TOGETHER WITH

Welcome to this week’s Sunday Briefing. In this issue:

Now on to today’s briefing.

-Emily, [email protected]

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Jill Earthy is stepping down as CEO of InBC Investment Corp., the provincial Crown corporation that has become a major player in British Columbia's startup ecosystem since its launch four years ago. Earthy, who served as the fund's inaugural leader, will transition out of her role on September 9, with former UBC Sauder School of Business Dean Dr. Daniel Muzyka taking over as acting CEO while the board searches for a permanent replacement.

Under Earthy's leadership, InBC has deployed nearly $200 million across 36 B.C. companies through direct investments and venture fund commitments. The investments have generated close to $100 million in company revenues, supported 2,000 jobs, and driven over $200 million in research and development spending across key sectors like life sciences, cleantech, information technology, and agriculture. "From establishing InBC to building the processes and team, her legacy will continue to benefit the team as InBC moves forward in this next phase of growth," said board chair Suzanne Trottier.

Earthy reflected on her tenure in a LinkedIn post, noting that the fund's growth occurred "in a radically changing economic environment" while staying true to its complex mandate of delivering financial returns alongside social, environmental and economic benefits. The $500 million fund has established itself as a trusted partner in B.C.'s venture capital ecosystem, attracting capital to the province and supporting homegrown scaleup businesses. Earthy plans to take a short break and travel before pursuing her next opportunity.

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Reed Pope Business Lawyers is a leading business law firm based in Victoria, offering top-tier service to a wide range of clients involved in local, national, and international transactions. For over 18 years, Reed Pope lawyers have served as trusted counsel to entrepreneurs, start-ups and emerging companies, established businesses, high-net-worth individuals, investment funds, and other investors. The firm has deep expertise in entity formation and structuring, capital raising and investments, acquisitions, exit transactions, and general start-up advisory services.

Reed Pope is proud to support the local and provincial tech sector and is excited to partner with Victoria Tech Journal to help increase visibility for innovative start-ups, scaling technology companies, and the broader ecosystem. Learn more.

🤖 I get by with a little help from my friends: The University of Victoria launched a pilot program testing Studiosity, an AI-powered writing feedback tool, across three undergraduate courses to help students improve their grammar, essay structure, and spelling while navigating the complex landscape of ethical AI use in higher education.

🗺️ I can see clearly now, the rain is gone: Pacific Economic Development Canada unveiled an interactive digital map showcasing 130 funded projects scattered throughout Vancouver Island and British Columbia's coastal communities, providing a visual testament to the federal agency's investment footprint across the Island's diverse economic landscape.

🌊 Sailing away on the crest of a wave: Victoria's ASL Environmental Sciences partnered with Open Ocean Robotics to merge acoustic fish-tracking technology with solar-powered autonomous vessels, creating a revolutionary ocean monitoring system that operates remotely for months while providing real-time marine data to scientists and environmental stewards.

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September 9 | GoGeomatics September "Back to School" Meetup

This is the place to network and talk all things Surveying, GIS, geomatics and geography. This event will take place at the Swan's pub. Come by and ask the hostess for the GoGeomatics reservation (or Juan). Come alone or with a friend. These events are free to attend.

September 18 | VIATEC AI Meetup: Business Track

Are you curious about how AI can transform your business and career? Join the VIATEC AI Meetup, where local thought leaders and innovators come together to explore the cutting edge of artificial intelligence and its practical applications.

Have something or someone we should know about?

Reply or email [email protected] so we can work together to spotlight the lesser-known stories of Victoria's tech ecosystem.