Welcome back to VTJ’s Midweek Memo: the Vancouver tech events and opportunities newsletter you can’t miss. In this week’s edition:
2025’s biggest tech moves (so far)
Visit Kits: three cafes, one community
How fiber, cloud, and AI are reshaping businesses
UPCOMING EVENTS
🗓 Wednesday, July 23 | Register
Join Vancouver Tech Journal and Global Public Affairs for a dynamic evening of insights, storytelling, and real talk as we unpack the most important developments of the year to date.
Expect candid perspectives from founders, funders, operators, and ecosystem builders as they reflect on:
What’s been working (and what hasn’t) so far this year
How global shifts in AI, capital, and talent are landing locally
What they’re excited (or concerned) about for Q3 and Q4
Hear from Anne Hunger (Gluxkind), David Weekes (Pangaea Ventures), Nicole Brassard (Global), and more.
🗓 Thursday, July 24 | Register
The pace of business is accelerating — and the infrastructure behind it is more critical than ever. From fiber networks and AI-powered communication platforms to resilient cloud and cybersecurity solutions, today’s enterprises are evolving through smarter, faster, and more secure technologies.
Join Zayo, Nextiva, and 11:11 Systems — in partnership with Avega — for an insightful conversation on the future of business infrastructure and the technologies enabling innovation across every industry. Learn how companies are rethinking connectivity, collaboration, and resilience — and how you can future-proof your operations to meet the demands of tomorrow.
🗓 Wednesday, July 16 | 🎟 Register
This series is created in collaboration of an innovation researcher and organizational psychologist Brett Macfarlane and Convergence.
This isn’t a lecture. It’s a space for lived experiences, practical leadership insights, and open conversation over light snacks and drinks. Dig into how seasoned professionals approach transformation, navigate resistance, and lead with purpose in complex systems like healthcare.
SPONSORED BY FASKEN
Tomorrow starts here. Own it with Fasken.
Tech innovation isn’t just about the next big thing. It’s the next you. The next "us”. Fasken has been supporting founders, investors and acquirers in the emerging tech ecosystem for over 30 years, providing adaptive solutions that scale as your needs evolve.
Faken balances legal precision with agility, tailoring their services to your unique needs; whether you’re looking for advice on how to incorporate, raise funds, invest or purchase, Fasken has the experience and the entrepreneurial mindset to help your business thrive. More than just your lawyers, they’re your strategic advisors - and your biggest supporters. Learn more.
🗓 Thursday, July 17 | 🎟 Register
Join the Founder Coffee Crawl in Kitsilano, hosted in partnership with BeanBonus, the coffee app. The goal is to provide a unique experience over which you can connect with other founders and plug into the startup community and enjoy coffee, treats, and drinks.
Attendees will visit three local spots:
Storm City Coffee for your morning coffee
Arbutus Coffee for fresh baked goods and a bite
Kits Beach Coffee for a happy hour drink
🤝 NEW OPPORTUNITIES
🗓️ July 10 | Apply
Throw your hat in the ring for this first-of-its-kind celebration from the Canadian Food Innovation Network recognizing Canada's most ambitious and impactful foodtech innovators. Selected companies benefit from targeted media coverage, enhanced investment attraction, strategic partnership opportunities, and elevated visibility nationally and globally.
🗓️ August 15 | Apply
Submit an engineering design challenge for 4th year students in electrical and computer engineering at UBC. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with new talent and explore ways that emerging technology can improve your business.
SPONSORED BY RIIPEN
Riipen FuturePath: The talent solution forward-thinking businesses are embracing
Canadian companies are facing a new era of hiring. With skilled talent in high demand and the pressure to innovate growing, Riipen FuturePath offers a smarter, faster way to build your workforce.
FuturePath connects employers with pre vetted, industry ready student talent to support short term projects — helping you move critical tasks forward, boost productivity, and assess future hires in real time.
Why FuturePath is built for business
Fast and flexible – Onboard students quickly and scale based on your needs
Low risk, high reward – A cost effective way to test talent and grow your pipeline
The future of hiring is here and it starts with Riipen FuturePath.
👉 To learn more, book a call today
Find out how FuturePath can help your business grow, adapt, and lead.
🗓️ 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.
🗓️ Ongoing | Apply
Apply for Innovate BC’s Venture Acceleration Program, developed to help tech entrepreneurs accelerate the process of defining a proven business model. Whether you’re just starting out or you have already established your business, this program is designed to help growing technology companies.
SPONSORED BY HIGH TECHNOLOGIES FACILITIES GROUP
Are your office needs changing? Connect with The High Technology Facilities Group at CBRE – the Vancouver team representing BC’s startup and unicorn companies, to find unique workspaces that drive productivity, attract top talent and create amazing culture.
👋 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.
