Vancouver Startup Funding 2025

Vancouver is Canada's gateway to Asia-Pacific markets and a thriving hub for gaming, cleantech, and life sciences startups. With strong angel networks and proximity to Seattle's tech ecosystem, Vancouver offers unique advantages for global-minded entrepreneurs.

$2.8B+
Ecosystem Size
3,500+
Active Startups
$1.2M
Average Funding
5
Unicorn Companies

Why Start Up in Vancouver?

Key Strengths

  • Strong gaming and animation industry
  • Leading cleantech and sustainability focus
  • Access to Asia-Pacific markets
  • Vibrant angel investor community
  • Quality of life attracts top talent
  • Provincial tax credits for digital media

Top Industries

Gaming & Interactive Media
Cleantech & Sustainability
Life Sciences & Biotech
AI & Machine Learning
Film & Animation
SaaS & Enterprise Software

Vancouver Funding Programs

Government grants, tax credits, and local programs available to Vancouver startups

BC SR&ED Tax Credit

10% provincial + 35% federal

Provincial tax credit stacking with federal SR&ED for up to 45% total credit

Innovate BC Ignite Program

Up to $300K

Non-dilutive funding for early-stage tech companies in BC

New Ventures BC Competition

Up to $100K in prizes

Annual startup competition with cash prizes and mentorship

Digital Media Tax Credit

17.5% refundable credit

BC tax credit for interactive digital media development

Vancouver Accelerators & Incubators

Programs that provide funding, mentorship, and resources to help your startup grow

Launch Academy

B2B SaaS startups

Up to $120K + mentorship

GrowLab (Coast Capital)

Early-stage tech companies

Up to $30K + resources

Foresight Cleantech Accelerator

Cleantech and climate solutions

Up to $40K + industry connections

HATCH

Gaming and interactive media

Mentorship + networking

Active Investors in Vancouver

VCs, angels, and investment firms actively funding Vancouver startups

BCIC

Provincial VC

Tech, life sciences, cleantech

Vanedge Capital

VC Fund

B2B software, SaaS

Version One Ventures

VC Fund

Enterprise software, developer tools

Rhino Ventures

VC Fund

B2B SaaS, marketplaces

Yaletown Partners

VC Fund

Digital media, consumer tech

Vancouver Success Stories

Inspiring companies that started and scaled from Vancouver

Hootsuite

Social Media Management

Valued at $1B+, serves 200K+ organizations

Lululemon

Athletic Apparel

Global brand worth $45B+ market cap

Electronic Arts Vancouver

Gaming

Major gaming studio, FIFA franchise

Sanctuary AI

Robotics & AI

Raised $140M for humanoid robots

Vancouver Startup Resources

Coworking Spaces

  • WeWork Vancouver
  • The Hive
  • Launch Academy
  • Invoke Labs
  • The Network Hub

Universities

  • University of British Columbia (UBC)
  • Simon Fraser University (SFU)
  • British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
  • Emily Carr University

Key Events

  • BC Tech Summit
  • VANTEC Angel Conference
  • Techweek Vancouver
  • Collision from Home
  • Vancouver Startup Week

Ready to Fund Your Vancouver Startup?

Access SR&ED tax credits, local grants, and connect with Vancouver's investor community

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