Next Monday is the kickoff for the fourth Vancouver Startup Week (VSW). With about 3000 attendees this is going to be a great opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs, investors and organizations. We had the chance to talk to Vivian Chan, VSW Co-Chair, and Katty Wang, her Co-Chair, about the program and the success of the VSW.
Why is Vancouver an interesting city for Startups?
Vancouver is consistently ranked as a top startup ecosystem in Canada and worldwide. With our close proximity to San Francisco and great US connections, startups are able to easily make international connections. Locally there are also lots of great resources and organizations that available to help startups grow, from the Startup Visa Program to the number of accelerators/incubators in town providing everything from co-working space, programs and mentorship to startups. Vancouver also has world-class universities and educators to promote and encourage innovation, and to support academic research on advanced technologies.
Our city also allows entrepreneurs to find good work life balance – you’ll often find them running or cycling to work, spending their day at coworking spaces and coffee shops and then enjoying activities out on the water or on our mountains.
What are the highlights of this year’s Vancouver Startup Week?
We have over 65 events (with more expecting to be added) over the course of the week and expecting about 3000 attendees.
Featured events include our Vancouver Startup Week Hackathon, Recruitment Fair, Startup Open House.
To whom would you recommend to attend the Vancouver Startup Week?
Entrepreneurs, students, educators, investors, support organizations… Vancouver Startup Week brings together everyone in the startup ecosystem!
Which event is on top of your list, which event(s) are you going to attend?
We will be attending all of them! There is something for everyone during the week!
What feedback did you receive after the last Startup Week? Are there any stories of success that started at the Vancouver Startup Week?
Feedback from Startup Week has always been positive. We hear stories of people founding their startups here in Vancouver or end up staying in Vancouver. They are given many opportunities to make connections with investors or highlight their startup to their public through various events or pitch opportunities. We have also had participants from past hackathons deciding to continue with their product and form their startup.
The Vancouver Startup Week is constantly growing, this is the fourth time it takes place. Are there any changes to last year?
We are doing a better job of integrating into the community and seeing more collaboration within the community to support Vancouver Startup Week. As an example, the local incubators and accelerators are coming together to host a Startup Resources event and reception. This is also the first year that Techstars is actively participating in Vancouver Startup Week with their Techstars Presents events.
We look forward to seeing everyone at Vancouver Startup Week! Check out www.vanstartupweek.ca for more information and to purchase passes!