I’m writing this week’s newsletter from BCIT’s new Tech Collider space in downtown Vancouver, where we’ve 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 — 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! I’d love to hear your opinion:

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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 today’s briefing. It’s 924 words: a three-minute read.

-Kate, @KateWilsonSays

P.S. If someone else sent you this, you can subscribe right here, right now. If you’re already subscribed, consider becoming a member:

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Meet the Vancouver delegation taking frontier tech to the U.S.

Vancouver Day at Austin’s SXSW festival will showcase local innovation to international leaders. Start reading »

Form lays off 18 as Vancouver tech cuts continue

Economic headwinds continue to buffer the local ecosystem. Start reading »

Vancouver dips its toes into the Web3 gaming scene

Some industry players are excited about Vancouver’s potential in Web3 gaming; others say the market is over-hyped. Start reading »

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 »

Watchlist: Vancouver’s 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 »

(More) Vancouver investors for Vancouver companies

Read our top member briefing from last week. Members only. Get started »

☕ Vancouver Tech Morning Coffee at TTT Studios | February 14

You’re 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!

🤝 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 »

• 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 »

• Jobber, a Version One Ventures portfolio company, raised a $100 million Series D. Learn more »

• 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 »

• 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 »

• For all the local funding news, become a Vancouver Tech Journal member »

🎁 Featured VTJ Membership Perk

This week: The Wine Factory

• Need inspo for Valentines’ 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.

🗞️ In other news

• YVR will commercialize it’s digital twin technology, developed in-house by the Vancouver Airport Authority. Learn more »

• 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 »

• Miranda Lievers, the co-founder of Thinkific, is departing from her role as COO. LinkedIn »

• Klue announced the third season of its Competitive Enablement Show podcast. Learn more »

• 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 »

• For all local news and our daily coverage, become a Vancouver Tech Journal member »

Communication strategies that work 

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💡 Ideas and insights

• Kathleen Reid, founder of Switchboard PR, writing in Vancouver Tech Journal: Why substance is eclipsing style in B.C.’s 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 »

• Gurjot Dhanda, research analyst at Covalent, writing on his company’s 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

👋 Before you go…

I’ve 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 you’ll also get access to a whole load of exclusive perks!)