Vancouver Startup Week: Preparing Entrepreneurs for Web Summit Vancouver

Vancouver Startup Week (VSW) is a celebration of local entrepreneurs and innovation, and this year’s event is set to be the biggest one yet. The week-long celebration, taking place from May 20 to 23, features over 60 activities and events designed to bring together startup founders, investors, industry leaders, and talent from around the innovation ecosystem.

Keynote Speakers and Events

The highlight of the week is a fireside chat between Jonathan Watson and Reagan Attle, the CTO and CMO of Burnaby-based legaltech unicorn Clio. The chat, titled "Scaling with Purpose: Clio’s Journey and the Future of Legal Tech," will take place on the evening of May 21. Watson and Attle will share their insights on how Clio grew from a Vancouver startup to a global leader while staying true to its purpose, community, and innovation.

Preparing for Web Summit Vancouver

The events and programs at VSW are part of Innovate BC’s Road to Web Summit Vancouver initiative, which aims to help startups in the province make the most of their Web Summit experience. Web Summit Vancouver will take place from May 27 to 30 at the Vancouver Convention Centre, and VSW is designed to provide entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

Tactical Sessions for Founders

The VSW schedule includes a range of tactical sessions for founders, including a Venture Financing 101 workshop and an Accessing Venture Capital panel discussion. There are also pitch-driven sessions, such as the Reverse Pitch Series and Web Summit’s guide to winning competitions. Web Summit Vancouver co-host Casey Lau will provide attendees with tips on how to win pitch competitions and give feedback to pitching startups.

Fine-Tuning Pitches and Navigating Growth Challenges

Other sessions throughout VSW will focus on helping entrepreneurs fine-tune their pitches and navigate growth challenges. The popular "Men in Tech" panel, hosted by Toast, will return this year, featuring three executive-level men in tech who will be asked the same types of irrelevant questions that women frequently face.

Conclusion

VSW is set to kick off with an opening reception and ecosystem showcase presented by Google Cloud at Science World on May 20 and will wrap up with the VSW 2025 Closing Party on May 23 at the D/6 Bar & Lounge in Parq Casino. With its wide range of programs and events, VSW is the perfect opportunity for entrepreneurs to learn, network, and prepare for Web Summit Vancouver. The full schedule and tickets are available on the VSW website, and attendees can expect to gain valuable insights and skills to help them succeed in the startup world.