Hi everyone,
This week’s briefing is stacked with big moves and bigger questions: a billion-dollar legaltech acquisition, a quantum computing giant raising $400M, and a frank post-mortem on Web Summit Vancouver that pulls no punches.
We’ve got the story behind Clio’s landmark US$1B deal, a fresh incubator (Althra) helping founders cut through the noise, and why a $1M challenge is calling for water-saving tech in mining. Plus: funding news from Kardium, D-Wave, and Moment Energy, and a new AI innovation program shaking up professional services.
Also: community wins (a local’s citizenship), e-scooter stats, and a July 24 mixer with cocktails, canapés, and CTOs.
More below.
– William
P.S. We’re about to announce speakers for #VTJTalks: The Year in Vancouver Tech — So Far. See you there?
From The Journal
Clio founder and CEO, Jack Newton (Sam Barnes/Web Summit)
In a rare move – indeed, a reversal of many past headlines – a Vancouver-based company has acquired a US firm for US$1 billion. “This is a watershed moment for Clio and the broader legal profession,” said Jack Newton, Clio’s CEO and founder. “We’re revolutionizing every aspect of legal work.”
Applications for the new entrepreneur community close July 31.
🔒 Insiders: Unfiltered feedback on Web Summit Vancouver
More than 70 executives, founders, and investors gathered for a frank post-mortem. Here’s what they said—and what’s next for the city’s innovation economy.
Challenge seeks early-stage solutions for cleaner, more efficient mining
SPONSORED BY SFU BCCAI
The power to grow: How BCCAI drives Agritech innovations
The B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI) empowers agri-businesses to boost productivity, profitability, and sustainability through technology
Since 2022, BCCAI has invested $17M+to support 32 industry-led projects, train 1,650+ highly qualified personnel (HQP), and help B.C. businesses launch23 new products and services—driving $18M in revenue growth.Projects like Nourish Labs’ AI-powered fertigation system in Delta and BeriTech’s year-round indoor berry production in Chilliwack show how BCCAI bridges research, industry, and producers to deliver real-world impact.Through a 580+ partner network, BCCAI accelerates innovation, fosters inclusive collaboration, and strengthens B.C.’s food systems. We’re proud to support a more sustainable, secure food future for the province and beyond.
Funding, Deals & More
Voltsafe raises nearly $1M on FrontFundr: Vancouver’s Voltsafe, creators of a prongless high-voltage plug, raised almost $1M in a successful FrontFundr campaign. The funds will support manufacturing and global patent filings.
See the campaign →Kardium raises $340M for arrhythmia treatment: Burnaby-based Kardium secured CA$340M (US$250M) to launch its innovative Globe Mapping and Ablation System for atrial fibrillation treatment. It’s one of the largest health-tech financings in Canada this year.
Read more →D-Wave completes $400M equity offering: Quantum computing company D-Wave has successfully completed a $400M at-the-market equity offering. The funds will support growth initiatives and advance its quantum tech roadmap.
Read more →
SPONSORED BY REOTECH CONSTRUCTION
Tech companies are constantly evolving with their needs frequently changing. Whether you’re committing to your first office or expanding into a larger space, leasing a new workplace is a significant step and a sizable investment. Reotech construction offers honest, practical guidance backed by 35 years experience renovating offices across Greater Vancouver. Read the full article here.
In Other News
Moment Energy powers up in Coquitlam: Clean tech firm Moment Energy has opened its first full-scale battery repurposing plant in Coquitlam. The site will process EV batteries for second-life energy storage, scaling up the company’s sustainability efforts.
Read more →Toki Hossain becomes a Canadian citizen: Community builder Toki Hossain, founder of Vancouver.dev, co-founder of Vancouver Tech Week, and Developer Advocate at Defang Labs, announced he’s officially a Canadian citizen. Hossain is also a former Vancouver Lead at Luma.
His announcement →
👀 Can't-Miss
Zayo, Nextiva, and 11:11 Systems are teaming up for an evening mixer with cocktails and canapés in Vancouver on July 24. Expect insights on AI-powered communications, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and how to future-proof your operations.
RSVP here →
👋 Your Community
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