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🏙️ 'Maybe even a unicorn?'
A look over our shoulder at burgeoning tech ecosystems in Calgary and Victoria.
William Johnson
January 08, 2023
As we kick off 2023, we’re not just revisiting some of the top tech news in Vancouver; we’re also tipping our cap to the growing communities that border both sides of our city. There’s a $5 billion innovation economy in Victoria, as well as a booming tech industry east of the Rockies in Calgary. Speaking of which, you’re invited to connect in person with some of the people driving that growth. Join us on January 18 in downtown Vancouver at The Home Key for drinks, bites and business insights as part of Calgary's tech scene: Competition or complementary. Are you investing, job hunting, hiring, expanding, or just curious and want to grab a beer and catchup? This event is for you.
Now, onto today’s briefing. It’s 795 words: a three-minute read.
-William, @notionport
P.S. If someone else sent you this, you can subscribe right here, right now:
‘Maybe even a unicorn?’ 13 predictions for Victoria tech in 2023
We asked the Vancouver Island tech community for their top Victoria tech prediction for 2023. Here are the top responses. Start reading »
Wecasa brings a vacation home within reach
The newly launched company has developed a solution for tech-enabled co-ownership of properties in Canada. Start reading »
Supporting healthcare providers through Ginger Desk
Dr. Julie Durnan, a naturopathic physician, shares how she plans to offer virtual assistant support to chiropractors, counsellors, and other healthcare providers all over the world. Start reading »
"Everyone here shows genuine appreciation of those around us." — How (and why) to get a job at Pixieset
Co-founder Phoebe Jiang on scaling sustainably, the role Survivor plays in how she sets culture, and fostering meaningful relationships at work. Start reading »
New year, free cash
We’ve compiled a list of grants and subsidies you can apply for ASAP. Start reading »
The My First Million Podcast — IRL in Vancouver
Join the waitlist. Get notified first.
ICYMI: 2022 recap: top funding news of the year
Billions were raised in Vancouver last year. Member Exclusive »
Helping innovators and changemakers tell their stories
Switchboard Public Relations works with some of the most progressive and innovative teams in the tech sector.
Tech leaders know their products and services are brilliant, but sometimes need help explaining why they matter and how they will create positive change. Switchboard communicates game-changing ideas to target audiences in a way that’s accessible and exciting.
Is your team on a mission to disrupt the status quo? See how the country’s top tech PR firm can help you.
🤝 Funding and deals
Pender Ventures announced an investment in Traction Rec, a leading recreation management software solution. Learn more »
Local Web3 outfit cocoNFT was acquired by Metaverse Group. Learn more »
TELUS International completed its USD $1.225 billion acquisition of WillowTree, a U.S. full-service digital product provider. Learn more »
China’s NetEase buys B.C. gaming studio SkyBox Labs. CNBC »
🗞️ In other news
Variational AI, a drug discovery startup, announced the filing of two patents for potential COVID-19 drugs, created by the company’s generative AI technology. Variational.AI »
Dr. Allen Eaves, president and CEO of Stemcell Technologies, was appointed to the Order of Canada. Stemcell »
Impro.AI, a coaching and consulting platform, was selected among The Elite 200 of semifinalists for the 2023 GSV Cup, the world’s largest edtech pitch competition for early-stage ventures. Impro.AI »
Sustained Therapeutics, a biotech venture developing pain management solutions, received regulatory approval to begin the second Phase II trial of its non-opioid pain medication. Sustained Therapeutics »
💼 Take your career to the next level
There are hundreds of other Vancouver tech businesses searching for talent, including Hop, Pixieset, Wecasa, Dapper Labs, and Thinkific.
Check out who else is hiring on our Vancouver Tech Job Board »
Growing your team? Post a job with us »
☕ Connect over coffee
💡 Ideas and insights
Kathleen Reid, founder of Switchboard PR, writing in Vancouver Tech Journal: How the accomplishments and lessons of 2022 will shape B.C. tech in 2023
Ali Adab, chief content officer at SoleSavy, speaks to Marketing News Canada about the value of creators, web3, and democratizing sneaker resales. Listen »
Ryan Wong, CEO of Visier, unpacks three workplace controversies that will persist into 2023. Fast Company »
Hamed Arbabi, CEO and founder of VoPay, writing in Forbes: Achieving equality through financial inclusion
Chris Neumann, general partner at Panache Ventures, writing on his personal blog: The 7 deadly sins of fundraising
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