When global risk meets local opportunity

Plus, looking for a more flexible work arrangement? Check out these hybrid roles.

Emily Edwards
February 19, 2025

👋 Welcome back to VTJ’s Midweek Memo: the Vancouver tech events and opportunities newsletter you can’t miss.

This week, learn how to navigate changes to Canada’s international economic relationships, apply for up to $700,000 in funding for cleantech innovations, and find out whether debt financing is a good choice for your business.

VTJ EVENTS

#VTJTalks: The Global Risk Playbook: Insights for Tech Founders

🗓️ Wednesday, February 26 | 🎟️ Register

For Vancouver entrepreneurs and leaders, this event is your guide to navigating the challenges of 2025.
With Canadian political shifts, a brash new U.S. government under Donald Trump, and global uncertainty fuelled by AI disruptions, inflation, and evolving supply chains, the stakes have never been higher for tech leaders.
Hear from experts in global affairs, venture investing, and startup growth — including experienced founders and advisors. They’ll share strategies to manage risk, seize opportunities, and build resilient businesses in turbulent times.
Speakers:
- Pieter Dorsman, director of eFund and CEO at Redpeaks Management
- Luisa Alvarez, head of corporate affairs, UrbanLogiq
- Moderated by Nicole Brassard, British Columbia VP at Global Public Affairs

🚨 Not yet a member? 🚨

🚨 Remember: VTJ members get early access and 50% off all our events. Don’t miss out — become a member now.

Create interactive data-driven communication

Earn a Master’s that combines design training and analytical methods with distinctive approaches to visual communication. Learn more about the Master of Science in Information Design and Data Visualization from Northeastern University in Vancouver with scholarships available for the Fall 2025 term.

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS

Vancouver Tech Community Coffee Meetup

🗓️ Saturday, February 22 | 🎟️ Register

This is an opportunity for tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and innovators to come together, share ideas, and build valuable connections in a relaxed and inviting environment.
There’s no agenda — just great conversations and even better connections. Whether you’re a seasoned tech professional or new to the industry, everyone is welcome.
Why attend?
- Network with like-minded professionals
- Discover new career opportunities
- Find potential co-founders or collaborators
- Learn about the latest trends in Vancouver's tech scene
- Enjoy delicious coffee and pastries in a vibrant setting

Reverse Pitch Series Vol.1: Exploring Debt Financing for Growing Businesses

🗓️ Wednesday, February 26 | 🎟️ Register

Looking for the right source of funding to grow your business? Whether you’re a startup founder or a corporate leader exploring financial solutions, this event is for you.
This series offers entrepreneurs and business leaders the opportunity to learn from — and connect with — key funding sources, including investors, VCs, loan providers, and other financial experts who can help take growing businesses to the next level.
At Reverse Pitch Series Vol.1, leading financial experts will introduce startup and corporate loan programs designed to help businesses scale. You’ll gain insights into eligibility, success stories, and potential pitfalls, so you can find the right funding solution for your needs.

Additive Manufacturing with Ember Prototypes

🗓️ Thursday, March 6 | 🎟️ Register

MistyWest has teamed up with Ember Prototypes for a meetup focused on additive manufacturing.
At this event, industry experts will discuss the latest advancements in 3D printing, from industrial-grade production and cutting-edge materials to the role of additive manufacturing in education and medical device innovation.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just curious about the possibilities of rapid prototyping, this event promises to inspire and inform your digital design dreams.
You’ll hear from:
- Steph Sharp, CEO of 3DQue Systems
- Colin Schlosser, research engineer at Abcellera, formerly at Rapidia
- Ian Nakamoto, co-founder and director of business development at Forge Labs
- Jon Nakane, program director for Integrated Engineering (IGEN) at UBC
- Radu Postole, product design lead at Arbutus Medical

Climate Tech Trailblazer Award: $300K for innovators

The Climate Tech Trailblazer Award, managed by Foresight Canada and the Climate Solutions Prize, offers $300K in prizes to support groundbreaking cleantech innovations. Apply by March 7, for the chance to pitch your solutions at the Climate Solutions Prize Festival in Montreal, June 17-18.

Apply now.

🤝 NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Vancouver Takeover at SXSW

🗓️ Closing soon | Apply

Join Frontier Collective at SXSW conference 2025 and take your startup to the global stage. With $600M+ in deals and investment from their previous year’s Takeover, Frontier Collective is bringing startups, VIPs, networkers, and investor connections to SXSW from March 7 to 15.
Find out more about what the organization is looking for in an application.

Canadian Cleantech Awards

🗓️ February 20 | Apply

Nominate a company (or yourself!) for a Canadian Cleantech Award, a celebration of the outstanding contributions of individuals, companies, and organizations driving innovation, sustainability, and economic growth in Canada’s cleantech sector.

CICE February 2025 Call for Innovation

🗓️ Ongoing | Apply

Apply for investment that can help scale and commercialize your B.C. innovation. Non-dilutive funding will be awarded to projects in low carbon bio- and synthetic-fuels, battery and energy storage, low carbon hydrogen, and carbon management.

🤝 VANCOUVER TECH JOBS

Whether you're looking for a dream role or a dream employee, Vancouver Tech Jobs has you covered, with open jobs including:

Marine Biologics is hiring a project manager
TrustFlight is hiring a software engineering technical lead
Safe Software is hiring an account manager II
Trulioo is hiring a quality assurance engineer
RBC is hiring a regional coordinator

Growing your team? Post a job with us »

👋 YOUR COMMUNITY

🗣 VTJ Community Slack | Can’t make it to any in-person events? Network and chat with your friendly neighbourhood tech professionals using our dedicated Slack.

🤝 Vancouver Tech Jobs board | Looking for work? Looking for your next hire?

🗓️ Vancouver Tech Events Calendar | All local events in one place.

💪 Become a VTJ Corporate Member | Get your brand in front of thousands of tech professionals, investors, decision makers, and leaders. Get in touch today.

📱 Stay connected with VTJ | Twitter and LinkedIn.

When global risk meets local opportunity

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