Hands up if you’re still hard at work!
The "let's circle back after the holidays" season might have officially begun, but the Vancouver tech sector missed the memo. It’s been a huge week in news, from the announcement of InBC’s first investments from its $500 million fund to the new Minister of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation revealing her plans for the local tech sector. Execs are still making big moves — Semios founder Michael Gilbert told the world he’ll step down as CEO after turning Vancouver agtech into a global player — and there have been some hundred-million dollar funding announcements for late-stage companies. All that to say, while some industries are shutting down their laptops for the season, local tech is still firing on all cylinders.
Now onto today’s briefing. It’s 1,145 words: a four-minute read.
-Kate, @KateWilsonSays
-P.S. If you’re a Vancouver Tech Journal member, we’ve got your Christmas presents covered! We’re giving you the option to gift three free one-month subscriptions to your family and friends (a total value of $41). Keep an eye on your members’ exclusive email on Tuesday for more information. If you’re not a member yet and want great giveaways like this and more, join us now:
InBC announces first investments from $500 million fund
The government-financed organization must consider people, planet, and profit for each deal, says Chief Investment Officer Leah Nguyen. Start reading »
New B.C. minister reveals her vision for the tech sector
Brenda Bailey believes her background as a tech exec and business leader will help her weather the challenges of a tough portfolio. Start reading »
What it takes to build and scale in a recession-proof industry
Investors, founders, and engineers discuss the future of our food system, hosted by MistyWest. Start reading »
"I very rarely feel even close to being the smartest person in the room" — How (and why) to get a job at Aspect Biosystems
Co-founder and chief scientific officer Sam Wadsworth on the company’s origin, his typical day, and balancing work hours around key research milestones. Start reading »
Members’ exclusive: The state of Vancouver’s economy at the close of 2022
It’s been a year of two halves, says a recent Vancouver Economic Commission report. Start reading »
Between coffees, socials, and fireside chats, Vancouver Tech Journal brought together more than 5,000 people in person this year. Events play a big role in what we do, which is to build community. Next year, we want to improve. We want to do more of what you want, and less of what you don’t want. But to achieve this, we need you to tell us what you think. Today’s your chance to do that.
To help make our events better — and be entered to win a $100 gift card to a local business of your choice — complete our one-minute survey.
🤝 Funding and deals
Svante raised $318 million Series E for carbon capture technology, led by Chevron New Energies. Read on Vancouver Tech Journal »
Dyne raised $1.5 million with investment from Weave VC: a rare example of a Vancouver company being funding by a Vancouver investor. Read on Vancouver Tech Journal »
Launchpad, a local enterprise integration software company, partnered with London-based data intelligence outfit Altrata, enabling organizations of all sizes to automate their applications and workflows while leveraging data. Learn more »
D-Wave Quantum, a leader in quantum computing, announced a collaboration with Switzerland’s UptownBasel to accelerate understanding and adoption of quantum technology. Learn more »
SHARC Energy, a wastewater energy transfer company, has agreed to provide five SHARC Systems for the False Creek Neighbourhood Energy Utility expansion. Learn more »
For more funding news, become a Vancouver Tech Journal member »
Partner message from Monstarlab’s Christian Nielsen: Seven guiding principles for effective digital transformation
🗞️ In other news
William Johnson, founder and general manager of Vancouver Tech Journal, was featured in the Vancouver Economic Commission’s most-read blog post of 2022 about 23 Black leaders in the city. Learn more »
Klue was featured as one of 20 Canadian AI companies to watch in 2023, as noted by the Vector Institute in its inaugural VectorAI20. Vector Institute »
Nuclear fusion energy could change the future of clean energy and Vancouver’s General Fusion is at the forefront of it. Global News »
Foresight Canada’s winter acceleration cohorts are open for Canadian cleantech ventures. Applications are due as early as January 5. Learn more »
Ocean Legacy began producing the first commercially available plastic pellet in North America, made from 100 percent recycled ocean plastics. Entrevestor »
Verdi, a Vancouver-based agtech startup, won the pitch competition at the 2022 Irrigation Show in Las Vegas. Irrigation Today »
For more news and our daily coverage, become a Vancouver Tech Journal member »
💼 Take your career to the next level
Everyone’s talking about hiring. And while certain companies have laid off team members, there are hundreds of other Vancouver tech businesses searching for talent, including Foresight, Hop, AbCellera, Tsunami Solutions, Seaspan ULC, Inetco Systems, Tantalus Systems, Withe, and PayPal.
Check out who else is hiring on our Vancouver Tech Journal Job Board »
Growing your team? Post a job with us »
The party of the year at Victoria’s Fairmont Empress
A simple soiree won’t do this time around. Instead, think bigger: ring in the New Year with a grand celebration. Guests can expect a night of live music, DJs, dining, dancing, and decadence.
💡 Ideas and insights
Kate Wilson, managing editor of the Vancouver Tech Journal, joined Chris Hobbs’ Afternoon “T” podcast, speaking to her career journey and the evolution of VTJ. Listen »
Boris Wertz, founder and general partner of Version One Ventures, writing on his blog: Resist the pressure to “outgrow” your intuition.
Dr. Rajeev Jaiman, associate professor in the department of mechanical engineering, explains how his research team is reducing ship noise for whales through innovations in ship hardware and the use of AI.
Chris Neumann, general partner at Panache Ventures, writing on his personal blog: The dark side of VC recycling
Shrada Mittal, senior vice president of people and culture at Trulioo, talks to Tech Talent North about how encouraging trust can align individual development with organizational goals.
👋 Before you go…
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