- Vancouver Tech Journal
- Posts
- When the mics are off...
🗞️ Hey everyone —
Web Summit Vancouver is still weeks away, but the afterparty invites are already stacking up. This week, we’re sharing the city’s best unofficial events, mixers, and secret gatherings—plus how you might score a spot.
Also inside: a $20M Series A from a rising devtools startup, a $110M climate tech fund close, mental health tech going national, and the B.C. business community’s growing frustration with Ottawa.
Let’s get into it.
— William
P.S. Last week, I joined the High Agency Podcast to talk tech and media. Watch/listen on YouTube or your favourite podcatcher.
P.P.S. I’m hiring.
👋 Want 20% off Web Summit tickets this year, plus exclusive access to all our locked articles, events, and more? VTJ Insiders get that for less than the price of a coffee per week. Join the city’s tech leaders and become a member.
🗞️ From VTJ
The fun starts when the mics are off.
If you know, you know. And now, you know.
Vancouver startup builds contextual code platform to give developers the “why” behind the code.
The climatech fund is nearly double the size of its predecessor.
Plus…
In case you missed it…
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.
đź’¸ Funding, Deals & More
Monster deal for Monstercat: Indie electronic music label Monstercat was acquired for $1B by Create Music Group. Create plans to invest an additional $50 million into the label over the next two years.
D-Wave Quantum reports significant revenue growth and narrower loss: D-Wave Quantum reported a record first-quarter revenue of $15 million, a 509% increase from the previous year, primarily due to a $12.2 million sale of an Advantage quantum machine to Germany's JĂĽlich Supercomputing Centre. The company's net loss narrowed to $5.4 million from $17.3 million. CEO Alan Baratz described the quarter as "arguably the most significant in D-Wave's history."
YVR rolls out AI sensors through Innovate BC program: Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is piloting a new AI-powered sensor system via Innovate BC’s Integrated Marketplace. The initiative aims to enhance passenger flow management and operational efficiency at the airport.
SPONSORED BY THE HIGH TECHNOLOGY FACILITIES GROUP
Vancouver's tech office experts
Connect with The High Technology Facilities Group at CBRE Ltd. – leaders in sourcing office space for BC’s startup and unicorn companies. The HTFG excels at helping clients find unique workspaces that drive productivity, reflect values, attract top talent, and fuel workplace culture.
Check out how The HTFG can help, or reach out to Alain, Blair, Kevin or Andre from The HTFG.
đź“° In Other News
B.C. business leaders echo Alberta’s frustration with Ottawa: Laura Jones, CEO of the Business Council of B.C., says Alberta's concerns over federal climate policy are being heard loud and clear in B.C. boardrooms, warning that investor confidence could erode if policy uncertainty continues.
AI, taxes, and red tape cloud Vancouver’s real estate future: At a BIV forum, industry experts discussed how housing supply challenges, policy uncertainty, and AI-driven disruption are reshaping Vancouver’s real estate market faster than government can keep up.
General Fusion cuts staff amid financing constraints: Burnaby-based fusion energy firm General Fusion has laid off about 25% of its 140 employees and scaled back operations due to unexpected and urgent financing constraints.
Vancouver byelection result challenges mayor’s Bitcoin-friendly stance: Following a byelection where ABC-party candidates Ralph Kaisers and Jamie Stein finished sixth and seventh, Mayor Ken Sim acknowledged that promoting Vancouver as a Bitcoin-friendly city may not be politically advantageous.
Delfi Medical tests blood-flow tech in zero gravity: Vancouver-based Delfi Medical Innovations demonstrated its blood flow restriction device during a zero-gravity parabolic flight. The demonstration aimed to showcase the safety and effectiveness of its rehabilitation technology in extreme conditions.
Plus…
🚨 VTJ Insiders got more stories like these in their Morning Report newsletter. If you’re not already a member, fix that now.
SPONSORED BY CLIMATE GLOBAL
Join the LARGEST climatetech conference in Vancouver
ClimateGlobal @ WebSummit Vancouver. Are you interested in climatetech?
Are you a climate startup heading to Web Summit Vancouver? Join ClimateGlobal on May 26 to connect with global investors, unlock market access, and refine your story. It’s your launchpad to scale beyond borders. UBC Robson Square, 1–7:30 PM
👀 Can’t Miss
Come cheer on local founders as they pitch live on stage! We’re hosting a fast-paced, no-fluff evening of 1-minute pitches, real-time feedback, and friendly competition—and we want you in the crowd. Whether you're heading to Web Summit or just love watching sharp ideas in action, this is your chance to support local talent and see who rises to the top.
Remember: VTJ Insiders get early access and 50% off our VTJ talks events as well as exclusive gatherings. Don’t miss out — if you’re not already a member, fix that now.
SPONSORED BY THINKRR.AI
Give your Vancouver website a voice—and a job. Turn silent sites into 24/7 sales closers with Thinkrr.ai. Qualify leads, book meetings, follow up automatically—no forms, no chasing. Just smart, voice-powered conversion.
đź‘‹YOUR COMMUNITY
🗣 VTJ Community Slack – reply back if you need access.
🗓️ Vancouver tech events calendar
đź’Ş 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.
Reply