This week in BC tech, the gravitational pull toward Vancouver grows stronger. Tyler Nee’s The Syndicate is making moves to build what he calls “the YC of Canada.” Meanwhile, the province’s AI community is shifting from delegation mode to dealmaking, with RBC unveiling its new Innovation Hub and founders eager to turn momentum into market power.

On the policy front, Ottawa’s tariffs are forcing a rethink of BC’s economic model, while new AI sales tools are changing how companies build and scale. Plus: Safe Software partners with the Canucks, Clariti acquires CivCheck, Jetson earns a spot on TIME’s Best Inventions list, and local researchers push the boundaries of medical science.

Let’s get into it.

– William

From The Journal

The Syndicate wants to bend gravity toward Vancouver

Inside Tyler Nee’s bid to build “the YC of Canada”—starting with a tightly curated community that actually shows up

BC’s AI builders plot their next move

The province’s largest-ever AI delegation is done waiting for permission—and ready to turn national buzz into business.

Inside RBC's new Vancouver Innovation Hub

Plus, explore fintech's future at #VTJLive.

Transforming sales and marketing with AI-powered tools

Using AI to provide visibility and interoperability to each department.

Investing in a knowledge economy as tariffs hit Canada

Retooling B.C.’s felled forest of the resource economy

Reverse vesting arrangements for founder equity in high-growth startups

“Welcome back”: Gumloop reopens doors in Vancouver

Local leaders welcomed the AI startup’s return while recalling past remarks about talent leaving for San Francisco.

Funding, Deals & More

  • Safe Software partners with Vancouver Canucks: Surrey-based Safe Software announced a multi-year partnership with the Vancouver Canucks, bringing its homegrown geospatial and data-integration brand to the hometown NHL team.
    Read more →

  • Clariti acquires CivCheck to speed permit approvals with AI: Vancouver’s Clariti bought CivCheck to fold automated background checks and AI capabilities into its permitting platform, aiming to reduce municipal backlogs and accelerate approvals.
    Read more →

  • EA to be taken private in historic $55B buyout: Electronic Arts is set to be acquired in the largest private equity buyout ever, valued at US$55 billion—another signal of mega-capital flowing into gaming.
    Read more →

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In Other News

  • Jetson named to TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025: Vancouver-based Jetson earned a spot on TIME’s Best Inventions list for 2025.
    Read more →

  • UBC researchers move toward universal organ transplants: UBC scientists reported progress on making organs more universally compatible for transplant, a step that could expand the donor pool and reduce rejection risks.
    Read more →

  • PayByPhone appoints new CTO: Vancouver-based PayByPhone named a new Chief Technology Officer to lead product and engineering as the mobile parking company scales its platform globally.
    Read more →

  • SFU Clean Hydrogen Hub joins national alliance: SFU’s Clean Hydrogen Hub has joined the Canadian Alliance of Hydrogen Hubs, strengthening collaboration on research, production, and adoption of low-carbon hydrogen across the country.
    Read more →

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