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- Sim, sleeves, and food service
Sim, sleeves, and food service
All that and more in this week’s Sunday Briefing.
James Matthews
October 23, 2022
Years ago, as an Innovate BC co-op student, I witnessed William hatch the idea for what would become Vancouver Tech Journal. I definitely thought he was onto something, but I had no way of knowing that it would become my future home and the first place my bylines appeared with regularity. I can’t thank him — and you, the community who embraced our mission — enough for it. Now, I want to bring you along with us as we enter a new phase of growth: the VTJ Member club.
As a member, you’ll get access to deep dives, startup watch-lists, 50 percent off tickets to select events, and our Morning Report: the only daily tech briefing in Vancouver. You’ll find examples of all of them in today’s newsletter.
As you may have seen, between today and October 28, you can sign up for a free 14-day trial and gain full access to the member club and its benefits. Once you’re in, I’m sure you’ll enjoy reading it as much as we enjoy writing it.
Now onto today’s briefing. It’s 1,141 words, a 4-minute read.
-James, @jimmermatthews
How the Vancouver business landscape will change under Ken Sim
We checked the mayor-elect’s policies to discover what the local tech sector can expect with an ABC majority. Start reading »
“We are a ‘roll up your sleeves and get it done’ kind of organization.” – How (and why) to get a job at Launchpad
Director of communications Megan Hollstedt dishes on office snacks, Launchpad’s “four c’s,” and flexible work hours. Start reading »
Craver offers small businesses a solution to survive the pandemic
The company builds custom-branded mobile apps to keep orders coming in during unprecedented times. Start reading »
Your boss will lease your next office in these neighbourhoods
Commercial real estate can indicate the health of the local economy. Here’s what it says about the future of work in Vancouver. Start reading »
British Columbia builds an electric highway
The provincial government invested in 44 new charging stations for electric vehicles across the province, including four locations across Metro Vancouver. Start reading »
Cheatsheet: Six under-the-radar B.C. firms from Canada’s 430 top-growing companies list
67 West Coast companies made The Globe and Mail’s annual ranking. Here are six you may not know, but should. Meet them in our Members’ Hub »
“The drop was predictable”: Four B.C. investors share insights on 2022’s venture trends so far
Relentless Venture Fund, Panache Ventures, Vanedge Capital, and Silicon Valley Bank discuss this year's investments, and what will happen next for entrepreneurs. Get the insights in our Members’ Hub »
🎟️ This Thursday, join us IRL:
🤝 Funding and deals
Mack Flavelle, a co-founder of Dapper Labs and CryptoKitties, has reportedly signed a deal with Hollywood Talent Agency WME. NFT Gators »
Bit Quill Technologies, a software consulting company specializing in data and cloud development, was acquired by Dallas-based Improving: a digital services firm. Continue »
Rock Tech Lithium signed a $2 billion deal with Mercedes-Benz AG for battery-grade lithium hydroxide to produce 150,000 electric vehicles. Automotive World »
Electric motorbike-maker Damon Motors announced a strategic partnership with SINBON, a leading provider of integrated design and production services for electronic components. Continue »
Switchboard Public Relations
As the country’s leading tech PR firm, Switchboard helps innovators create positive change by driving communication strategies that get results. Whether you need brand positioning, media relations, issues management or content creation, see how they’ll get you real results.
🗞️ In other news
Jessie Adcock, former City of Vancouver CTO, is now CEO of the Canadian Digital Service. 10/21 Members-only Morning Report »
The Centre for Digital Media has opened its annual call for innovation project pitches that its Master of Digital Media students can work on. Details »
Vancouver Economic Commission relaunched Angels for Climate Solutions to nurture early-stage investment in climate-focused tech. Details »
Mintlist was awarded the Car Buying App of the Year in the 2022 AutoTech Breakthrough Awards. Continue »
PressReader, the content delivery platform, announced the appointment of Ruairí Doyle as chief executive officer, as co-founder and former CEO Alexander Kroogman has transitioned to the role of executive director and member of the board of directors. Continue »
Why a low loonie is no longer attracting U.S. tech firms to B.C. Business in Vancouver »
🎟️ See you soon? #vtjtalks: Vancouver’s D2C Ecosystem | Nov 8
Join us next month to learn about the growing community of innovative and world-class D2C companies building in B.C.
💼 Take your career to the next level
There are hundreds of other Vancouver tech businesses searching for talent, including AbCellera, Tsunami Solutions, Seaspan ULC, LandSure, Inetco Systems, Tantalus Systems, Withe, and PayPal.
See who else is hiring on our Vancouver Tech Journal Job Board »
Growing your team? Post a job with us »
Calling all Canadian entrepreneurs!
Do you have what it takes to be named one of Canada’s Most Innovative Startups? If so, Boast invites you to apply for its pitch competition for a chance to win over $250,000 worth of prizes, and exposure to top investors and top-tier media from Boast AI, Boast Claims, Switchboard, and VanHack!
Who should apply?
- Founders working on innovative solutions that have received no more than $3M in equity funding (grants are fine)
- Have a strong team of at least 4 members, a working MVP and/or early traction
- Be a legally registered entity in Canada established no more than five years ago
The top five startups will be invited to attend a pitch clinic and will be pitching (virtually) live on November 23. The pitch application deadline is approaching fast, so hurry and get your application in. The deadline is Thursday, November 10 at 11:59 p.m. PT. For more pitch competition details and to apply: CLICK HERE
💡 Ideas and insights
Brandon Waselnuk, co-founder at Codex, joined The Hard Part podcast to chat about Waselnuk’s first venture, TattooHero, his extensive product background, and Codex’s growth strategy. Listen »
Boris Wertz, founding partner at Version One Ventures, shared five beliefs that are deep down in his firm’s DNA
Ralph Baddour, founder of Badhouse Ventures, writing on his blog: The “friends and family” chasm in the startup funding journey
Keith Gillard, CEO of Upperstage Capital, explains why the lower-middle market is difficult for mainstream private equity. Watch and list »
Ian Vanagas, a technical content marketer with PostHog, writing on Smart Young BC: B.C. tech’s problem is not office space
Chris Neumann, general partner at Panache Ventures, writing on his blog about how WhatsApp is the ultimate fundraising tool
👋 Before you go…
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