The city is nicknamed 'Hollywood North' and famed for its outdoor pursuits, but is also gaining a reputation as a startup hub. Here's where to meet, mingle and hike.
Framed by the North Shore Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is known for its outdoor activities and its urban planning, unique enough to coin an entire style: Vancouverism. It’s earned the nickname ‘Hollywood North’ as it has the province of British Columbia which has grown into North America’s third largest filming centre, after LA and New York.
But the city has also gained a reputation as a startup hub, giving birth to the likes of Slack and Hootsuite, and it’s home to a clutch of interesting venture capital firms and corporate venture investors. We recruited Sarah Applebaum (left), a partner at Vancouver-based hard tech VC firm Pangaea Ventures, to tell us where to go, who to meet and most importantly, where to hike.
What makes Vancouver’s startup scene stand out? What is the city particularly strong in?
We’ve built great companies in apparel, B2B software as a service, cleantech and more – there is a lot of experienced talent hiding in unexpected places. We’re also humble, you’re more likely to overhear an entrepreneur bragging about ‘bagging peaks’ instead of capital.
Where are the hotspots in the local tech scene?
Revolver coffee is a longstanding staple. The Mount Pleasant and Strathcona restaurant and brewery scenes are good bets, with Mount Pleasant Vintage and Provisions or Parallel 49 Brewing Company notable standouts. You’re also likely to run into an impromptu gathering in the lobby of one of the Bentall buildings downtown or one of the many co-working hubs across the city, like Pavilion or Werklab.
Where’s the best place for a coffee meeting?
Revolver or Nemesis in Gastown, they’ve got some of the best coffee in the city and quiet vibes to boot. If you’re over in Olympic Village then Please Beverage Co, a café and cocktail tasting room in one.
Where would you take a founder you wanted to impress to dinner?
Fat Mao. The food is consistently good and the restaurant is just quiet enough for a productive discussion. We aim to be responsible stewards of our investor’s capital and expect the same from the founders we back, so if a founder is looking to be wined and dined at five-star restaurants we’re not the dinner date they’re looking for.
Okay, but let’s say you make an exception in this case!
All right, after a big exit or another milestone business transaction, let’s hit up Kissa Tanto, Elisa or Blue Water.
What are the best events for meeting local founders and investors?
If you’re an early-stage investor or a founder, Angel Forum or Vantec are the places to be. The Misty West Hardtech meetups, New Ventures BC events, Frontier Summit and other social mixers are always well attended. The arrival of Web Summit last May has shown it’s not to be missed.
What’s the one thing every visitor should see while they’re here?
Sunset on the beach in English Bay. It’s the quintessential Vancouver experience and there’s nothing quite like seeing the sun set on the ocean and mountains at once. Plus, it’s situated along Vancouver’s seawall pathway, so grab a picnic and walk, run, or ride a bike (there are plenty of bike rental shops nearby) and watch nature put on a show!
Who in the VC/CVC/startup scene should people make sure to meet while they’re here?
Vancouver is a little light on CVCs but two people who shouldn’t be missed are Kandai Yamashita at Mitsubishi Canada and Ka-Hay Law at Telus Global Ventures. In the broader hard tech innovation and venture ecosystem, connect with Byron Thom at the BDC Industrial Innovation Fund and Darrell Kopke at Creative Destruction Labs.
Lastly, what’s a secret only the locals know about?
While many visitors know about the famed Grouse Grind (also known as nature’s Stairmaster) and Quarry Rock hikes, many locals prefer the less-known BCMC hike. It’s a moderately challenging trail with views that don’t quit, and it’s generally less busy. When you’re done, check out Container Brewing, a combo brewery and cold plunge spot that is perfect for your post-hike recovery.
