Vancouver is home to a growing number of start-up companies. This was highlighted through the TechBrew Event hosted by the British Columbia Technology Industry Association (BCTIA). TechBrew showcases a number of start-ups based in Vancouver, all centered on the technology industry. Having attended in the past, I looked forward to seeing the up-and-coming startups and innovative ideas behind them. Who knew that one could run their own law firm virtually, or build funding towards a social cause through online platforms? These were just some examples of start-ups that were present at this year’s event.
Upon having the opportunity to get to know some of these companies, there were three main traits that caught my attention. One common denominator that I found was that the majority of people who worked in these start-ups are younger than 30 years old. It was inspiring to meet professionals playing key roles at such a young age. Another key characteristic I noticed was that each idea was founded on improving the quality of life for other people. Examples included an online platform that consolidated one’s work and social calendars, as well as a device that allowed people who work for emergency services to get technical support while on the job. Finally, the most important trait I observed from connecting with these start-ups was that these companies have a strong work culture centered on passion and people. The people I have met at this event had nothing but positive things to say about their start-ups. Many of them have mentioned how it does not feel like work when they come to the office. Some start-ups have even taken an extra step to demonstrate their gratitude to their employees by dedicating certain days of the month to take them out for a meal or a trip outside the city.
As a student who is about to finish my degree, I am already looking out for options as to where to start my career. I had never really considered working for a start-up or going into the technology industry, but after attending this event, I am definitely considering it as an exciting place to start.
Joaquim is concentrating his business degree in Marketing and Human Resource Management. Born and raised in the Philippines, he moved to Vancouver, Canada in 2007. An avid traveller, he spent five months in Europe while on an academic exchange term at the Copenhagen Business School in Denmark. He is also an active member of the SFU community, volunteering for the SFU Orientation Program for three years and representing his faculty in the Simon Fraser Student Society. Within the Beedie School of Business, Joaquim has been an organizing committee member for Beedie FROSH as well as a mentor in the program for two years. He has also held an executive board position in the SFU local chapter of AIESEC. This has given him the opportunity to attend and facilitate conferences nationally and internationally and become part of the AIESEC national teams in Denmark and Canada.