Welcome back to VTJ’s Midweek Memo: the Vancouver tech events and opportunities newsletter you can’t miss. In this week’s edition:
Last chance at tonight’s #VTJTalks
Tech community gathering in Surrey
Where to find your next job
UPCOMING EVENTS
🗓 Wednesday, August 27 | Register
Building a startup is thrilling — but it can also be all-consuming.
This edition of #VTJTalks brings together founders who’ve faced the pressures of startup life head-on — and made intentional changes to avoid burnout, find clarity, and build more sustainably.
You’ll hear from:
Lauren Sudeyko, founder & CEO, Sleep or Die
Ada Slivinski, strategic advisor & Exited Founder
Michelle de la O, co-founder, MyHomemaker
Dana Stephenson, co-founder & CEO, Riipen
Brandon Chapman, principal, SaaS Wealth Insurance
🗓 Wednesday, September 17 | Register
Join Vancouver Tech Journal and Global Public Affairs for a powerful evening of real talk, actionable insights, and inspiring stories from women who are shaping the future of tech, startups, and investing.
Whether you're a founder, investor, aspiring entrepreneur, or ally, this conversation will leave you energized, informed, and better connected.
Our speakers include:
Jeanne-Marie Owens, Co-Founder & COO, Critical Path Games
Leah Hanvey, Co-Founder & Director, Tensory Technologies
Annika Ng, Co-Founder & COO, Blossom Social
Moderator: Nicole Brassard, VP, BC, Global Public Affairs
🗓 Wednesday, October 29 | Register
Raising capital is never easy — and in today’s market, founders need more than just a great pitch to secure the right investors. This edition of #VTJTalks brings together experienced Vancouver founders and ecosystem leaders to share their real-world fundraising stories, lessons learned, and practical strategies for success.
SPONSORED BY RIIPEN
Riipen FuturePath just got even better – see updates
Riipen has upgraded its FuturePath program to help businesses get real projects done faster and smarter, while connecting with industry-ready student talent.
What’s new?
More hours: Start at 10 and extend up to 300 for bigger or ongoing projects.
Flexible scope: Businesses define tasks and deliverables to fit real needs.
Fast impact: Launch projects in days or weeks, no long hiring process.
No hiring strain: Offload work while 50% of wages are covered by the Government of Canada.
With these updates, businesses can move faster, tackle more projects, and access top talent with ease.
👉 Learn more and book a call: https://www.riipen.com/futurepath/employers
#FuturePath #WorkBasedLearning #BusinessGrowth #FlexibleSupport #FutureReady
🗓 Wednesday, November 19 | Register
This #VTJTalks roundtable brings together BIPOC founders, innovators, and ecosystem champions for an honest, solutions‑focused conversation on what it takes to thrive in tech while breaking barriers for the next generation.
🗓 Wednesday, December 10 | Register
Vancouver’s tech and innovation sector has seen explosive growth over the past decade — from AI and biotech breakthroughs to world‑class climate tech and gaming studios. But as we enter the second half of 2025, the big question is: Are we living up to our potential as a leading innovation hub?
🗓 Saturday, September 6 | 🎟 Register
Flats Fest is back this year with something for everyone.
The Innovation Zone will be filled with cutting-edge projects and virtual reality experiences from local South Flats organizations. Here, attendees can try out new games from groups like Buffalo Buffalo, learn about local organizations like Ethos Lab and LDS (Learn. Develop. Succeed.), discover activations from the Centre for Digital Media and Vancouver Community College, and more.
Plus, food trucks, a beer garden, artisan market, live music, student marketplace, and kids zone.
🗓 Saturday, August 30 | 🎟 Register
This is an opportunity for tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and innovators to come together, share ideas, and build valuable connections in a relaxed and inviting environment.
There’s no agenda—just great conversations and even better connections. Whether you’re a seasoned tech professional or new to the industry, everyone is welcome.
SPONSORED BY FASKEN MARTINEAU
Transforming life sciences with cutting-edge solutions
Innovation propels the MedTech sector forward. As one of Canada’s leading technology and life sciences law firms Fasken can help you navigate IP, financing, M&A and regulatory requirements, ensuring you set the right business strategy to achieve success. Tomorrow starts here. Own it with us. Learn more.
🗓 Thursday, September 4 | 🎟 Register
Are you a tech professional seeking new opportunities? Join this event, where local tech companies actively recruiting new talent will present their organizations and available positions.
Unlike traditional job fairs, this event offers a more intimate and conversational atmosphere where meaningful connections can be made.
🤝 NEW OPPORTUNITIES
🗓️ November 20, 2025 | Apply
Submit an application to the Innovator Skills Initiative, designed to increase diversity in the tech sector and help B.C.-based businesses fill talent shortages and grow. The program provides grants to employers that are hiring for tech or tech-related roles.
🗓️ Ongoing | Apply
Apply for this cost-sharing grant program that funds small, medium and large enterprises to support skills training for their workforces, including prospective new hires.
SPONSORED BY CBRE
Are your office needs changing? Connect with The High Technology Facilities Group at CBRE – the Vancouver team representing BC’s startup and unicorn companies, to find unique workspaces that drive productivity, attract top talent and create amazing culture.
🗓️ 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.
👋 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.