Welcome to this week’s Midweek Memo. In this issue, Humaira Ahmed shares her entrepreneurial experiences, the Indigenous Business Award winners are announced, a local cleantech leader steps down, and plenty more.

Now, onto today’s briefing. It’s 851 words, a three-minute read.

-James, @jimmermatthews

P.S. Have you grabbed your tickets to Jason Fried live in Vancouver yet?

P.P.S. If you're not already subscribed, you can fix that here.

SaaSquatch joins forces with Impact.com

Impact.com, a U.S. partnership management platform, announced it has acquired Victoria company SaaSquatch, a provider of customer referral software.

By combining SaaSquatch’s technology with Impact’s platform, brands can build authentic and valuable partnerships with their customers, while managing all those relationships from one platform, Impact says. The acquisition marks the U.S. company’s fifth in three years, including Vancouver-based Pressboard in 2022.

“The modern consumer is investing more time researching before they buy, which means they’re naturally more inclined to share their excitement about a great product or service they’re confident in with their friends,” said CEO David A. Yovanno. “The future of partnerships relies on authenticity as the new currency with consumers as they continue to seek out reviews and recommendations from those they trust. The addition of SaaSquatch’s leading customer referral software further positions Impact as an industry leader.”

This strategic merger not only highlights both companies’ commitment to growth but also presents a unique opportunity for customers and stakeholders to witness the dawn of a new era in marketing technology, SaaSquatch says. The combination will create a first-of-its-kind unified platform, giving brands the ability to drive new revenue through all types of partnerships, including influencers and creators, commerce content publishers, traditional rewards affiliates, and now customer advocates.

“SaaSquatch was founded in 2013 with a singular purpose – to help companies grow through the power of people,” said Will Fraser, SaaSquatch’s CEO. With Impact, we have aligned with a global, purpose-driven company that shares our vision and mission for the future of people-led growth.”

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📰 More Victoria innovation news

👞 Shoes to fill: Dr. Ged McLean, executive director of the B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) elected to step down after two years at its helm. A search will soon begin for a new leader of the cleantech investment vehicle.

🏅 Winners to meet: BC Achievement Foundation revealed the recipients of its 15th annual Indigenous Business Award program. A pair reside on Vancouver Island: Daxgedim Haanak Nation Building in Comox won for Business of the Year – one-to-two person enterprise, and Totem Design House in Courtenay won for Business of the Year – three-to-ten person enterprise.

🤔 Lessons to heed: Humaira Ahmed, the CEO of Locelle, unpacked some recent wins and successful failures.

👩‍💼 Victoria tech moves

Major personnel changes, including promotions, hires, and departures:

• Lisa Grandbois joined Cindicates as principal

🕴️ Tech jobs of the week

Find your next career:

• Full Stack Developer at Montra Interactive

• Facilities and Systems Coordinator at theDock - Centre for Social Impact

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

📅 Upcoming events

September 27 | Overcome Your Resistance and Embrace Virtual Networking: iWIST and SCWIST have come together to bring you an opportunity to meet women in STEM and brush up on your networking skills.

September 28 | 2023 VIATEC’s Annual General Meeting of Members And Call for Nominations to the Board of Directors: The AGM will see the announcement of the organization’s newest board members, with networking to follow at Unthinkable Thursday.

Oct 4 | Checkfront's Global Merger: A Fireside Chat: Join Checkfront's leadership team as they discuss their startup journey and merger with Rezdy and Regiondo.

Oct 12 | ITSM x AI: The Power of Artificial Intelligence: Join Highway Three Solutions for an afternoon dedicated to unleashing the power of Artificial Intelligence in IT Service Management. The event will provide insights, client success stories, and networking opportunities in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.

Have an upcoming event? Reply to let us know.

🙋 I need a…

A Victoria Tech Journal reader is looking for a beta tester to help them work through building their online business. The right person needs to have basic knowledge of SEO, Wordpress, Wix, and marketing. Is this you? Email [email protected] and we’ll connect you.

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