Quick six: My recent writing on Vancouver tech

I don’t write nearly as much as I used to, but lately, I’ve been making an effort to contribute an article a week to Vancouver Tech Journal—the publication I started back in 2018. The tech scene was a whole different world back then, and this round-up of my recent pieces explores just how much things have changed.

What I’ve been writing about:

• The state of VC in BC: Numbers and narratives – B.C. nearly went toe-to-toe with Ontario in venture capital last year, raking in $2.4 billion—though Clio’s massive $1.24 billion raise did a lot of the heavy lifting. But while the top end of the market looks strong, there’s a growing concern that early-stage startups are struggling to find capital. Read more.
• Act now to avoid tariff impacts, say B.C. investors – With the U.S. considering a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, local investors are telling startups to prepare by diversifying their markets and supply chains. I spoke to folks at InBC, Pender Ventures, Get Fresh Ventures, Panache Ventures, and Version One Ventures about how companies can stay ahead of the curve. Get their insights.
• Inside the new rules of raising capital – Fundraising looks a lot different than it did a couple of years ago. At a recent Vancouver panel, investors stressed the importance of disciplined spending and securing local investors before chasing money abroad. Here’s what they had to say.
• The SF pull: How Silicon Valley shapes Vancouver's tech ecosystem – More and more Vancouver startups are heading to San Francisco in search of bigger markets and deeper talent pools. It makes sense, but it also raises questions about the long-term impact on our local ecosystem. Dive into the conversation.
• The issues keeping local founders up at night – From political uncertainty to trade tensions to scaling challenges, Vancouver entrepreneurs have a lot on their minds. Some are even rethinking whether they can grow their businesses here at all. Read more.
• New websites help identify made-in-Canada products – Two Vancouver entrepreneurs launched CanadianAlternative.to and IsThat.ca, making it easier to find and support Canadian-made software and goods. If you’re looking to buy local—especially given the current trade tensions—these sites are worth a look. Check them out.

If any of these topics spark a thought, reply and let me know.

Oh, and in case you didn’t know—I’m also an avid food and drink writer. I love profiling the culinary innovators shaping Vancouver’s dining scene. Here are a few recent stories:

• Skewers' magic endures in new hands
• Family remains at the heart of Kam Wai Dim Sum
• Baby Dhal puts Trinidadian food on the Vancouver culinary map
• House of Dawn poised to be Richmond’s new hot spot for elevated Asian food
• Chambar marks 20 years of betting on itself

Up next: a profile of Ophelia Arida, owner of Mèreon in West Vancouver—stay tuned!