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🗞️ This week, we’ve got some great stories for you. Vancouver entrepreneurs are stepping against Trump’s tariff threats with new websites that confirm if products are made in Canada, plus a CEO has asked the City to cancel its deal with U.S.-founded Lime in favour of a Canadian e-scooter company (check out our “ideas and insights” section below). Bird flu has hit the province, and Genome BC is funding research after a young teen was hospitalized. Plus, mayor Ken Sim talks Web Summit, two VC firms have committed a combined $1 billion for Canadian companies, and big changes are afoot at the province’s $500 million InBC fund (see our “in other news” section).
-Kate Wilson, managing editor
🗞️ FROM VTJ
Read more at vantechjournal.com
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🤝 FUNDING & DEALS
Vancouver company Light AI, which uses artificial intelligence to diagnose infectious diseases, has partnered with Beast Philanthropy — the charitable arm of the world’s biggest YouTuber MrBeast — to addressing one of the most critical health issues facing millions of people in Africa: rheumatic heart disease.
The condition is caused by untreated Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) infections, often starting with something as simple as a sore throat. When left undiagnosed and untreated, Strep A can lead to life-threatening complications, including heart failure and stroke.
Light AI’s tech diagnoses Strep A quickly and accurately through a smartphone. It offers results in just a few minutes, and no expensive lab equipment is required — which, in regions with limited healthcare resources, can make a huge difference.
🚨 Want all of the latest funding and deals announcements? VTJ members got it in their newsletter. Not a member? Fix that now.
IN OTHER NEWS
Big changes are afoot at InBC: the province’s $500-million investment fund.
As of March 6, Leah Nguyen will be transitioning from her role as Chief Investment Officer of the firm. Scott Wong, currently an investment partner at the outfit, will be stepping in as interim CIO.
Nguyen joined InBC three years ago, and has steered the firm to invest directly into 13 companies in the province, as well as seven funds which support an additional 16 local businesses.
InBC also announced the appointment of Elizabeth Thorson to the team as strategic engagement advisor. Thorson will be on contract for the next few months as a project manager supporting the firm’s events and engagement initiatives.
The fund operates with a triple-bottom-line mandate, and must consider people, planet, and profit in each investment. In addition to seeking financial returns, InBC must select organizations that innovate for the future, drive climate action, advance reconciliation, and elevate inclusive communities in the province.
🚨 VTJ members got 12 more stories like these in their Morning Report newsletter. If you’re not already a member, fix that now.
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💡 IDEAS & INSIGHTS
A Canadian company is urging the city of Vancouver to back out of an existing contract with American-founded Lime scooters.
Bird, a micro-mobility platform, was a runner-up in the bid to be the provider of e-scooters and e-bikes in the city. With the push to support local businesses in response to the looming trade war with the U.S., the company’s CEO has written a letter to the City of Vancouver asking it to reconsider last summer’s agreement with Lime.
“Given we are Canadian, I think Vancouver City Council should put their money where their mouth is and support Canadian businesses, just like they are being asked to do all across the country,” Bird CEO Stewart Lyons told 1130 NewsRadio this week.
The news comes after Vancouver’s council last week approved a motion to award contracts to Canadian companies, wherever possible.
“Obviously this was negotiated prior to Trump’s election and I don’t think anybody anticipated the impacts of what a Trump agenda might look like,” said councillor Pete Fry. “I think Lime won out on a technical consideration and I think they’ve also invested, at this point, significantly in their infrastructure to deliver their services in Vancouver so we may be too far down that path to reconsider.”
Employees from Lime on LinkedIn pointed out in response to Lyon’s comments that Lime Canada is “powered by hundreds of talented Canadians, from software engineers to mechanics,” and that the CEO’s message was a misguided attempt “to stoke geopolitical tensions as a ploy to further one’s own business.”
👀 CAN’T MISS
February 26 | 🎟️ #VTJTalks: The Global Risk Playbook: Insights for Tech Founders: For Vancouver entrepreneurs and leaders, this event is your guide to navigating the challenges of 2025. With Canadian political shifts, a brash new U.S. government under Donald Trump, and global uncertainty fueled by AI disruptions, inflation, and evolving supply chains, the stakes have never been higher for tech leaders. Hear from experts in global affairs, venture investing, and startup growth, including experienced founders and advisors, as they share strategies to manage risk, seize opportunities, and build resilient businesses in turbulent times.
➡️ Get tickets
🚨 Remember: VTJ members get early access and 50% off all our events as well as exclusive gatherings. Don’t miss out — if you’re not already a member, fix that now.