👋 This week, it’s all about the money for Vancouver businesses — and the politics behind it.
Three rapid-fire announcements from the federal government injected $182 into B.C. and Canadian biotech: a move that might have more than a little to do with that pesky Trump tariff threat, which will apparently come into force “within weeks.” Worried about how those duties will affect you and your business? We asked leaders from Vancouver’s biggest venture funds — and they explained how to act now. Plus, if you’re looking for some cash to counteract those oncoming headwinds, this week we’ve listed all the province’s investment firms that made it onto the CVCA 50 — and specifically who to contact — so you can find your much-needed local backing.
Trump’s moves have sparked a wave of national pride. That belief in our region happens to also be one of the motivations for this week’s $3M donation from legaltech giant Clio into UBC Sauder and Creative Destruction Lab, in the hopes that it will cultivate Vancouver-grown businesses that can compete globally. And, if you’re looking for a new job, you can stay local by checking out the companies that made the annual list of B.C.’s Top Employers.
-Kate Wilson, managing editor
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🤝 FUNDING & DEALS
BTQ Technologies, which works on quantum computing, announced a partnership with San Jose-based Coxwave, known for creating conversational-AI products.
The pair are teaming up to teach people about quantum physics by developing AI chatbots. The tools will include AI Tutor, which simplifies quantum physics for the general public through interactive Q&A, and AI Assistant, which supports professional researchers with data analysis.
But aside from the obvious benefit of helping explain how the heck quantum computing works, the partnership is interesting in terms of B.C. tech’s wider objectives.
The collaboration is backed by a $117,000 grant from South Korea’s "AI Voucher" program: an initiative that supports partnerships between domestic AI companies and international clients. As we reported back in January, the B.C. government has called for closer ties with Korea, and to specifically target trade expansion with the country. The Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation appointed a new parliamentary secretary who has personal experience and skills with the Korean language and culture, and the province has already said that we can expect more Korean delegations to be hosted in B.C. in the coming years. Watch this space.
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IN OTHER NEWS
Vancouver Magazine has unveiled its annual Power 50: a ranking of the individuals who are pulling the strings in the city.
This year, the listing takes a fresh approach. While 2024 was topped with somewhat obvious choices — B.C. premier David Eby took the number one spot, with Vancouver mayor Ken Sim sitting in sixth — 2025 takes a different tack. Instead of just highlighting those in power, the publication says this year’s crop is “about honouring those who power our city.”
Accordingly, several new faces made the list, including “the biotech block” of Carl Hansen, CEO of AbCellera; Pieter Cullis, founder of Acuitas Therapeutics; and Paul Geyer, CEO of Nimbus Synergies. Bill Tam — a Vancouver tech industry stalwart who played a big role in shaping Web Summit in the city — was ranked for the first time, as was Anthonia Ogundele — founder and executive director of Ethós Lab — for engineering opportunities for the next generation of Black tech whizzes.
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💡 IDEAS & INSIGHTS
“Let’s start with the fact that VC (probably) isn’t right for you,” says Chris Neumann, former managing partner at Panache Ventures and four-time founder, writing about how “fundraising sucks” — and you should get over it.
“The reality is that venture capital isn’t a fit for 99 percent of tech startups — something that has more to do with the VC asset class than it does the startups themselves,” he says. “That simple fact accounts for the lion’s share of frustration around fundraising — many founders spend months trying to raise funding from VCs when their business was never going to be a fit.”
If your company is part of the one percent for which VC is right, though, Neumann points out that there are still going to be far more nos than yeses.
“If you’re running a high-velocity fundraising process (which I hope you are!), then you should be able to get enough datapoints to recognize if there is something fundamental getting in the way of investors leaning in within weeks. After two-to-three weeks of back-to-back meetings, you should have feedback from dozens of potential investors about your business. At that point, it’s up to you what to do with it.”
👀 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.
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