Not everyone got the invite, but those who did knew they were in for something special. “A Private Gathering Above the Noise,” the email read. And when Web Summit wound down, they ascended—literally—to Hiive’s rooftop HQ for an evening of cocktails, canapés, and conversations against a backdrop of glass towers and mountain silhouettes. It wasn’t just a party; it was a statement.

That statement now towers over downtown Vancouver. Hiive, the fast-growing fintech shaking up the pre-IPO stock market, has settled into its new 48,000 square foot headquarters at Manulife’s Howe Street tower. The move marks a huge step up from the company’s original 3,000 SF space in Mount Pleasant and reflects how far Hiive has come since its 2021 launch. (This new lease was negotiated by The High Technology Facilities Group at CBRE Canada.)

Hiive’s platform allows shareholders and investors to buy and sell pre-IPO stock, unlocking liquidity in a part of the market long criticized for its opacity.

The growth has been rapid. Hiive recently raised $5.7 million in a seed round and has thousands of users—including both individual investors and institutions—on its platform.

Back on the rooftop, that Web Summit party wasn’t just about bites and views. It was, in retrospect, a fitting metaphor for Hiive’s role in Vancouver tech: creating space above the noise, connecting people, and offering a fresh perspective on where the city’s innovation economy might go next.