On podcasts, playbooks, and the future of local media
"Every media brand now has something else wrapped around it."
Last week, I joined Evan McCann on The Hard Part podcast’s Friday Show to discuss what’s happening in Vancouver’s tech and media scenes—and what’s next.
🎧 You can watch/listen to the full episode here [I'm at 41:52], but here are a few highlights:
Coming full circle
I talked about returning to Overstory Media Group as VP Strategy after launching Vancouver Tech Journal and spending time with Startup TNT. It feels like I never left—but the landscape has definitely shifted.
Big shifts in local tech
We’ve gone from a scene full of 10-person startups to one where companies like Clio, Jane, and Safe Software are doing $100M+ in revenue. That scale means more executive talent is staying here—and more opportunities are being created for founders and operators alike.
Media’s new model
Media isn’t just about content anymore. I shared thoughts on how every media brand now has something else wrapped around it—events, data products, memberships, or all of the above. A16Z buying Turpentine wasn’t random; it’s the natural evolution of distribution as power.
What’s next for VTJ?
No, we’re not launching a fund (yet). But we are leaning into data—gathering insights from across the ecosystem and packaging them for investors, governments, and partners. If you're curious, stay tuned.
Web Summit + Vancouver Startup Week
I closed by teasing what’s coming up: first, Vancouver Startup Week, and then Web Summit. Even without a badge, there’s a ton of energy and dozens of side events. If you’re in town, come hang out.
Thanks to Evan and the Hard Part team for having me back.
—William
