When we put out an open call for op/eds about Web Summit Vancouver, we weren’t sure what to expect.

What we got was an overwhelming response—hundreds of engagements and comments, and over 5,000 impressions on LinkedIn alone. Clearly, this city has thoughts.

And now, we're publishing them.

Today, we’re launching a special editorial series at Vancouver Tech Journal: a collection of op/eds that reflect on the first-ever Web Summit Vancouver. These are perspectives from founders, funders, policy leaders, and ecosystem builders. They’re thoughtful, candid, sometimes critical—but always constructive.

Why are we doing this?

Because while the conference brought the world’s attention to Vancouver, what matters most is what happens next. And that starts with local voices.

What to expect from the series

Over the next two weeks, we’ll share pieces that tackle questions like:

• Did Web Summit actually deliver value to local startups?

• Was there too much AI talk – and not enough climate insights?

• What role did (or didn’t) the city and province play?

• And what does this moment mean for Vancouver’s future as a global tech hub?

Each piece is an invitation to go deeper than the press coverage and PR highlights—into the real conversations shaping our community.

_{Read What You Had To Say}

Then: join us in person

VTJTalks: Unpacking Web Summit Vancouver
📍 June 25 | 5–7 p.m. | Northeastern University

This live event will bring together local leaders to reflect on the summit, share lessons learned, and explore what’s next for the region. It’s part panel, part town hall, and fully focused on you—the people building this ecosystem every day.

Panelists:

• Alycia van der Gracht, Founder, QuantoTech Solutions Ltd.

• Roya Aghighi, CEO, Lite-1 (Web Summit Pitch Competition winner!)

• Sean Elbe, Partnerships, Creative Destruction Lab

• Pieter Dorsman, Director, AngelForm

• Moderator: Nicole Brassard, VP of British Columbia, Global Public Affairs

🎟️ Register here

This series is about surfacing local perspectives and setting the stage for what comes next. We hope you’ll read, reflect, and then show up with your own take on June 25.

Let’s keep the conversation going.