🍁 This week, Vancouver tech is looking outward—way outward. From the front lines of international expansion to new deals with Italy and Japan, local companies are showing global ambition without losing their West Coast roots. Founders are sharing lessons on how to scale overseas without burning out or breaking the bank, while firms like Damon Motors and MaRS are linking up with international partners to push design and climate innovation forward.
Meanwhile, Broadway might be our next big tech corridor (yes, Kits included), Trulioo has a new global-minded CEO, and Sanctuary AI is doubling down on humanoid robots—with both new funding and fresh breakthroughs. Plus: a WIRED spotlight on how Canadian startups are winning over American talent, a hydrogen milestone in Victoria, and a powerful new drink safety invention from UBC.
And if you’re wondering what Canada’s moment looks like from the investor’s seat, Chris Neumann has thoughts—lots of them. Scroll down for his full Q1 download.
-TJ team
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🗞️ FROM VTJ
Three Vancouver founders share lessons from the front lines of expansion, digging into what it really takes to scale internationally.
A recent report suggests that Kits might could become an unlikely home to startups eyeing new office space.
The movement to buy Canadian should include hiring Canadian, says the platform's creator.
The funding will help support the $222 million build of two new biomanufacturing facilities, to keep jobs in Metro Vancouver.
With tech firms being some of the largest occupiers of office space, understanding market shifts is critical for businesses, investors, and policymakers.
Read more at vantechjournal.com
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💸 FUNDING & DEALS
Sanctuary AI Is Raising More Capital: Vancouver-based robotics company Sanctuary AI is raising more funding to support the development of its general-purpose humanoid robots as it ramps up commercialization efforts in the fast-growing AI robotics space.
HTEC Opens Hydrogen Station with 7-Eleven: Vancouver clean energy firm HTEC has opened a new hydrogen refuelling station in Victoria in partnership with 7-Eleven Canada, expanding its network to support hydrogen-powered vehicles in B.C.
Damon x Italian Design Firm: Vancouver electric motorcycle company Damon Motors has signed a design deal with Italy’s C-Creative, the design house behind Ducati and MV Agusta bikes, to refine the look of its upcoming HyperSport motorcycles.
MaRS x Japanese Consortium: Toronto innovation hub MaRS has partnered with a Japanese consortium to boost Canada's carbon removal sector, with Vancouver-based firms like Arca expected to play a key role in scaling carbon removal technologies across the country.
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📰 IN OTHER NEWS
Trulioo’s New CEO: Vancouver identity verification giant Trulioo has named former Mastercard exec Vicky Bindra as CEO, signaling a renewed push for global expansion and product innovation in digital ID services.
Drink-Spiking Detection Tool from UBC: A research team at UBC has developed a smart stir stick that can detect drink spiking in seconds, offering a potential new safety tool for bars and nightclubs in Vancouver and beyond.
WIRED Feature on Canadian Startups & U.S. Politics: A Wired feature highlights how Canadian startups—including several in Vancouver—are attracting U.S. tech workers disillusioned by American politics, with Canada’s relative political stability positioning cities like Vancouver as attractive destinations for founders and talent.
Light AI Leadership Change: Vancouver medtech company Light AI has appointed Silicon Valley veteran Anthony Schaller as President and CTO, and announced plans to launch its first consumer product, focused on AI-powered disease detection, in Q3 2025.
Sanctuary AI Robotics Tech Breakthrough: Vancouver’s Sanctuary AI demonstrated how its humanoid robot can use reinforcement learning to control complex hydraulic hands, marking a technical milestone in creating robots that mimic human dexterity.
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💡 IDEAS & INSIGHTS
📊 VC vibes, IPO dreams & Canada’s moment?
In his quarterly roundup, local investor Chris Neumann shares a candid snapshot of what’s on his mind—from the painful realities of fundraising in early 2025 to why he thinks Canada might be at the cusp of a global breakout. He explores the IPO pipeline (spoiler: it’s thinner than you'd hope), the gap between U.S. and Canadian venture dynamics, and the unusual optimism bubbling under the surface. Plus, a few spicy predictions.
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