đď¸ More layoffs, but more investment
Plus, learn about your opportunity to showcase your tech at SXSW festival in Austin.
Iâm writing this weekâs newsletter from BCITâs new Tech Collider space in downtown Vancouver, where weâve hosted some excellent panels in the past (and will be in the future!) Running events is a big part of what we do for you and the tech community, but it got me thinking â is Vancouver Tech Journal focusing on the things that matter most to you?
Instead of trying to guess what you and the community need from us, you know best! Iâd love to hear your opinion:
I know I harp on about this, but Vancouver Tech Journal is truly about you. Thanks for guiding us in how we can serve you best.
Now onto todayâs briefing. Itâs 924 words: a three-minute read.
-Kate, @KateWilsonSays
P.S. If someone else sent you this, you can subscribe right here, right now. If youâre already subscribed, consider becoming a member:
Meet the Vancouver delegation taking frontier tech to the U.S.
Vancouver Day at Austinâs SXSW festival will showcase local innovation to international leaders. Start reading Âť
Form lays off 18 as Vancouver tech cuts continue
Economic headwinds continue to buffer the local ecosystem. Start reading Âť
Vancouver dips its toes into the Web3 gaming scene
Some industry players are excited about Vancouverâs potential in Web3 gaming; others say the market is over-hyped. Start reading Âť
B.C. First Nations fight for clean energy technology
The First Nations Energy Summit, hosted by Clean Energy BC, explored what it will take to get the province to build clean energy, faster. Start reading Âť
Watchlist: Vancouverâs hottest companies in 2023
Discover the eight businesses we expect to take off this year, including Ideon, Pocketed, HTEC, and more. Members only. Get started Âť
(More) Vancouver investors for Vancouver companies
Read our top member briefing from last week. Members only. Get started Âť
â Vancouver Tech Morning Coffee at TTT Studios | February 14
Youâre invited to join us next Tuesday between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. to hang out with the Vancouver tech community in an informal atmosphere. Save your spot!
đ¤ Funding and deals
Evok Innovations, a Vancouver-based venture capital firm, received USD $10 million in investment from the Alberta Enterprise Corporation for its Evok Innovation Fund II. Read in Calgary Tech Journal Âť
Montfort Capital reported that its assets under management and administration (AUMA) have grown to $492 million as of December 31, 2022, up from $149 million in 2021. Learn more Âť
Jobber, a Version One Ventures portfolio company, raised a $100 million Series D. Learn more Âť
Lithium Americas will receive an $868 million equity investment from General Motors to develop lithium production for up to one million EVs per year. Learn more Âť
Xbox, ESPORTSU, and Paidia Gaming announced three gaming events designed to spotlight collegiate women gamers, concluding at the Collegiate Esports Commissioner's Cup (CECC) Texas this May. Learn more Âť
For all the local funding news, become a Vancouver Tech Journal member Âť
đ Featured VTJ Membership Perk
This week: The Wine Factory
Need inspo for Valentinesâ Day? Vancouver Tech Journal members receive 15 percent off the price of a wine, cider, or hard selzer kit with each new batch purchased.
Contact membership@vantechjournal.com to redeem your perks or learn more about VTJ membership.
đď¸ In other news
YVR will commercialize itâs digital twin technology, developed in-house by the Vancouver Airport Authority. Learn more Âť
Hatch Venture Builder, an initiative between entrepreneurship@UBC and the Institute for Computing, Information, and Cognitive Systems, announced the six new ventures joining them this winter. UBC Âť
Miranda Lievers, the co-founder of Thinkific, is departing from her role as COO. LinkedIn Âť
Klue announced the third season of its Competitive Enablement Show podcast. Learn more Âť
Quantotech, which supplies energy-efficient and environment-friendly LED lights and lighting services, was mentioned in a Globe and Mail article on food production. Learn more Âť
For all local news and our daily coverage, become a Vancouver Tech Journal member Âť
Communication strategies that workÂ
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đĄ Ideas and insights
Kathleen Reid, founder of Switchboard PR, writing in Vancouver Tech Journal: Why substance is eclipsing style in B.C.âs tech jobs market
Wal Van Lierop, executive chairman at Chrysalix Veture Capital, writing in Forbes about interest rates: Mr. Powell, drop the sledgehammer and start innovating
Roger Patterson, president and co-founder of Later, shares how AI will transform the creator economy. Observer Âť
Gurjot Dhanda, research analyst at Covalent, writing on his companyâs blog: How Nike won with NFTs
VANTEC angel network published a YouTube video of its panel discussion on data-driven tech: Why data is driving the hottest areas of tech growth and investment
đ Before you goâŚ
Iâve got one small favour to ask. Vancouver Tech Journal relies on you to fund local journalism and to keep building your community. If you can spare $8.25, please consider becoming a member. (And youâll also get access to a whole load of exclusive perks!)