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- Web Summit is over. The real conversation starts now
Web Summit is over. The real conversation starts now
Plus, tech funding and talent gaps.
William Johnson
June 08, 2025
Hey everyone —
Web Summit Vancouver may be over, but the conversations it sparked are just getting started. That’s why we’re kicking off a special series of opinion pieces from local voices—founders, students, and ecosystem leaders—who are reflecting on what the event meant and where we go from here.
In this week’s Sunday Briefing, read perspectives from:
Alex Uamai, founder of Grubchain, on how to turn summit serendipity into sustained growth
Mayako Kruger, a UBC student, on the illusion of innovation in AI startups
Arman Mottaghi, CEO of Properate, on why Web Summit must reflect Vancouver’s identity
Nina Bader, manager at Foresight, on the role women founders must play in Canada’s clean economy
And stay tuned for Wednesday’s Briefing, where we’ll publish the full collection—including a powerful contribution from Diana Gibson, B.C.'s Minister of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation.
Plus below: FISPAN’s $30M raise, FuelSrv’s gas station alternative, a new $480K talent accelerator, and Genome BC’s investment in DNA-based environmental monitoring—along with more news, funding, and innovation from across the province.
Let’s get into it.
— William
From The Journal
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Funding, Deals & More
Google Canada announced an AI Opportunity Fund, which will provide $13 million to four Canadian organizations providing AI skills development and training across the country.
Convergence founder Matthew Housser announced that Simuhealth is raising a US$1.5M pre-seed round to scale its product in the U.S. and Canada, aiming to modernize healthcare education—starting with simulation training programs and centers.
VoltSafe has installed its innovative marine shore power system at every slip of the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club’s Wigwam Inn—its largest full-scale deployment to date.
Vancouver-based UrbanLogiq has launched an expanded version of its AI-powered data platform to help governments better understand the regions they serve, partnering with engineering giant WSP and IT firm Cubic to source private-sector data for public-sector decisions.
SPONSORED BY SFU BCCAI
BCCAI: The power to grow agritech innovations
BCCAI drives agritech innovation across B.C., investing $17M+ since 2022 to support 32 projects, train 1,650+ HQP, and bring 23 products to market—delivering $18M in revenue growth. Through a 580+ partner network, we connect industry, researchers, and producers to build a stronger, more resilient food system.
In Other News
How the co-founder of Xpress Select, Hana Rahili, built a B2B SaaS company without a tech background to tackle overlooked inefficiencies in Canadian pharmacies and show how tech can empower—not replace—pharmacists.
Innovation UBC helped launch 15 new spin-off companies, turning bold research into real-world impact—from needle-free therapies and clean jet fuel to AI-driven mining solutions and prenatal health innovations.
Sarah Huggins of Hiive, James Dean of Oxygen8, and Michael Hungerford of Seven Generations Capital are among the Pacific region finalists announced by EY Canada for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025, recognizing over 130 entrepreneurs who are driving innovation and strengthening the Canadian business landscape.
Survive Vancouver is a new AR experience that turns downtown into a Last of Us-inspired adventure, with scavenger hunts and hidden clues—no app or headset needed.
SPONSORED BY FASKEN
Legal support for AI visionaries
Whether you’re a tech startup or an established corporation, the opportunities to innovate and increase efficiencies through AI are endless. As the first Canadian law firm to establish a practice dedicated to emerging technology, Fasken can help with the protection, commercialization or acquisition of your AI technology. Learn more.
👀 Can’t Miss
Selling out: June 12: VTJLive: The AI Value Equation
Join leaders from Vodasafe, Women in AI, Industrio AI, and Metaspectral as they share how enterprise teams are turning AI’s potential into measurable performance.
Join founders, investors, and ecosystem builders from Lite-1, QuantoTech, CDL, and AngelForm for a candid post-mortem on Web Summit Vancouver at #VTJTalks.
HARRISON FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS SOCIETY
🎤 The Harrison Festival of the Arts is back this summer from July 11-20th in beautiful Harrison Hot Springs. Packed with music and art from around the world, check out all the info here!*
👋 Your Community
🗣 VTJ Community Slack – reply back if you need access.
💪 Become a VTJ Corporate Member and get your brand in front of thousands of tech professionals, investors, decision makers, and leaders. Get in touch today.
SPONSORED BY VRIFY
Canada is a resource-rich country, and British Columbia, in particular, hosts an abundance of minerals and metals. Last week, during a Web Summit Masterclass titled "The Trillion Dollar Mineral Hunt," which drew over 150 attendees, Steve de Jong, Co-founder and CEO of VRIFY, presented on the future of mineral exploration. Read the full article here.*
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