Welcome to this week’s Midweek Memo. In this issue, read about new funding for defence and aerospace training on the Island, personal and business finances in 2024, crowdfunded clean air, and $1.7 billion with Alacrity Canada.

Now, onto today’s briefing. It’s 554 words, a three-minute read.

Flying high and sailing smooth

2024 is off to a flying start for Victoria-based RaceRocks, which this week announced a $3 million investment from Raven Indigenous Capital Partners, an Indigenous venture capital fund headquartered in Vancouver.

RaceRocks is a woman-led, Indigenous-owned training and simulation company founded in 2010 by CEO Anita Pawluk. The company develops immersive training solutions and custom software tools for defence and aerospace clients.

"As we evolve, our dedication to our values and cultural heritage deepens. We remain grounded in our roots, championing STEAM — Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics — initiatives among Indigenous Peoples, and fortifying a resilient Indigenous defence supply chain,” said Pawluk. “Our commitment extends to the expansion of our operations in Halifax, coupled with strategic investments in product development and cutting-edge technology.”

RaceRocks’ partners include some big names, including the federal and provincial governments, the Canadian Armed Forces, Boeing, and Thales.

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📰 More Victoria innovation news

🤑 Know when to hold ‘em: Finance is the name of the game in 2024. In the latest Chamber Chat, Bruce Williams, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, digs into how best to manage personal and business finances after a turbulent 2023.

🌬 Every breath you take: Origen Air launched an equity crowdfunding campaign, aiming to accelerate growth and bring innovative indoor air quality solutions to a wider audience.

💵 Time after time: Victoria-based Alacrity Canada released its Lifetime Impact Report, detailing the $1.7 billion collective company value created from its portfolio over the years.

🕴️ Tech jobs of the week

Find your next career:

• Inside Sales Representative at First Light Technologies

• Information Management Analyst at BC Pension Corporation

• Assistant Director, IT Modern Workplace Solutions at BC Pension Corporation

Hiring in Victoria? Reply to this email and let us know!

📅 Upcoming events

Jan 25 | Women Leaders in STEM Panel and Networking

All are welcome to join the iWIST community for a social evening to meet and network with other women in STEM, sponsored by Quicksilver Software Development. Hear from a panel of accomplished women leaders in science, engineering and technology: Christina Jones, Humaira Ahmed, Dr. Kathryn (Kate) Moran, and Dr. Katherina Tarnai-Lokhorst.

Have an upcoming event? Reply to let us know.

🙋 I need a…

We at Victoria Tech Journal know you, our community, pretty well. Are you searching for someone in your field to have coffee with, a hiring hookup, a lead on local investors, or a suggestion for a great Victoria tech tool? Whatever you’re hunting for, let us know. We’ll post it in this section and make it happen.

Email your requests to [email protected].