Vancouver is one of the most densely populated cities in North America, with a population of just over two million people. The city encompasses 22 municipalities and boasts the largest urban centre west of Chicago. Renowned as the world’s greenest city, Vancouver is also celebrated as one of the most pedestrian-friendly and livable cities globally. Surrounded by expansive natural reserves and bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is spared from the harsh winters common in much of Canada. Next on vancouver-name.
Vancouver’s global popularity soared after hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics. The city emerged as a prime example of integrating sustainable growth, clean technologies, and digital innovations to achieve a more equitable and balanced economic model. Known as the “centre of new technologies” in North America, Vancouver attracts young, entrepreneurial talent and fosters an ecosystem of innovative projects and companies. It also leads in digital design for entertainment industries, video game development, and the green economy.
Fifth Best City in the World
Vancouver consistently ranks among the top cities globally for business development and quality of life. Its exceptional growth over the past decade has set it apart as a global benchmark for urban development, cultural and social diversity, and a commitment to sustainability.
The city holds the 5th position, following Sydney, Vienna, Zurich, and Geneva, in an array of metrics evaluating business opportunities, financial activity, sustainability, brand reputation, and livability. Other Canadian cities in the top 50 include Toronto (6th), Montreal (25th), and Calgary (44th).
The “Greenest” City
Vancouver is a leader in promoting environmental policies in institutions and various business sectors. Approximately 5% of the city’s workforce holds “green jobs,” a 19% increase since 2010. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, Vancouver ranks as the third-greenest city globally, after Copenhagen and San Francisco.
Vancouver’s commitment to environmental sustainability has made it a global standard-bearer, fostering an expansive entrepreneurial zone that attracts businesses from around the world focused on clean energy and sustainable development. The city also leads in Canada for companies specializing in these sectors, with financial policies that strongly encourage such ventures.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is internationally recognized for its environmental research and innovation. Described as a “living laboratory” by Alberto Cahuehla, Deputy Director of UBC’s Sustainability Initiative, it exemplifies how Vancouver integrates environmental priorities into economic development. With 95% of British Columbia’s hydroelectric and clean energy located in Vancouver, the city was recently recognized by CNN as the healthiest city on the planet.
Strategic Location
Vancouver’s position on Canada’s west coast gives it significant strategic importance. Brian Buggy, Director of Business Development at the Vancouver Economic Commission, highlights the city’s accessibility. Entrepreneurs from cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles can fly to Vancouver, work on projects with local studios or offices, and return home on the same day.
Additionally, Vancouver’s international airport is the best in North America and consistently ranks among the world’s top 10 airports. The Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest and the second-largest on North America’s west coast, is one of the most diversified ports on the continent. The port generates $43 billion in annual trade and directly employs over 30,000 people.
The “New Tech Hub” of North America
Bloomberg Businessweek recently named Vancouver the “new tech hub” of North America. The city has invested in developing a centre for entrepreneurial activity, particularly in social innovation and clean technologies, to support small and medium-sized enterprises in finding investors or collaborators.
One shining example of Vancouver’s public-private partnerships is Wavefront, which fosters the growth of wireless companies by building globally connected ecosystems. By 2016, the initiative aimed to support 150 companies, creating 6,000 new jobs and adding $400 million to the city’s GDP, according to CEO James Maynard.
Another success story born under Wavefront’s guidance is MetaOptima. Founded by Maryam Sadeghi, the company developed a device that quickly identifies skin cancer using a smartphone. By capturing an image of a skin lesion, users can send it to a specialist anywhere in the world for analysis. “A simple image can save lives,” says Sadeghi.
A Bridge Between North America and Asia
While Vancouver’s native population primarily consists of Anglo-Canadians, the city is home to a diverse immigrant community, mainly from Southeast Asia. From modest Chinatowns to luxurious suburban developments populated by Hong Kong natives, the city has cultivated a unique global mindset.
This diversity has helped Vancouver attract Asian talent to industries like video game development. For instance, DeNA Studios, a Japanese company specializing in social network video games, opened its Vancouver office in 2009. COO Kaiser Ng noted that while they considered San Francisco, Vancouver ultimately offered more talent and status as a thriving hub for video game innovation.
Remarkably, 44% of Vancouver’s population speaks English alongside another language, giving it the fourth-highest percentage of foreign-born residents globally. This unique demographic landscape positions Vancouver as a cultural and economic bridge between North America and Asia.
Vancouver’s unique combination of sustainability, innovation, and diversity makes it an exceptional city for investment and development, cementing its status as a global leader in numerous sectors.
Talent Factory
“In Vancouver, there is an abundance of young talent,” says Barry, the product development director at NGRAIN, a Vancouver-based company founded in 2000. NGRAIN developed a 3D application aimed at simplifying medical diagnostics. The company’s average employee age is under 30, serving as a prime example and a source of inspiration for Vancouver’s vibrant ecosystem.
Vancouver is home to two prestigious universities and 20 other higher education institutions, which act as a talent pipeline filled with bright, capable students ready to meet the demands of the digital world, entertainment industries, innovation, and sustainable development. Jeremy Hilton, Vice President of Process Development at D-Wave Systems, a leader in quantum computing, emphasizes that Vancouver is an ideal place for high-level projects that integrate seamlessly with local universities.
Exceptional Business Culture
Vancouver boasts one of the world’s most diverse and resilient economies. Brian Buggy, Director of Business Development at the Vancouver Economic Commission, describes the city as having one of the best entrepreneurial ecosystems globally. This statement is backed by strong evidence.
Vancouver leads Canada in terms of equity fund appeal, serving as the birthplace of three out of four Canadian unicorn companies—businesses valued at over $1 billion. These companies include Avigilon, Hootsuite, and Slack. It is also the first Canadian city to successfully attract hedge funds.
Buggy highlighted in an interview that Vancouver’s business culture is outstanding and that the city has the strongest and most dynamic economy in Canada. James Maynard, CEO of the public-private organization Wavefront, which supports wireless innovation and emerging technologies, summarized Vancouver’s potential succinctly: “It is the perfect place for business, life, and travel.”
Vancouver’s unparalleled mix of youthful talent, educational excellence, and a thriving business ecosystem ensures its continued growth as a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.