Web Summit lit the match—now what?

From “fairness is fatal” to “climate was sidelined,” here’s what your peers really thought about Web Summit Vancouver.

Author

William Johnson
June 11, 2025

Over the past week, Vancouver Tech Journal has published a dozen raw, reflective, and sharply argued opinion pieces from founders, investors, journalists, and ecosystem builders reacting to Web Summit Vancouver.

The consensus? There is no consensus.

One founder argued that most AI startups are “just thin wrappers chasing a mirage.” Another asked why climate innovation was pushed to the sidelines. Some called it a breakthrough moment for Vancouver. Others saw a missed opportunity. And more than one op-ed called out the widening gap between hype and actual outcomes in our tech ecosystem.

These aren’t LinkedIn platitudes. They’re field notes from the front lines — what your peers really think, now that the booths are packed up and the lanyards are off.

We’ve included 12 of the sharpest voices below — including a candid reflection from BC’s minister of jobs, economic development, and innovation. For the full and growing collection — including a few hot takes that almost didn’t get published — head to our site.

👇🏾 Read the series

Web Summit Vancouver: A catalyst for BC's tech ecosystem

JEDI Minister Diana Gibson argues British Columbia is emerging as the innovation engine of the new Canadian economy.

Another risky tech bet: Can a global conference deliver value for BC?

Angel Forum director Pieter Dorsman argues Web Summit brought value—but only alignment can unlock its full potential.

Is fairness killing Canadian tech?

MistyWest CRO Dan Millar argues BC must stop spreading resources thin and start backing winners.

The local work that made the global stage worthwhile

The co-chairs of Vancouver Startup Week on how a decade-old, volunteer-run initiative prepared local founders for the international spotlight.

Why is Vancouver still playing small?

rhum.hr and BKR Capital's Dana Ramnarine argues Vancouver must move beyond performative optimism to build a real innovation economy.

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Web Summit Vancouver may have missed its moment

Properate CEO Arman Mottaghi argues Web Summit must reflect Vancouver’s identity to thrive.

Net zero needs women: Lessons from Web Summit's push for parity

Foresight’s Nina Bader argues women founders are key to Canada’s clean economy future.

Web Summit had the hype but missed the moment on climate tech. That’s a problem

Founder and strategist Joanna Buczkowska-McCumber argues Web Summit sidelined climate tech when it should’ve taken centre stage.

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Representation isn’t enough if the money doesn’t follow

Simply Sweet Games CEO Tina Merry argues gender parity on the startup floor means little without change in who controls the capital.

The illusion of innovation

UBC’s Mayako Kruger argues startups must stop retrofitting AI into weak ideas and start solving real-world problems.

Vancouver talent is here to stay—if we make room for it

Journalist Taylor Simone argues Vancouver must turn post-Web Summit energy into long-term opportunity for global talent.

Bright lights, big stimuli: Surviving (and loving) Web Summit as a sensitive mind

PrimeHealth co-founder Carey-Jo Hoffman argues tech events must embrace sensory inclusion to support all kinds of brilliance.

Read the full collection of submissions on Vancouver Tech Journal’s website.

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