Cisco Foundation supplies Wi-Fi hardware, CIRA funds connectivity projects, Quantum Lifecycle Partners handles large-scale IT asset disposition, TechReset provides recycling logistics, and Indigenous Services Canada supports skills development. The organization is governed by a board chaired by founder Colin Webster with Francisco Rota as Executive Director, and operates under CRA charity status (CRA# 89111 4043 RR0001) with Microsoft Third Party Refurbisher and R2/ISO certifications governing e-waste handling. In 2025 the organization celebrated 30 years of operation, delivered its 5,323rd reSTART laptop, and announced a Western Canada regional expansion with a stated goal of supporting 2,025 families by year-end.

Name

Reboot Canada

Legal name

reBOOT Canada

Website

https://rebootcanada.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

reBOOT Canada is a registered Canadian charity, founded in 1995, that refurbishes donated computers and distributes them through subsidized sales to low-income individuals (reSTART), IT solutions for charities (reSOURCE), and free Wi-Fi infrastructure for underserved communities (reLAY) from locations in Vancouver, Toronto, and Peterborough.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Computer Refurbishment and IT Asset Disposition Services

NAICS

Waste Management and Remediation Services (562)

SIC

Computer & Office Equipment (3570), Services-Miscellaneous Repair Services (7600)

akta.pro primary industry

Electronics Refurbishment, Repair & Reuse (Remarketing/Resale) (BPALAIAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Reuse & Resale / Recommerce Operations (EUAIANAC), Certified Refurbished Electronics Retail (CRACAJAD)

Keywords

• Computer refurbishment services
• IT asset disposition
• Digital equity programs
• E-waste recycling
• Refurbished computer sales

Headquarters

HQ city

Toronto

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Device Sales and Service: Sale of refurbished computers, laptops, desktops, monitors, and peripherals to the general public, small enterprises, and community organizations at competitive market pricing. Operates retail stores in downtown Peterborough and Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto, with shipping across Canada.
2. Program Revenue - reSTART: Cost recovery fees from subsidized computer program for social assistance recipients. Standard laptops $195, desktops $165; Premium laptops $295, desktops $295. Revenue supports program sustainability.
3. IT Services and Repair: Computer repair services, virus scans, hard-disk data transfers provided to general public and organizations.
4. Wholesale and Monetization: Stream 2 devices with residual commercial value sold through wholesale and retail channels to generate revenue supporting charitable programs.
5. Donated Device Recovery: Donated IT equipment is sorted, evaluated, and viable devices are refurbished and redeployed or monetized. Proceeds fund core charitable activities including reSTART, reLAY, and skills development programs.
6. reSOURCE Program Recovery: Cost recovery from registered charities and not-for-profit groups receiving complete IT solutions. reBOOT Canada recovers costs to ensure computers meet minimum stability requirements and software is properly configured.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

reBOOT Canada is a registered charity that collects donated IT equipment from individuals, businesses, and institutions, then refurbishes the devices through NIST 800-88 compliant data sanitization and a three-stream processing model. Refurbished computers are redistributed through subsidized programs (reSTART) to low-income individuals on social assistance, sold to the general public through retail stores and online channels, or deployed as full IT solutions (reSOURCE) for registered charities and non-profits, while the organization also operates free community Wi-Fi (reLAY) in underserved Indigenous and remote communities.

Product overview

Reboot Canada operates as a charitable social enterprise with multiple interconnected programs that form a circular economy model for technology access. The core programs are reSTART (subsidized refurbished computers for social assistance recipients), reSOURCE (IT solutions for charities/non-profits), and reLAY (free WiFi infrastructure for underserved communities). These programs are supported by retail sales of refurbished computers, computer repair services, and corporate IT asset disposition. All programs are funded through a combination of hardware donations, program fees, retail revenue, and corporate/institutional donations, with devices that cannot be refurbished being recycled responsibly through certified partners.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• reSTART Subsidized laptop and desktop program providing refurbished computers (Standard Laptop $195, Standard Desktop $165, Premium Laptop $295, Premium Desktop $295) to Canadians receiving government social-assistance benefits. Each computer ships with Windows 11 Pro, LibreOffice, and a 90-day hardware warranty.
• reSOURCE Complete IT solutions offering for Canadian registered charities and not-for-profit groups, providing refurbished and new hardware from Dell, Lenovo, HP, Cisco, Microsoft, and IBM, ranging from single laptops to enterprise server and network installations with ongoing support on a cost-recovery basis.
• reLAY Free 24/7 community Wi-Fi program deploying Cisco Meraki wireless access points (provided by Cisco Foundation) in underserved urban neighborhoods and remote Indigenous communities across Canada, with reBOOT Canada handling community engagement, training, permanent installation, configuration, and ongoing support.
• Data Sanitization and Asset Disposition Services Secure data destruction and IT asset disposition services for corporate and institutional donors using the NIST 800-88 sanitization standard, complete with serialized chain-of-custody tracking, certificates of data destruction ($12 per drive), and certificates of recycling ($75 + HST), with special pricing for batches over 10 drives.
• Retail Computer Sales Refurbished enterprise-grade laptops, desktops, monitors, and peripherals sold to the general public, small businesses, and community organizations at competitive market pricing through the Vancouver, Toronto, and Peterborough retail stores with shipping across Canada.
• Computer Repair Services Computer repair, maintenance, and data services including virus scans, hard-disk data transfers, and tune-ups offered to the general public and organizations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 6,000+ computers provided to families across all provinces and territories in 5 years
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers25 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Quantum Lifecycle Partners LPcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 April 2026Formal partnership for refurbishing and donating computers to people with limited access to technology. Quantum Lifecycle Partners LP is an electronics lifecycle management company that enables organizations to safely dispose of end-of-life IT assets. Using advanced reuse and recycling systems, Quantum prioritizes refurbishing equipment and breaks down remaining items to recover recyclable components. They received Canada's Greenest Employers 2026 recognition for their environmental leadership and partnership with reBOOT Canada.
• Cisco FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides hardware and software licenses for reLAY free Wi-Fi program. Cisco Foundation supplies Cisco Meraki wireless access points and licensing for deployment in underserved Indigenous and remote communities. reBOOT Canada handles community engagement, training, and permanent installation.
• TechResetcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecycling partner for reSTART program. TechReset (formerly OEM Corporation) provides logistical support for IT equipment recovery and disposition. Previously provided partial funding for reSTART subsidized computers.
• Miziwe BiikmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndigenous employment and training organization. Partners with reBOOT Canada for paid placements through Youth Tool Kit program where Indigenous youth in Toronto learn computer repair, service, sales and small business operation.
• First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy (FNIYES)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal program under Indigenous Services Canada providing funding and framework for youth employment strategy. Partners with reBOOT Canada to provide training in computer set up, servicing, and sales for Indigenous youth.
• Region of PeelmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional government partnership for Peel Computers 4 U program providing subsidized computers to residents of the Region of Peel, in collaboration with Region of Peel Human Services Department.
• City of TorontomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Toronto Technology Support for Children program. City refers residents with vouchers from Toronto Employment & Social Services to receive subsidized computers.
• Ingram MicrominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal IT distribution leader. Partnership launched in 2018 to explore opportunities in technology distribution and logistics support for reBOOT Canada's operations.
• Right to Play CanadaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational organization using sport for development. Partnership supporting Indigenous community technology initiatives and introductions to communities through annual symposium events.
• Sky's the Limit Youth OrganizationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth organization partnership to promote digital equity through devices, connectivity, and skills. Collaborates on programs to reach underserved youth populations.
• Free Geek TorontomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology charity partnership promoting digital equity. Collaboration to maximize reach and impact of device distribution and digital inclusion efforts.
• NPower CanadamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit providing free tech training and job placement services for youth. Partnership to promote digital equity through devices, connectivity, and skills development.
• Indigenous Friends AssociationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndigenous community organization partnership in Vancouver supporting Indigenous youth technology access and digital skills development.
• YWCA PowerUpmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVancouver partnership delivering technology to women and families in need through YWCA PowerUp program supporting digital inclusion.
• Nisa HomesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVancouver partnership supporting women and children fleeing violence with technology access and digital skills through Nisa Homes program.
• Gathering Place Community CentremajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDowntown Vancouver community centre serving diverse community including individuals experiencing homelessness, seniors, people with disabilities, and mental health challenges. Partnership provides refurbished laptops and digital literacy training. Centre has over 4,000 members annually.
• Mars (Corporate Donor)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor corporate donor having donated more than 1,300 retired laptops and desktops valued at over $200,000 CAD since fall 2022. Corporate donation supports reBOOT Canada's mission and enables thousands of Canadian families to access reliable refurbished computers.
• Biigtigong Nishnaabeg (Pic River First Nation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndigenous community partnership to establish pilot reBOOT Canada facility. Joint venture leveraging reBOOT Canada capacity, infrastructure and experience, with community leading deployment of infrastructure, end user devices, skills development, and ongoing support.
• Athabasca Denesuline Education AuthoritymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation authority for Athabasca Basin region. Connected reBOOT Canada with Indigenous communities including Fond du Lac for reLAY Wi-Fi project implementation.
• Indige-SpheresmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndigenous health and wellness organization empowering youth through exploration of multiple knowledge sources. Hosted computer repair/build bootcamp with reBOOT Canada in Thunder Bay for Indigenous youth.
• Nokiiwin Tribal CouncilmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThunder Bay tribal council learning centre partnership hosting computer bootcamp. Collaboration to provide Indigenous youth with computer repair, service, and technology skills training.

Scale indicators24 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Quantum Lifecycle Partners: Canadian IT asset disposition and electronics lifecycle management company that refurbishes and recycles retired IT equipment. A for-profit strategic partner with overlapping refurbishment operations.
• Goodwill Industries (Dell Reconnect): Large nonprofit retailer that sells refurbished electronics through its Dell Reconnect program and other channels, offering workforce development. A broader, US-based incumbent operating an adjacent recommerce and digital inclusion model.
• Back Market: For-profit recommerce marketplace for refurbished electronics. Comparable end-customer offering in certified refurbished electronics retail, though operating at much larger scale and without the social-services mandate.

Direct peers

• Free Geek: Nonprofit that refurbishes donated computers and provides them to low-income individuals and nonprofits, while offering skills training. Directly comparable mission and operating model, and an explicit partner of reBOOT Canada.
• TechReset: Canadian IT asset disposition provider offering recovery, data sanitization, and refurbishment services. Operates in the same reverse-logistics value chain as reBOOT's Stream 1/2 processing.
• Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+): Canadian program that refurbishes donated computers and distributes them to schools, libraries, nonprofits, and low-income households. Closest public-sector analogue to reBOOT's reSTART and reSOURCE programs.
• Electronic Recycling Association: Canadian nonprofit that refurbishes and redistributes donated electronics to charities and low-income individuals. Direct domestic peer sharing the e-waste-to-equity mission and ITAD emphasis.
• Human-I-T: Nonprofit that refurbishes donated technology and distributes it to underserved communities, schools, and nonprofits, with workforce training. Closely mirrors reBOOT Canada's device-plus-skills model.

Emerging players

• NPower Canada: Canadian nonprofit providing free tech training and job placement for youth. Adjacent peer on the digital-skills side of reBOOT's reTOOL program and an explicit partner.

Regional players

• NCER (National Computer Equipment Reuse Association) members: Network of Canadian reuse organizations refurbishing IT equipment for community distribution. Comparable regional reuse-and-redeploy operators across multiple provinces.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/reBOOTCanada
• Facebookfacebook.com/reBOOTCanada
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/reboot-canada

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Reboot Canada