On Tuesday at our weekly coffee meetup, I was asked what topics we cover in our daily newsletter for paid Vancouver Tech Journal members. I found it hard to answer.
This week alone, we’ve written about what India’s population rise means for Vancouver tech, how to collaborate and advance local projects with First Nations and Indigenous peoples, the rebrand of Vancouver-based outfit CyberQP and its $12 million raise, and the new innovation and funding program for the city’s healthtech startups.
What do all those stories have in common? Each of them offers you important information about the local tech scene, and the knowledge to plan as well as advance your career here.
It’s been our mission since day one to bring you the best innovation stories from our ecosystem, and provide you with the understanding you need to be a leader in your sector. In short, becoming a VTJ member is the best investment — yes, I said it! — you can make in your career in Vancouver.
Thanks to our new members Yanliang, Mark, Christian, Mateo, and David — and more — who joined us this week. Be like them and enjoy the perks of VTJ membership too.
Now onto today’s briefing. It’s 1,145 words: a four-minute read.
-Kate, @KateWilsonSays
- P.S. Remember that coffee meetup I mentioned? It happens every week! This Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., we’re in North Van at Aragon Launchpad Academy (889 Harbourside Drive, Unit 350). Join us there »
The many titles of Anna Sainsbury
Daughter. Co-founder. Mom. CEO. Wife. Chairman. Human. In a winding conversation, the GeoComply leader unpacks all those roles. Start reading »
Investing in Vancouver’s early-stage cleantech and climatetech
VANTEC’s network of angel investors assembled the region’s top funders for climate-focused entrepreneurs. Start reading »
VodaSafe takes home the top prize at The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale
MintList and Quil rounded out the suite of entirely Vancouver-based finalists. Start reading »
Innovate BC rekindles Ignite
Applications are now open for the funding program, which awards up to $300K to support innovation projects in natural resources, applied science, and engineering. Start reading »
Vancouver’s Quickpass rebrands to CyberQP, raises $12M
Read our top member briefing from last week. Members only. Get started »
🤝 Funding and deals
MéridaLabs at UBC was awarded $1.5 million from NSERC’s Alliance Missions Program to develop a “digital twin” together with TransLink, BC Hydro, and Vancouver Economic Commission to help decarbonize public transit fleets. Learn more »
GenAI, an artificial intelligence venture, has completed the acquisition of medical AI billing company Global AI Billing, and entered into a marketing agreement with Gold Standard. Learn more »
UBC researchers received $23.7 million in federal funding to lead research in radiopharmaceutical therapy, a new generation of radiation treatment for cancer. Learn more »
Loop Energy, a designer and manufacturer of hydrogen fuel cell solutions, and MYNT First Element, an Australian power-generator manufacturer, announced a strategic partnership. Learn more »
Wishpond Technologies, a marketing solutions provider, has completed the acquisition of business management software company Essential Studio Manager. Continue »
For all the local funding news, become a Vancouver Tech Journal member »
🎁 Featured VTJ Membership Perk
This week: Hootsuite
As the global leader in social media management, Hootsuite powers social media for brands and organizations around the world, from the smallest businesses to the largest enterprises.
- Vancouver Tech Journal members receive three free months of Hootsuite’s Professional Plan.
Contact [email protected] to redeem your perks or learn more about VTJ membership.
🗞️ In other news
Motive.io, a VR and AR training software company, was selected to join the Chevron Technology Ventures Catalyst program to drive innovation in the energy industry. Read more »
Jelly Digital Marketing & PR Agency celebrated ten years of operations. Learn more »
ThoughtExchange, an engagement and survey platform, has announced the addition of new AI capabilities, including a secure integration with OpenAI. Learn more »
Mogo, a fintech company, was granted a 180-day extension to meet the NASDAQ minimum bid price of USD $1 per share. Continue »
Blossom Social, a social investing network, just launched Blossom Pro. Learn more »
For 15 more stories and our daily coverage, become a Vancouver Tech Journal member »
💼 Take your career to the next level
Whether you're looking for a dream role or a dream employee, Vancouver Tech Jobs has you covered with a wide selection of local tech roles.
Boomi is hiring a Sales Development Representative (BDR) - Hybrid
Stemcell Technologies is hiring a Business Analyst
Vancity is hiring a Director ITS Solutions - Hybrid
TransLink is hiring an Internal Audit Associate
Check out who else is hiring on our Vancouver Tech Job Board »
Growing your team? Post a job with us »
On May 10, the South Island Prosperity Partnership's COAST Talks panel explores the bold innovations, ideas, and disruptive technologies driving the movement to decarbonize shipping. Held online.
Register: CanadaCoast.ca/Events.
💡 Ideas and insights
Njoki Mburu — Web3 facilitator, writer, and consultant — gives a recap of her experience at NFT BC as a participant and speaker.
On a recent episode of Boast and Launch Academy’s Traction podcast, Immad Akhund, CEO and founder of Mercury.Banking, dives into building a multi-billion dollar fintech company »
Joanna Buczowska-McCumber, principal at Ideas for Impact Sustainability Agency, writes in Sustainable Brands: Four strategies for bridging the sustainability skills gap
Maria Pacella, managing partner of Pender Ventures, writing on her firm’s blog: India is a quietly rising star on the global stage. Here’s why Canada needs to pay attention »
Allen Pike, CEO of Steamclock Software, writing on his blog about the best approach for product interviewing: Collect stories, not generalizations »
👋 Before you go…
Today’s one little ask: Vancouver Tech Journal relies on you to fund local journalism and to keep building your community. If you can spare $8.25 — or $7.23, using the “friends of” code for Kate, James, or Allison — please become a member. (And you’ll also get access to a whole load of exclusive perks!)