Invest Vancouver

For companies looking at the Metro Vancouver region, it goes beyond talent. It’s all about stepping into a connected tech community. At our “Innovating at Scale” Web Summit Vancouver seminar, Pamela Saunders, Site Director at Microsoft Vancouver, spoke about what it takes to grow in a new city. Pamela, who has spent the last decade helping Microsoft grow here, emphasizes the importance of being part of the community. The Metro Vancouver region stands out because people support each other and stay connected. That makes a real difference when you are building and scaling a team.

The Metro Vancouver region is easy to make the case for. Between the talent, the quality of life, and the openness to global companies, it is often clear why teams choose to build here. At our “Innovating at Scale” Web Summit Vancouver seminar last week, leaders from Microsoft, Remitly, and Ballard Power Systems shared what growth looks like on the ground in the Metro Vancouver region. One theme that stood out was speed with strong local talent. Microsoft was able to hire 1000 people in just over a year, with most roles filled locally. Every Microsoft business unit now has a presence in the region. At the same time, companies are able to bring in global talent for key positions when needed – especially with help from partners like EY Law LLP - Business Immigration. Ballard Power Systems has been able to attract foreign talent in critical roles, and find that the region “sells itself” to high-calibre talent. Teams are built different here. There is a clear focus on people who can solve problems and take initiative. At Remitly, that mindset shows up in how employees work across roles and think beyond their day-to-day tasks. It supports faster innovation and stronger products. Thank you to EY Law LLP for hosting the event, and to all our speakers: ⭐ Pamela Saunders, Site Director, Microsoft Vancouver ⭐ Jung Lee, Canada GM, Remitly ⭐ Gabriel Borges, RPR, Global Talent Acquisition Manager, Ballard Power Systems ⭐ Moderators Dean Hildebrand, PhD, Dean, School of Computing and Academic Studies, British Columbia Institute of Technology, and Jeffrey Chang, Manager and Immigration Consultant, EY Law LLP

From global energy to major scale, Web Summit Vancouver is delivering some big takeaways. You’ll hear more from us next week, but while it’s still fresh, here are some of Team Invest Vancouver’s reflections on what makes this event such a unique opportunity for the Metro Vancouver region. Peyton Winslade (Marketing & Brand Advisor, Invest Vancouver), Peter Wright (Manager, Business and Economy, City of Vancouver), Jacquie Griffiths, FCPHR, ICD.D (President, Invest Vancouver) #websummitvancouver

"What's not known to people is the retention and mindset […] of some of the people that live in the region."   Kevin So, Vice President/GM - Communications Business Unit at Microchip Technology Inc., joined us at Web Summit Vancouver yesterday to share his company's story. Microchip, headquartered in Arizona with a strong presence in Burnaby, is a leading semiconductor supplier of smart, connected, and secure embedded control solutions. His remarks reflected a theme heard across Web Summit: the Metro Vancouver region’s advantage comes from the combination of highly skilled talent, long-term team retention, and a lifestyle that supports both. It’s a place where companies can scale while their people put down roots.

At our “Connecting Indo‑Pacific Companies to Metro Vancouver” Web Summit Vancouver seminar yesterday morning, Bob Woolsey spoke about how the Metro Vancouver region emerged as a surprise contender when Peliplat’s leadership explored locations for expansion to break into the English-speaking market.   Initially considering Miami, the company shifted its focus after an influential visit organized by Invest Vancouver. The visit showcased the region’s robust film and tech infrastructure, world-class post-secondary institutions, and its unique “Hollywood North” appeal. #websummitvancouver

"It feels a little bit like Silicon Valley thirty years back: it has the energy, it has the people, it has the right ingredients to grow really, really big." Nutanix, a US-based global leader in hybrid multicloud computing, has set up operations in Metro Vancouver. Manosiz Bhattacharyya, CTO, joined us yesterday at Web Summit Vancouver to talk about why our region is the right place for his organization. This expansion will support the development of the next generation of Nutanix's platform, including its Nutanix Agentic AI offering, with the company planning a significant multi-year hiring investment in the region. Still early days, Nutanix is estimating that the Vancouver location could employ hundreds, many in high-paying positions. City of Vancouver, Trade & Invest British Columbia

"From a regional perspective, look at Metro Vancouver as your R&D playground. We welcome you here."   We're excited to share more from the Tech Advantage Tours in the coming days -- for now, enjoy a taste of what participants experienced yesterday at The University of British Columbia!   Michelle Sklar, Web Summit, #WebSummitVancouver

Yesterday was an incredible day across Metro Vancouver’s innovation ecosystem.   The Metro Vancouver region is a launchpad for R&D and commercialization, powered by internationally recognized talent, facilities, and capabilities that give new ideas room to grow.   From cutting‑edge research labs to world‑class creative studios, this year’s Web Summit Vancouver Tech Advantage Tours gave global investors a front‑row look at the technologies shaping the future of our region’s economy.   Participants explored: 🎮 Creative Tech with DigiBC - The Creative Technology Association of British Columbia, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Centre for Digital Media, and Kabam — immersive demos and next‑gen digital storytelling at leading studios and training centres. 🤖 Advanced Manufacturing at Simon Fraser University: — discussions with expert faculty, demonstrations of SFU spinoff technologies, and insight into SFU’s applied research and commercialization ecosystem. 🌎 Life Sciences, Cleantech, and Critical Minerals at The University of British Columbia — how UBC is building innovation ecosystems, accelerating commercialization, and generating measurable health, environmental, and economic impact locally and globally.   None of this would have been possible without the collaboration of our incredible partners: industry leaders, researchers, faculty, and innovators who opened their doors and shared their expertise. Your commitment helps showcase why Metro Vancouver is one of the most dynamic, future‑focused regions in North America.   Thank you for helping us tell the story of a region where ideas scale, talent thrives, and global investment finds a home.

Invest Vancouver offers free, hands-on support to simplify your expansion into the Metro Vancouver region and set you up for success — and we want to meet you next week at Web Summit Vancouver. ➡️⭐ Invest Vancouver Seminar Series – May 12 & 13 ⭐Join us for two expert led sessions delivered in partnership with leading professional services firms (Lawson Lundell LLP, EY Law LLP - Business Immigration): https://lnkd.in/g3BMArqh ➡️⭐ B.C. Pavilion at Web Summit Vancouver – May 12 - 14 ⭐ Meet the Invest Vancouver team at the Vancouver, British Columbia Pavilion on the conference floor (booth #E130)! Find us on the Web Summit Vancouver app. ➡️⭐ Panel Discussion - Why Here, Why Now – May 12, 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM ⭐ This panel, taking place at the B.C. Pavilion, explores why the Metro Vancouver region is emerging as a place where companies can plan ahead with clarity and move forward with confidence. We’ll feature three companies (Nutanix, Image Engine Design Inc., and Infosys) and offer direct insight into why this is the region’s moment. Also, make sure to keep an eye out for our team on the conference floor: Katie, Aaron K, Ryan, Nikola, Furqan A., and Charles Lau! Curious about making the Metro Vancouver region the new home of your business? Explore the advantages Metro Vancouver has to offer — connect with our team today: https://lnkd.in/g3BMArqh