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Make your mark at Web Summit
Upcoming events promise pitch sessions, PR training, and professional headshots.
Emily Edwards
April 23, 2025
Welcome back to VTJ’s Midweek Memo: the Vancouver tech events and opportunities newsletter you can’t miss. In this week’s edition:
How to stand out at Web Summit
What you can learn from big tech
Opportunities for mining tech
VTJ EVENTS
🗓️ Wednesday, April 30 | 🎟️ Register
Dennis Pilarinos has done what many founders dream of — worked at some of the world’s biggest tech companies, started his own, sold it to Apple, then went back to building.
At this special #VTJTalks event, Dennis joins us for a candid fireside chat about the lessons he’s learned from both sides of the tech world — from leading teams at Microsoft and AWS, to founding Buddybuild (acquired by Apple), to now launching Unblocked, his latest startup focused on AI tools for developers.
🚨 Not yet a member? 🚨
🚨 Remember: VTJ members get exclusive events, first-access to all our public events, plus 50% off our VTJ talks series. Don’t miss out — become a member now.
SPONSORED BY FORESIGHT CANADA
Opportunities for Canada's built environment
Buildings and construction account for 13% of Canada’s emissions—decarbonizing this sector presents both significant challenges and transformative economic opportunities.
The Ventures to Value Chains: Built Environment report maps Canada’s clean building tech landscape, highlighting strengths, gaps, and opportunities for growth.
Where is Canada leading? Where can we do more? Get the full picture of this key sector driving our clean economy.
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS
🗓️ Tuesday, May 6 | Register
Elevate AI: Road to Web Summit Vancouver is a high-impact event designed to prepare BC’s top AI companies for Web Summit 2025, featuring AI startup showcases, a go-to-market readiness panel, a session on how to pitch your AI company, and strategic networking.
Whether you’re looking to attract investment, secure partnerships, or gain global exposure, this event will equip you with the insights, connections, and strategies to elevate BC AI on the world stage.
🗓️ Thursday, May 8 | 🎟️ Register
This gathering is designed for women at all stages of their tech careers—whether you're just starting out, pivoting into tech, or leading the way in your industry.
The event will bring together trailblazing women in technology to share their stories, insights, and advice. Expect an evening filled with conversations, actionable takeaways, and networking opportunities that could shape your career.
SPONSORED BY FASKEN
Legal advice from startup, to scale-up, to exit
Is your idea set to redefine an industry? For over 30 years, Fasken has helped thousands of startups transform their vision into tangible impact. Our fixed-fee startup program includes formation, IP strategy and venture capital fundraising services. Learn more.
🗓️ Tuesday, May 13 | 🎟️ Register
Mock interviews, curated networking, pro photo/video assets, and expert PR consults—get Web Summit ready with confidence.
This experience is all about giving founders the tools, skills, and confidence to make a lasting impression at Web Summit.
🗓️ Friday, May 16 | 🎟️ Register
Whether you’re pitching to investors, partners, or customers, your startup’s success depends on how well you tell your story.
With significant tech events like the Web Summit Vancouver and Vancouver Startup Week are right around the corner, this workshop will equip you with the skills to clearly articulate your problem statement, highlight your traction, and avoid funding roadblocks so you stand out in every conversation.
SPONSORED BY INNOVATE BC
Equip your startup for success ahead of Web Summit Vancouver
Is your startup ready to leverage Web Summit Vancouver for success? The Road to Web Summit Vancouver (R2WSV) is here to help you maximize your conference experience with tailored events and programming designed to give you the skills and resources to make impactful connections, share your story and drive growth.
🤝 NEW OPPORTUNITIES
🗓️ Multiple | Apply
If you’re a founder developing a science- or technology-based venture with the potential for massive scale, this is your opportunity to work with world-class mentors, serial entrepreneurs, investors, scientists, and operators who’ve built and backed industry-defining companies.
🗓️ 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.
🗓️ May 7 | Apply
Apply to receive up-front, non-dilutive investments of $75,000 to $100,000 for your university-nominated climatetech venture.
🗓️ 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.
👋 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.
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