Welcome back to VTJ’s Midweek Memo: the Vancouver tech events and opportunities newsletter you can’t miss. In this week’s edition:
Flats Fest Innovation Zone Saturday
Tech hiring meetup
Fall fundraising
UPCOMING EVENTS
🗓 Wednesday, September 17 | Register
Join Vancouver Tech Journal and Global Public Affairs for a powerful evening of real talk, actionable insights, and inspiring stories from women who are shaping the future of tech, startups, and investing.
Whether you're a founder, investor, aspiring entrepreneur, or ally, this conversation will leave you energized, informed, and better connected.
Our speakers include:
Jeanne-Marie Owens, Co-Founder & COO, Critical Path Games
Leah Hanvey, Co-Founder & Director, Tensory Technologies
Annika Ng, Co-Founder & COO, Blossom Social
Moderator: Nicole Brassard, VP, BC, Global Public Affairs
🗓 Wednesday, October 29 | Register
Raising capital is never easy — and in today’s market, founders need more than just a great pitch to secure the right investors. This edition of #VTJTalks brings together experienced Vancouver founders and ecosystem leaders to share their real-world fundraising stories, lessons learned, and practical strategies for success.
SPONSORED BY SEGEV LLP
Legal help that lets you focus on building
Our lawyers have extensive experience working with startups, and understand the unique needs and challenges they face. We treat our clients as partners, giving them straight answers and practical advice that allows them to focus on what really matters: building their business. Looking for legal support in building your startup? Get in touch.
🗓 Wednesday, November 19 | Register
This #VTJTalks roundtable brings together BIPOC founders, innovators, and ecosystem champions for an honest, solutions‑focused conversation on what it takes to thrive in tech while breaking barriers for the next generation.
🗓 Wednesday, December 10 | Register
Vancouver’s tech and innovation sector has seen explosive growth over the past decade — from AI and biotech breakthroughs to world‑class climate tech and gaming studios. But as we enter the second half of 2025, the big question is: Are we living up to our potential as a leading innovation hub?
SPONSORED BY BRAINSTATION
Fireside chat with JJ Wilson: Building brands with purpose
Join BrainStation Vancouver for an exclusive conversation with JJ Wilson, entrepreneur, investor, and cultural builder behind brands like Ride Cycle Club, Kit and Ace, and REYAL Performance. From shaping lululemon and Reigning Champ to advising global leaders like Arc’teryx and Salomon, JJ has redefined how lifestyle, wellness, and community intersect.
What You’ll Learn:
1️⃣ Redefining Community – Turning Ride Cycle Club into a cultural movement
2️⃣ From Startup to Scale – Lessons from launching and growing iconic brands
3️⃣ The Future of Wellness & Lifestyle – JJ’s vision for purpose-driven innovation
📅 September 11 | 📍 BrainStation Vancouver
RSVP HERE
🗓 Thursday, September 4 | 🎟 Register
Are you a tech professional seeking new opportunities? Join this event, where local tech companies actively recruiting new talent will present their organizations and available positions.
Unlike traditional job fairs, this event offers a more intimate and conversational atmosphere where meaningful connections can be made.
🗓 Saturday, September 6 | 🎟 Register
Flats Fest is back this year with something for everyone.
The Innovation Zone will be filled with cutting-edge projects and virtual reality experiences from local South Flats organizations. Here, attendees can try out new games from groups like Buffalo Buffalo, learn about local organizations like Ethos Lab and LDS (Learn. Develop. Succeed.), discover activations from the Centre for Digital Media and Vancouver Community College, and more.
Plus, food trucks, a beer garden, artisan market, live music, student marketplace, and kids zone.
🤝 NEW OPPORTUNITIES
🗓️ November 20, 2025 | Apply
Submit an application to the Innovator Skills Initiative, designed to increase diversity in the tech sector and help B.C.-based businesses fill talent shortages and grow. The program provides grants to employers that are hiring for tech or tech-related roles.
🗓️ Ongoing | Apply
Apply for this cost-sharing grant program that funds small, medium and large enterprises to support skills training for their workforces, including prospective new hires.
SPONSORED BY FASKEN MARTINEAU
Fasken has supported founders, investors and acquirers in the emerging tech ecosystem for over 30 years. We offer a full suite of services that scale as your needs evolve. Learn more.
🗓️ Ongoing | Apply
Submit an expression of interest for Digital’s co-investment program, designed for projects focused on unlocking the opportunities in the mining and energy sectors.
👋 YOUR COMMUNITY
🗣 VTJ Community Slack | Can’t make it to any in-person events? Network and chat with your friendly neighbourhood tech professionals using our dedicated Slack.
🗓️ Vancouver Tech Events Calendar | All local events in one place.
💪 Become a VTJ Corporate Member | Get your brand in front of thousands of tech professionals, investors, decision makers, and leaders. Get in touch today.