Vancouver Startup Week kicks off today
As always, the sheer volume of excellent programming VSW brings can be overwhelming to the last-minute registrant. As such, we’ve taken the opportunity of highlighting a handful of sessions that could provide a well-rounded experience of what the coming week offers across key pillars for building and thriving in our innovation economy. These include but are not limited to: recruitment and networking; community vibrance; storytelling for for your startup; ecosystem navigation; scaling transformative ideas; pitching your startup; and raising capital.
This year, Vancouver Startup Week runs from May 21-28, 2021. Bonus: read all that way to the end for an exclusive discount code!
Here’s where you will find us…
1. VSW | Recruitment Fair
Friday, May 21 | 9:00am – 11:00am
Those seeking the next step in their career have the chance to kick it up a notch with a visit to Vancouver Startup Week’s flagship recruitment fair. Meet and network with Vancouver’s top companies and apply to join their teams!
2. Business in Vancouver | How to tell your Startup Story
Tuesday, May 25 | 8:30am – 9:30am
Effective storytelling is pivotal to securing attention for your product, forming a cornerstone of good pitching. Join this powerhouse panel sponsored by Business in Vancouver.
Featuring:
Hayley Woodin, Executive Editor, Business in Vancouver Media Group
Maninder Dhaliwal, Chair, TIE Angels Vancouver
Kathleen Reid, Founder & Managing Director of Switchboard Public Relations
If you miss this panel, do note that in addition to providing public and media relations training for startups, Switchboard PR also has a set of resources, checklists and guides on their website.
3. SFU VentureLabs | Meet Vancouver’s Angels and VC Funds
Wednesday, May 26 | 11:30am – 12:30pm
When was the last time you did a quick ecosystem scan or taken the temperature of the angel and VC funds in Vancouver? This event by SFU VentureLabs features some of them. Leading investors from VANTEC, BDC, Angel Forum, Hans Knapp, and Voyageur discuss successful case studies and the best strategies to approach angel investors & VCs.
Find out what Vancouver investors need to hear from you for you to get funded.
4. Vancouver Economic Commission | Scaling and Financing the Circular Economy
Thursday, May 27 | 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Having the big, transformative ideas are one thing – getting them financed and scaled is a completely different beast.
Call us biased, but we think you should definitely check out the panel being hosted by VEC’s own Brianna Bishop, who will be moderating a panel comprised of three Vancouver-based leaders who will be sharing their experiences as pioneers where circular economy leadership intersects with the innovation ecosystem.
Featuring:
Felix Böck, Founder and CEO, ChopValue Manufacturing Ltd.
Tom Boddez, Partner, Active Impact Investments
Amelia Eleiter, CEO & Co-Founder, Debrand
5. Techstars Anywhere | The Pitch
Friday, May 28 | 10:00am – 11:00pm
The headline says it all. Storytelling? Check. Finding your audiences? Check. When it’s time to pitch, you might be glad of having attended this session with Ryan Kuder, Managing Director of Techstars Anywhere. Ryan will present on how to craft a compelling 30 second elevator pitch.
Techstars Anywhere follows the winning formula of the iconic Techstars accelerator program with one key difference – it’s largely virtual and remote. We’re looking forward to this session.
6. Valhalla Private Capital | A Street Fighter’s Guide to Raising Capital
Friday, May 28 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm
As a founder, how do you think like an investor and build out your multiple-year capital strategy? Join representatives of Valhalla Private Capital for an boot camp of content from a program normally provided over the course of 2.5 days.
Featuring:
Grant Lawrence, President Valhalla Angels Kelowna, Co-President Valhalla Angels Vancouver, Valhalla Private Capital
Camille Hunt, Chapter President, Valhalla Private Capital
7. Community Crawl powered by DVBIA
Saturday, May 22 | 11:00am to 10:00pm*
Those in the downtown Vancouver neighbourhood may want to check out DVBIA’s community crawl, which highlights the restaurants with patios for safe dining options while supporting local storefront businesses. You’ll find most of them on this map.
*While this is billed for Saturday, May 22, you will be able to safely support these restaurants in good weather with a visit, or by opting for their takeout options!
It was very hard to choose, and by no means a comprehensive list. Be sure to check out their full calendar and make up your own minds!
How to Register
About Vancouver Startup Week
Vancouver Startup Week is a week-long celebration that builds momentum and fosters connections among entrepreneurs, investors, leaders, and friends. VSW is committed to making Vancouver the most attractive city for current and future leaders of emerging businesses. It does this by connecting people, empowering startups, and celebrating the entire innovation community. This year’s event will take place May 21-28, 2021 through a virtual platform, Whova.
Be sure to use the promo code VSWFans for a discount!
Register today
