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Hey everyone —
Strong tech ecosystems need strong storytelling. That’s been our belief since day one—and it’s why Vancouver Tech Journal exists. We shine a light on the people, companies, and ideas shaping Vancouver’s innovation economy. But as many of you know, we can’t do this work alone.
Last week, Web Summit Vancouver brought thousands of tech minds together for a high-energy celebration of innovation. At VTJ, we work to keep that energy alive year-round—through stories, events, and connections that go deeper and shine brighter. But we need your help to keep going.
Right now, we’re growing our VTJ Insiders program—our paid membership that helps sustain this publication and community. If you’ve ever found value in what me, Nicole, and Emily do—whether it’s covering local startups, curating can’t-miss events, or connecting the dots across the ecosystem—becoming an Insider is the best way to support us.
Annual membership is just $2 a week, and it comes with real perks: 50% off events, exclusive content, and private meetups with the team.
To our amazing free subscribers, thank you for being here. If you’re ready to go deeper, take the next step and become a VTJ Insider.
And to our current Insiders—you’re the reason we can keep doing this work. Thank you.
— William
🗞️ Top Stories
The win capped off a multi-day contest that saw 35 startups pitch live.
Healthtech standout beats out fellow BC startups GlüxKind, SkyAcres, and yPilot for the title of Startup All-Star.
Web Summit Vancouver delivered something the city’s tech scene has long craved—energy, visibility, and global attention.
Plus…
SPONSORED BY BCIT
Master of Science in Applied Computing Information Session
Prospective students are invited to advance their careers by attending an online Info Session for BCIT’s Master of Science in Applied Computing on June 3, from 5:30 to 6:30pm (PST), and learn how they can start the program in September.
💸 Funding, Deals & More
PacifiCan made a $1.8M investment in Innovate BC’s Integrated Marketplace to support AI projects at YVR and the Provincial Health Services Authority—the first funding under its new Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative and the first since Gregor Robinson became Minister.
Jane Software is set to be valued at $1.8 billion in a $500-million secondary deal led by U.S. investors TCV, JMI Equity, and Tidemark, according to The Globe and Mail.
Pender Ventures won the 2025 VC Deal of the Year for its 2010 Series B investment in Vancouver’s Copperleaf Technologies, which delivered a 42.9x return and 30.9% IRR following Copperleaf’s $1-billion acquisition by IFS.
Plus…
SPONSORED BY VANCOUVER TECH JOURNAL MEMBERS
Community support matters
Without the support of our members, this newsletter would not be possible. Our members' support allows us to get this free newsletter into your inboxes every day, and also gives our team of reporters the time they need to chase the bigger stories that matter.
Become a member today!
📰 In Other News
Local startup GlüxKind won the top prize at tonight’s AWS x NVIDIA AI Pitch Competition, earning a $125,000 cheque and national recognition for its AI-powered smart stroller, which helps parents navigate the world more safely and comfortably, outshining five other startups in the process.
Plus…
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👀 Can’t Miss
How enterprise leaders are turning AI potential into measurable performance.
Now that the dust has settled, we’re bringing together local leaders from the worlds of tech, startups, and government to unpack the first-ever Web Summit Vancouver.
SPONSORED BY FASKEN
Fasken has supported founders, investors and acquirers in the emerging tech ecosystem for over 30 years. They offer a full suite of services that scale as your needs evolve. Learn more.
👋 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 REOTECH CONSTRUCTION
Today's tech teams thrive in environments built with the future in mind. As Vancouver evolves into a global destination for innovation, Reotech has advice on how to lay the groundwork.
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