Starting a Tech Startup in Vancouver or Victoria
Vancouver shares a time zone and close ties with Seattle and San Francisco. It has strong engineering, games and clean tech talent, and high living costs. Victoria is smaller, with a government and marine focus.
Is Vancouver a good place to start a B2B tech company?
Yes, if your customers are on the US West Coast or in B.C. Vancouver works the same hours as Seattle and California, and US tech companies have large offices there. UBC, SFU and BCIT produce engineers, and the games, film and clean tech sectors add specialist talent. The trade-offs are high housing costs and fewer Canadian enterprise head offices than Toronto.
| Factor | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Key sectors | Software, games, clean tech, life sciences, film |
| Universities | UBC, Simon Fraser, BCIT |
| Support | Launch Academy, e@UBC, Venture Labs at SFU |
| US access | Short flights to Seattle and San Francisco |
Who will you sell to from Vancouver?
US West Coast tech companies, B.C. resource and public-sector organizations, and online buyers anywhere. Working the same hours as California makes sales calls and support easier. If the US is your first market, read selling to US customers from a Canadian company. For the B.C. government, read selling to provincial and municipal governments.
| Choose it if | Look elsewhere if |
|---|---|
| Your first customers are in Seattle, California or B.C. | Your buyers are Toronto enterprises |
| You need games, clean tech or engineering talent | Your runway can’t carry Vancouver living costs for staff |
| You want US investors within a short flight | You need a French-speaking team |
What is hiring like in Vancouver?
Vancouver has strong engineering and product talent, and US tech firms compete for it. Housing costs push some people to the suburbs or out of the city, so flexible and hybrid work helps. Population growth slowed to 0.2% in the year to July 2025, according to Statistics Canada. Hiring in Canada covers contractors, employees and hiring from abroad.
What about Victoria?
Victoria is a smaller tech market with lower costs than Vancouver and a strong quality of life. Its buyers include the B.C. government, marine and ocean industries and tourism. VIATEC, the local tech association, runs programs and events. It suits small teams and companies selling to the provincial government, which posts opportunities on BC Bid.
B.C. companies pay a combined 11% on the first $500,000 of active business income. The CRA’s British Columbia corporation tax page lists B.C. credits, and B.C.’s R&D credit is covered in provincial R&D tax credits.
Use the time zone.
Vancouver’s biggest advantage for B2B is working the same day as US West Coast customers. Build the sales plan around it.
What should you do before basing a company in B.C.?
- Confirm your first buyers are on the West Coast or in B.C.
- Budget salaries and living costs realistically for Vancouver.
- Join one support organization, such as Launch Academy or a university program.
- Register for GST and B.C. PST if your sales require it, with an accountant’s advice.
- Read startup accelerators in Canada to compare programs.
Compare B.C. with Calgary and Edmonton if costs are the concern, or see the full city comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vancouver good for tech startups?
Yes for companies selling to the US West Coast or needing engineering, games or clean tech talent. Living costs are high.
What is the small business tax rate in B.C.?
11% combined on the first $500,000 of active business income: 9% federal and 2% B.C.
Which accelerators are in Vancouver?
Launch Academy, e@UBC, Venture Labs at SFU and others.
Is Victoria good for a tech startup?
For small teams and companies selling to the B.C. government or ocean industries, yes. VIATEC supports local tech companies.
Where does the B.C. government post tenders?
On BC Bid, where suppliers can search and respond to opportunities.
Is Vancouver close to Seattle?
Yes. It is a short flight or a few hours’ drive, in the same time zone.
Sources & further reading
Rates, programs and rules change. These government and institutional sources let you verify the current details directly.