Our Story

What's in a Name?

In Canada's far north, the Inuit people traditionally built igloos (in the Inuit language iglu means house) to provide shelter or a meeting place to socialize and discuss vital community issues. Simple in design, yet complex in architecture, igloos range in size from small, one-person shelters to larger structures built by linking several smaller ones together. Today, the igloo is an iconic part of the Canadian identity and an enduring symbol of community, cooperation and resourcefulness.

We chose the name IGLOO because of everything it represents. It is an icon of community, a link to our Canadian heritage and alludes to our focus: bringing a do-it-yourself, networked approach to community building and collaboration.

A Brief History of IGLOO

Just like the symbol of our technology, IGLOO's history is uniquely Canadian.

IGLOO began as the brainchild of Jim Balsillie and Dan Latendre within a not-for-profit think tank called the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI). Recognizing that email was an inefficient tool for collaboration, CIGI launched an online network to bring together those studying, working and advising on global issues.

By 2007, the demand for the technology powering CIGI's research network had grown far beyond its original mandate. And to accommodate this demand, CIGI partnered with RBC Ventures to create a for-profit company called IGLOO Software. The company was formally launched in January 2008, but the fundamental goal remains the same - make it easier for people to share knowledge and work better together, no matter where they're located.