What it takes to build a better tech ecosystem in Vancouver

Creating a better tech ecosystem requires thinking with a global perspective — but that doesn’t mean we always have to look beyond our backyard for answers.

The people with deep insight into what's needed to achieve this goal are, of course, our community members — the ones who are innovating the next big idea and already building and scaling companies.

We asked six members about their take on how we can collectively drive our tech ecosystem’s growth.

Kassandra Linklater, co-founder of Frontier Collective 

"On this International Women's Day, I believe the fight for respect, equality, and recognition is more paramount than ever. 

As we face a more divided world, we will need bravery, boldness, and indomitability to make sure the clocks don't turn back before our eyes.

My hope for helping build a better, more inclusive ecosystem lies in the courage to fight our way for change. 

I'm reminded of the Georgia O'Keefe quote that I've been absolutely terrified every moment of my life and never let it keep me from doing a single thing that I wanted to do:

'It's hard to try and change our future, but I would encourage my fellow females to know that since the fear doesn't go away, we better do it anyway.'" 

Nazuk Thakkar, venture capitalist at Ripple Ventures

“We must strive for equal access to capital and resources. 

The stark reality is that women entrepreneurs receive less than 2% of all VC dollars, and the numbers aren't much better for female leads in the venture ecosystem. 

The key to changing this lies in fostering inclusive spaces where underrepresented founders and funders alike can thrive. 

For our tech ecosystem to flourish, we have to ensure that the spaces that provide access to capital, mentorship, and networking equip underserved founders with the same opportunities as their counterparts. 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion in tech is synonymous to a ‘better ecosystem’ and make for an accelerated, lucrative, and opportunity-filled industry.”

Vivian Chan, CEO of Red Threads Strategy Consulting Group

"Strong tech ecosystems are designed to replicate successes and elevate entrepreneurs with expertise and resources. 

I believe that we’re positioned to create the world's best clusters if we unite our energy, intellect, and focus."

Sneha Soni, data and analytics leader

"In a world where technology blurs the lines between the personal and professional, authentic leaders shine by championing a culture of balance, collaboration, and empathy. 

As a new mom, I grappled with balancing responsibilities and reframing challenges as stepping stones rather than obstacles. 

It's time to prioritize kindness, excellence in work, and diverse perspectives to unleash the full potential of innovation and drive meaningful impact."

Zhong-Yan Chen, co-founder of Proxima HQ

"A key element is establishing a better community or resource platform — which would serve as a central hub for easy access to resources. 

This hub would facilitate connections among individuals and allow users to focus on their specific interests, effectively reducing industry noise. 

Fostering such a streamlined and focused environment can enhance collaboration and innovation within the tech community."

Aliaa Remtilla, co-founder of StoryTiling

"What really makes the ecosystem thrive is strong social connections among the people who are part of it. Creating real human connections is at the heart of what we do at StoryTiling, and it's just as crucial in building a robust tech ecosystem.

Human connections are crucial because they foster an environment where trust and mutual respect can flourish. This allows for open exchanges of ideas and collaborative problem-solving. These genuine interactions lead to more innovative and effective solutions as people work together to understand and address the real needs of the community.

This is how we create an ecosystem that produces not just ‘tech,’ but solutions that truly solve the biggest problems of the day."

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