Welcome back to VTJ’s Midweek Memo: the Vancouver tech events and opportunities newsletter you can’t miss.
And now, in this week’s edition:
The future of VC with Boris Wertz
Digital innovation's proven track record
Canada's battle to retain its talent edge
UPCOMING EVENTS
🗓 Tuesday, February 10 | Register
Join us for an intimate fireside chat with Boris Wertz, Managing Partner at Version One Ventures, as he sits down with William Johnson to unpack the future of venture capital, early-stage investing, and what today’s founders should be paying attention to as they build and scale.
SPONSORED BY PHS COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY
Supportive housing saves lives
PHS Community Services Society is seeking business partners committed to making a meaningful difference in Vancouver’s homelessness, mental health and addiction crisis.
The most effective response to street homelessness is truly accessible low‑barrier supportive housing — bringing people indoors and providing stability, dignity and a path forward.
Since 1993, PHS has delivered supportive housing, daily meals and vital community programs for people who are unhoused or at risk.
PHS services include Insite and other safer consumption sites, harm reduction supports, recovery programs, Indigenous health initiatives, affordable dentistry and low‑barrier banking.
To explore partnership opportunities, contact [email protected].
To help people regain independence, please donate to PHS today.
🗓 Tuesday, February 17 | Register
The DIGITAL Effect: Innovation Showcase is a curated open-house event highlighting the real-world impact of Canada’s digital innovation ecosystem, presented in partnership with Vancouver Tech Journal.
The program features short presentations from DIGITAL members, offering concrete examples of innovation moving from concept to market and delivering measurable outcomes. With a 12× return on federal investment, $4B in GDP growth, 34,000 jobs created, and more than 730 IP assets secured by Canadian SMEs, DIGITAL has proven a model that works—and one that is ready to scale.
🗓 Wednesday, February 18 | Register
Join Vancouver Tech Journal and Northeastern University for a candid discussion on what’s actually happening in the tech talent market—and what needs to change so Canada can keep building world-class companies while maintaining public trust.
We’ll dig into hiring realities across startups and enterprise, the role of post-secondary pathways, and where provincial and federal policy can help (or hinder) outcomes over the next decade.
SPONSORED BY FORESIGHT CANADA
Insights on Canada's Key Sectors
Foresight's Ventures to Value Chains reports map Canada’s key sectors to identify innovation strengths and critical gaps. These reports provide visual value chain maps and strategic insights for industry, investors, and policymakers to accelerate technology deployment and market impact.
Explore the reports on electricity, hydrogen, mining, and more.
🗓 Thursday, February 26 | Register
Join Vancouver Tech Journal and BCIT for an in-depth conversation on how technology is reshaping the way we anticipate, respond to, and recover from disruptions.
From wildfire detection and emergency response to infrastructure modernization, workforce readiness, and data-driven decision-making, this event will explore where BC is leading, where gaps remain, and what it will take to build a truly resilient province.
Who should attend: Leaders and professionals in tech, public sector, emergency management, infrastructure, sustainability, policy, and anyone invested in BC’s future resilience.
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, March 18 | Register
Join Vancouver Tech Journal & VanHack for an evening conversation with experienced founders and operators who have scaled products and teams across different stages of growth.
From early-stage scrappiness to global expansion, our panelists will share candid lessons on what worked, what didn’t, and what they wish they knew earlier.
SPONSORED BY WEWORK
Ready to find your ideal workspace? For businesses of all sizes—from startups to enterprises—discover coworking space that fits your needs.
Read more →
🤝 NEW OPPORTUNITIES
🗓️ 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.
👋 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.