Welcome back to VTJ’s Midweek Memo: the Vancouver tech events and opportunities newsletter you can’t miss. In this week’s edition:
You’ll need more than your pitch for fundraising
Unfiltered founder stories
Marketing strategies that sell
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 FORESIGHT CANADA
Opportunities for Canada's hydrogen expertise
With world-class innovators and a clean grid, Canada has what it takes to lead in hydrogen production. Foresight's latest Ventures to Value Chains: Hydrogen Technology report maps Canada's hydrogen ecosystem, spotlighting 92 companies and providing a roadmap for collaboration and investment to unlock hydrogen's full potential.
🗓 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 TAP NETWORK
Understand the Canadian market
Gain essential insights into local compensation, benefits, and HR practices to attract and retain Canadian tech talent.
TAP Network’s 2025 Tech Sector Salary and Total Rewards Survey includes data from 26,000+ incumbents at 206 Canadian tech companies, including specialized roles in VFX/Animation, Gaming, AI, Quantum, Hardware and more. Learn more.
🗓 Thursday, September 18 | 🎟 Register
Founders know that building a startup is more than strategy and hustle—it’s about trust, culture, and navigating challenges with clarity.
At this interactive fireside chat, seasoned founders share their unfiltered stories on strategy, fundraising, and team building. Expect practical insights, candid lessons, and conversations that go beyond the surface.
🗓 Thursday, September 18 | 🎟 Register
Marketing, ultimately, has to lead to sales. If you're razor-focused on building marketing strategies that deliver the buck, this one's for you.
These panelists are seasoned marketers, steeped in strategy and execution, and who will answer the questions you face in your startup marketing journey.
🗓 Thursday, September 18 | 🎟 Register
Join Coffee Club, a casual, no-pressure meetup designed to bring together founders, investors, and operators. Whether you're based in Vancouver or just visiting, it’s an opportunity to connect with fellow B2B SaaS enthusiasts and VCs in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
🤝 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.
🗓️ 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.