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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 pitch your startup
Starting out as a woman in tech
Last days for the University Call for Innovation
But first, a question…
❓ Do you think Web Summit will positively impact Vancouver's tech ecosystem? |
VTJ EVENTS
Just Announced: Web Summit Pitch Practice for Entrepreneurs
🗓️ Tuesday, April 13 | 🎟️ Time to shine
Are you a founder prepping for Web Summit? Or just want to sharpen your pitch in front of a crowd? Join us for a fast-paced, no-fluff evening of 1-minute pitches, real-time feedback, and friendly competition—all in front of a live audience. Here’s how it works:
Up to 15 founders take the mic (50% full already!)
1-minute pitch (NO SLIDES) + 3 minutes of feedback from:
Casey Lau, Executive Vice President, Asia Pacific at Web Summit
Kate Bouchard, CEO & Founder of Loba and Principal of Armature Collective
William Johnson, Vice President of Strategy at Overstory Media Group and Founder of Vancouver Tech Journal
Live audience voting and prizes!
This isn’t about pitching for funding–this experience is for anyone who wants to refine their startup’s story.
Sign-up to pitch or support your favourite startups:
🗓️ Wednesday, April 30 | 🎟️ Limited tickets available
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 50% off our #VTJTalks series. Don’t miss out — become a member now.
SPONSORED BY INNOVATE BC
Helping B.C. startups capitalize on Web Summit Vancouver
Are you a B.C. startup looking to attend Web Summit Vancouver this May?
The Road to Web Summit Vancouver (R2WSV), powered by Innovate BC with support from an exciting group of delivery partners, is here to help B.C. innovators capitalize on the wealth of opportunities available at the conference. With tailored events and programming to give you the skills you need to make impactful connections, share your story, and drive growth.
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 THE HIGH TECHNOLOGY FACILITIES GROUP
Vancouver's tech office experts
Connect with The High Technology Facilities Group at CBRE Ltd. – leaders in sourcing office space for BC’s startup and unicorn companies. The HTFG excels at helping clients find unique workspaces that drive productivity, reflect values, attract top talent, and fuel workplace culture.
Check out how The HTFG can help, or reach out to Alain, Blair, Kevin or Andre from The HTFG.
🗓️ 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 FORESIGHT CANADA
Navigate cleantech adoption with proven solutions
Innovation is essential to enhancing profitability and gaining a competitive advantage in a fast-evolving market. Together, we can improve operational efficiency and strengthen economic competitiveness. Foresight’s Adoption Services Suite meets you where you are—whether new to innovation, exploring new technologies, validating innovative solutions, or accessing market insights.
🤝 NEW OPPORTUNITIES
🗓️ May 7 | Apply
Apply to receive up-front, non-dilutive investments of $75,000 to $100,000 for your university-nominated climatetech venture.
🗓️ 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.
🗓️ 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 FASKEN
Fasken has supported founders, investors and acquirers in the emerging tech ecosystem for over 30 years. We offer a full suite of services that scale as your needs evolve. Learn more.
👋 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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