May 2019: 5 BC tech stories that caught my eye
B.C.’s tech sector is getting more news coverage than ever before. In fact, there can be so much news that it’s tough to stay on top of everything that’s going on.
That’s why each month, I’ll highlight my five favourite stories that showcase the incredible work of the companies, entrepreneurs, and researchers that make up our tech ecosystem. These stories can be about anything -- funding, talent, startups, events, etc. – as long as they recognize those who are helping turn British Columbia into a thriving, globally competitive tech hub.
So, with that, here are five BC tech stories that caught my eye in the month of May.
BCIT opens ‘Summit Centre’ to provide an end-to-end, one-stop shop for entrepreneurship skills and coaching
What happened: BCIT took another step towards ‘future-proofing applied education’ with the launch of their first of its kind Summit Centre. This new space will give students access to resources, coaching, training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them start, grow, and scale their ventures. The official launch took place on May 1st.
Why I’m excited: As someone who has made his mark as an entrepreneur for the last 40 years, I know firsthand how important it is to provide the support, mentorship, and infrastructure to help create the business leaders of tomorrow. Congratulations to Tom Roemer and the entire team at BCIT-- faculty, staff, and students -- on this exciting new initiative.
Vancouver-based WealthBar using innovation to lower fees, increase efficiency, and reimagine traditional investment strategies
What happened: Great article in the Georgia Straight from Kate Wilson about how a local fintech company is leveraging algorithims to create added value for both their clients and their company.
Why you should care: Tech adoption is a critical component to transforming our industries and creating the jobs of tomorrow. It’s incredible to see a local company like WealthBar leverage innovative technologies to offer a better, more comprehensive service for their clients. In a space with lots of high-profile competitors, it’s great that WealthBar is not only differentiating themselves, but setting their business up for sustained growth and success. Awesome work by Tea Nicola, Chris Nicola, and the entire team at WealthBar.
Female Funders releases their 2019 Women in Venture Report
What happened: Female Funders released their second annual Women in Venture Report. The report provides a comprehensive overview of gender in the Canadian investment ecosystem and shows a clear gender gap within the venture capital industry. To steal a line from Female Funders:
This [report] is about more than uncovering the data behind problem. It’s about giving institutions and individuals the information we need to understand where we’re at -- and take action.
Why I’m interested: As a long-serving board member of the Women’s Enterprise Centre (WEC), I know how imperative it is to support female founders, researchers, and investors. Organizations like WEC, Female Funders, and Forum for Women Entrepreneurs are doing an incredible job of supporting female-led ventures, but this report shows how much further we as an ecosystem need to go in order to create a diverse, inclusive, and well-represented tech sector.
Startup Canada Awards
What happened: Startup Canada hosted their B.C. regional awards event on May 13th, to celebrate those who are driving impact and demonstrating excellence in British Columbia's entrepreneurship and innovation community. Notable winners included Bonnie Foley-Wong (Entrepreneur Promotion Award), REITIUM (Innovation Award), and Manny Padda (Entrepreneur of the Year Award).
Why this is exciting: B.C. has nine local Startup Canada chapters, including Startup Vancouver who helped organize this event. In order for Vancouver to reclaim our spot as one of the world’s best startup ecosystems, organizations like Startup Vancouver are critical to providing the support and recognition our emerging companies need to graduate from startup to scaleup. I’d also like to recognize the tireless work of Colin Weston, who not only runs Startup Vancouver, but helped get the newly formed Startup Surrey up and running. Keep up the great work!
Silicon Valley’s Tile expands to Canada, opens engineering hub in Vancouver
What happened: Earlier this week, Tile, the leading community-powered finding platform, announced its Canadian expansion with the launch of a new office in Vancouver. This will be Tile’s first major office opening outside of its HQ in San Mateo, California.
Why this is cool: Tile joins a growing list of Valley companies – which include Lyft, Asana, and Postmates, amongst others -- who are establishing a presence here in B.C. As more Valley companies continue to move north of the border, B.C. increases its potential to attract more talent and capital, while creating more high-paying jobs for our tech workers. As Minister Ralston notes in the release, “this innovative company is making life better for people by creating good jobs and solving everyday problems. We are excited to welcome Tile to the province.”