Hi everyone,

This week’s Sunday Briefing is a little different—and fitting for our final edition before 2026.

First, we’re rounding up the stories you read the most this year—the interviews, investigations, and debates that clearly struck a nerve across B.C.’s tech ecosystem.

Then, we’re sharing a short list of stories we think are especially worth your time over the holidays: deeper reads, big-picture thinking, and a few pieces that help make sense of where things are headed next.

Thanks for reading, sharing, and debating along with us this year. We’ll be back in January.

– William

P.S. You can still become a VTJ Insider for 50% off – but only until the end of the month.

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Most Read Stories of 2025

Exclusive: Minister Kahlon on BC’s new tech playbook

The minister explains BC’s strategy for innovation, collaboration, and resilience in a shifting economy

Uvaro, owner of Lighthouse Labs, files for bankruptcy

Staff, students, and alumni face an uncertain future after surprise filing just seven months after acquisition.

Blossom breaks records with Canada’s biggest-ever equity crowdfunding round

What started with just 25 users has become one of Canada’s fastest-growing fintechs—and now, it’s made history.

The top 10 BC startups to watch right now

How many of these companies do you know?

SPONSORED BY PHS COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY

Supporting people in crisis

Supportive housing provider PHS Community Services Society is raising $100,000 to support people in crisis this holiday season.

PHS is a registered charity that cares for individuals struggling with homelessness, mental health and addictions in Vancouver and Victoria.

Services include low-barrier supportive housing with round-the-clock mental health supports, safe consumption sites, recovery programs, affordable dentistry and accessible banking services. 

 People of all ages and backgrounds are losing their homes because they can’t keep up with skyrocketing rents and the cost-of-living crisis. 

They need safety, dignity, and a place to call home — and you can help make that happen.

Please donate to PHS by December 31 and bring hope to those who need it most.

You’ll receive a 2025 tax receipt for your contribution.

'SAFEs are over': Inside the recalibrated mindset of Vancouver tech investors

How founders, investors, and policymakers are rewriting the rules for growth in BC’s tech sector.

Hiive expands into new 48,000 sq ft. headquarters

With a new three-floor HQ and rooftop views, the fintech company is signaling big ambitions for Vancouver tech.

The government's big bet on Web Summit Vancouver

How BC is using a global tech conference to scale its startup ecosystem.

SPONSORED BY SEGEV LLP

Legal help that lets you focus on building

Our lawyers have extensive experience working with startups, and understand the unique needs and challenges they face. We treat our clients as partners, giving them straight answers and practical advice that allows them to focus on what really matters: building their business. Looking for legal support in building your startup? Get in touch.

Plus, A Few You’re Guaranteed To Love

The SF pull: How Silicon Valley shapes Vancouver's tech ecosystem

Local founders are emigrating to the U.S. - but the merit of that move "depends on what and how you want to build,” say entrepreneurs.

VRIFY created the first industry report on technology in mineral exploration…

…to benchmark innovation — built for those in the field and those growing more curious as critical minerals move into the spotlight.

Sponsored

The edge of the map: Inside B.C.’s high-stakes push to lead the AI and quantum economies

Two conversations, two frontier technologies, one surprising conclusion: British Columbia is suddenly a power player in the world’s most important industries.

SPONSORED BY SAAS WEALTH INSURANCE

How to Be Heard and Gain Insight from Your Network

On this episode of The Eh List, William Johnson explores how to share ideas effectively while learning from those around you.

From small-town roots to leadership lessons, Will reveals how openness, collaboration, and humility foster community and sustainable growth.

Subscribe now and join the conversation on Canadian leadership, entrepreneurship, and growth.

The unlikely Vancouver link in SHEIN’s newest expansion

Meet the CEO running a global book marketplace from a quiet corner of the city.

How Métis Life is making cultural history on Roblox

How one game is turning screen time into cultural connection.

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