Welcome to this week’s Midweek Memo. In this issue, discover the new feature Cuboh just launched, go inside Rob Fraser’s sock empire, check back in with Chamber Chats, and plenty more.

Now, onto today’s briefing. It’s 811 words, a three-minute read.

-James, @jimmermatthews

Recapping Joni’s journey

Last week, local femtech outfit Joni took home the $10,000 Innovate BC Regional Startup Prize at New Ventures BC 2023. It must have inspired some deja vu for the company, which previously also won the TELUS #StandWithOthers award.

“People don’t generally think of menstrual care and technology together but we’re not just making pads and tampons,” Linda Biggs, the company’s co-founder, explained to The Globe and Mail last month. “The bigger picture is that we’re creating an ecosystem of accessibility […] Technology drives our innovation and makes this possible.”

The New Ventures win marked the latest milestone in what has become a banner year for the company. This momentum is particularly true on the partnership side for Joni. Its products have been made available to shoppers at Whole Foods and London Drugs, while Sheridan College’s Student Union also came calling. Further, Joni took over Ruth, an Edmonton-based period-care startup that — upon deciding to shut down the outfit — passed its mission along to Joni.

“Taking into consideration all of the business and personal factors, we believe that this decision was the best outcome,” read a Ruth LinkedIn post. “One of the main drivers behind this partnership is that Joni is a Canadian period care brand on a mission to make #periodequity sustainable and accessible.”

Joni is also a finalist for the Health Impact Investor Challenge and has been nominated for an Ecostar Award. The company shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

📰 More Victoria innovation news

🧑‍🍳 Empowering restauranteurs: Local company Cuboh, a platform for the food and beverage industry that consolidates delivery orders into one place, announced the launch of a new tool.

🧦 The power of community-focused brands: Rob Fraser, the founder and CEO of Outway socks, joined the Founder’s Edition podcast to discuss avoiding startup pitfalls and building community around a standout product.

🎙️ Powering the province: A recent episode of the Chamber Chats podcast featured Chris O’Riley, president and CEO of BC Hydro, in conversation with Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO Bruce Williams.

👩‍💼 Victoria tech moves

• Meet the team behind the recently-launched Victoria-based startup, HiBoop

• Sri Peruvemba joined Solaires as CMO.

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Victoria’s Vital Signs 2023 is here!

5,319 Greater Victorians were surveyed on the most pressing issues facing the region. The results are in!

Victoria’s Vital Signs 2023 report found cost of living and housing among the top issues. Read the full report online or in print, and visit the Victoria Foundation’s data hub for more info!

🕴️ Tech jobs of the week

Find your next career:

• Digital Marketing Specialist at Westin Bear Mountain

• Senior Data Architect at BC Public Service

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

📅 Upcoming events

Oct 20 | Toast x Checkfront: Pathways to tech: Toast co-founder April Hicke will lead the conversation with a panel of experts who have navigated unique pathways to success in the tech industry. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your tech journey, this event promises valuable insights, inspiration, and actionable advice.

Oct 25 | Diversity Equity and Inclusion in STEM: How Migrant Women Can Leverage the Power of Networking: Whether you're a migrant woman already thriving in STEM or aspiring to make your mark, join to gain valuable insights and connections that will help you excel in your STEM journey.

Oct 25 | ProductTank Victoria & ProductBC Fall Mingler: Join for an evening of networking, learning, and exchanging ideas about product design, development, management, business modelling, metrics, user experience, and more. This session will have live music, networking, and 20-to-30 minutes to present your product or side project.

Have an upcoming event? Reply to let us know.

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Email your requests to [email protected].