👋 Good morning, and welcome to (or welcome back to) VTJ’s Sunday Briefing: your weekly digest of the city’s innovation news, deals, insights, and more.
Are you an Indigenous tech professional looking for mentorship and community support? The Indigenous Tech Circle (ITC) recently launched as a non-profit to help members join big tech companies, found their own companies with increased access to venture funds, and secure more board positions.
Read on for the backstory of the ITC and how you can join as well as what experts have to say about the wage gap for women in tech nearly tripling.
Now onto today’s briefing. It’s 1,458 words: a four-minute read.
-Lisa
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🗞️ FROM VTJ
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🤝 FUNDING & DEALS
Covalent, a modular data infrastructure layer for AI, raised $5M in a strategic round led by RockTree Capital with participation from CMCC Global, Moonrock Capital, and Double Peak Group, to continue expanding into the Asia–Pacific region.
Iskwew Air, an airline based at Vancouver International Airport, received a $1.75M from Raven Indigenous Capital Partners to expand its cargo, charter, and passenger flights.
NUQO Modular, a construction company, received a multi-million dollar investment from Raven Indigenous Capital Partners to accelerate the construction of affordable housing and launch modular solutions in the childcare and education sectors.
Zenith Venture Studio and Careerin Tech Society are inviting AI startups to apply to pitch at its upcoming online events for a chance to win $200K worth of resources and investment, free pitch deck coaching, and investor feedback.
TELUS is inviting entrepreneurs to apply to its contest for a chance to win $200K in funding and national recognition to fuel business growth.
Get the latest funding and deals announcements and stories curated in our Members-only Morning Report.
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🗞 IN OTHER NEWS
Fibr. Bio, a supplier of 100% natural and ecological fabrics, is among the top finalists for entrepreneurship program Startup Canada’s global virtual pitch competition, where early-stage startups have the chance to win from a cash prize pool of $70K.
Max Brodeur-Urbas, co-founder of Gumloop, a platform for automating complex work using AI, created an AI tool during Y Combinator demo day for VCs to automate their deal flow through analyzing every pitch deck emailed.
Anne Hunger, co-founder of GlüxKind Technologies, the maker behind the AI stroller recognized as one of the most innovative products in the world, Ella, shared that the first shipment of its product will be ready soon.
Blanka, an e-commerce marketplace that offers on-demand access to private-labeled products, welcomed four new members to its team: Karli Leitl, Emiline Willson, Chelsea Coughlin, and Rigo Santoso.
Maia Farms, a mycelium production platform, welcomed Karen McAthy as its new food scientist to to accelerate applications of mushroom and mycelium ingredients in the food industry.
The SVX Impact Index, Canada’s largest directory of impact investments, celebrated its launch in Vancouver to expand access to impactful investment opportunities across the country.
💡 IDEAS & INSIGHTS
Josh Nilson, founder of indie game studio Eastside Games and angel investor at pre-seed investment and mentorship firm Maskwa Investments, was interviewed by CBC on how tech plays a role in Indigenous storytelling.
Wicked Rose, innovative activewear for women in martial arts, and DOUBL, a custom bra manufacturer that uses 3D measurement tech to create the perfect fit, were interviewed by Promethean Leaders on their Kickstarter success — from lessons learned to advice for others.
Casey Lau, head of Asia Pacific for Web Summit, wrote about the backstory of the conference, his reflections from co-hosting Collision, and takeaways from Tony Hsieh, the late CEO of online shoe retailer Zappos.
Innovate BC, a crown corp. to foster innovation across B.C., was featured in BetaKit on how its integrated marketplace initiative connects local innovators with major strategic buyers at designated tested sites throughout the province.
Keith Ippel, co-founder of VC fund Spring Impact Capital, shared a workbook on how to begin investing for “ROI squared”: return on investment and return on impact.
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👀 CAN’T MISS
July 3 | Big Tech, Data Privacy, and the Monetization of Everything: Join Josh O’Kane, author of the best-selling book Sideways: The City Google Couldn’t Buy, as he unpacks how Sidewalk struggled to translate its idealism into reality and the role of Canadian policy in that failure. In an engaging fireside chat, Josh will also reveal why the giants of Silicon Valley see cities as their next major frontier and what this means for the City of Vancouver as it continues to attract new tech investors.
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July 4 | Build Pitch-Ready AI Prototype with No-Code: Workshop for AI Entrepreneurs: Are you feeling stuck trying to build AI products? Maybe you're struggling to tune the prompt using ChatGPT, or find it difficult to communicate your product vision with your technical co-founder. Join this hands-on workshop to overcome these challenges and bring your AI ideas to life using no-code tools. Learn, create, and connect with other like-minded entrepreneurs.
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July 9 | Vancouver Tech Morning Coffee at WeWork on Main: Ease into the week with new connections and fresh ideas and inspiration by meeting the VTJ team and tech community over coffee. And if you’re looking to collaborate or partner with the VTJ, be sure to find Nicole to talk ideas!
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July 9 | Co-working with Vancouver Tech Journal: Do you work from home but miss the camaraderie of the watercooler? Join us and and others from the tech community for a free co-working day at WeWork. Make sure to request in advance as spots are limited.
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July 9 | PNW Climate Week Happy Hour: Join PNW Climate Week for some social fun! Make some new connections and chat about all things climate, from exciting areas in climate tech to projects that you’re working on. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into the climate world, this is the perfect place to learn, connect, and have a few laughs!
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July 12 | Climatetech Startups & Investors, Assemble!: Come join the climatetech startups and investors in Vancouver and discuss what can be done to collectively increase the positive impact on climate. Startups include Lite-1, Moment Energy, General Fusion, and Rohe Homes, and investors include Yuan Shi and Jerrod Shin.
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