Two major Vancouver companies declared insolvent over holiday period

👋 We’re back!

First up, some good news: we’re giving away a free ticket to TechExit conference in Vancouver, on February 25 (worth $895)! It’s the go-to event for tech founders and industry players who want to understand the ins and outs of selling and buying companies. Want to win? Everyone who becomes a VTJ member during the month of January will be entered into a draw for the ticket. So depending how many people join our club, your odds are pretty good!

And if you stepped away from your laptop during the holiday period, you likely missed some big headlines in tech news. Bench Accounting and Hothead Games both closed their doors (before Bench found a final-hour saviour) — learn more by scrolling down to our “in other news” and “ideas and insights” sections below. Plus, we wrote about how Victory Square’s tech investments are reshaping healthcare, the launch of a new fund for Canadian early-stage fintechs, and a fresh female tech meetup group.

-Kate Wilson, managing editor