2021 30 Under 30 Winners

If B.C. has been through the wringer, you’d almost never know it from looking at our eighth annual 30 Under 30 list. Many of the winners found ways to grow their businesses during a world-changing pandemic. For some, that meant the proverbial pivot; for others, it was time to double down on a COVID-friendly product or service.

With multiple co-founders from several organizations making the list, we’re honouring 37 people this year. The winners, who represent industries as disparate as finance, esports, cannabis and fine art, hail from diverse backgrounds, too. Several are immigrants, while others have overcome learning disabilities that would thwart someone less determined. We know you’ll find their stories inspiring—and remember, this talented group is just getting started. 

Because it was originally scheduled for earlier publication, this tribute to B.C.’s brightest young business talents might include the odd overachiever who has reached a ripe old 3-0 by now. Either way, the winners have accomplished more than anyone has a right to at their age. Congratulations to all.

Nico Aguirre | Age: 23

Founder + managing director, Trena Digital

Caleb Bernabe | Age: 25

Co-founder + CEO, VINN

Piero Castillo | Age: 28

Co-founder + Co-CEO, Pacifica Service Group

Felicia Chan + Bahar Moussavi + Mikhaela Torio | Age: 23

Co-founders, The C.O.D.E. Initiative

Emily Davies | Age: 28

Partner, Linde Equity

Selene Dior | Age: 23

Founder + CEO, Vitae Apparel

Katie Forsyth + Claire McLoughlin | Ages: 28 + 26

Co-founders + co-owners, Friendly Composting

Anamika Gioia | Age: 26

Founder, Sacred Foods

Calvin Ho + Albert Kim | Ages: 27 + 28

Co-founder + COO; co-founder + COO, Greenline POS

Riley Howlett | Age: 29

Owner, Trestle Investments (Lonsdale Leather + Precision Patterns)

LeeJoo Hwang | Age: 22

Co-founder + director of business development, MeaningfulWork

Hayden James + Josh Baker | Ages: 28 + 26

Co-founder + CEO; co-founder + CTO, Fraction Technologies

Nishal Kumar | Age: 29

Founder + CEO, No Days Wasted

Michelle Kwok | Age: 22

Co-founder + CEO, FLIK

Adam Lando | Age: 28

Founder + CEO, Dad’s Printing

Alexandria MacFarlane | Age: 28

Founder + CEO, Truly Lifestyle Brand

Tawanda Masawi + Rana Taj | Age: 25 + 26

Co-founder + CEO/Co-founder + president, GameSeta Esports

Thamer Matar | Age: 28

Founder + CEO, Accessible Jobs

Alex Miller | Age: 27

Owner + operator, Pelvic Floor Strong

Lauren Minogue | Age: 29

Vice-president, Connor, Clark & Lunn Private Capital

Brent Nelson + Mike Ouellette | Age: 28

Owner + COO/Owner + CEO, Custom Cubes

Victor Nicolov | Age: 28

Founder + CEO, Anvy Technologies

Meg O’Hara | Age: 29

Founder + CEO, Meg O’Hara Creative

Acacia Pangilinan | Age: 29

Executive director, Kamloops Chamber of Commerce

Joe Parenteau | Age: 29

Co-founder + CEO, Fable Home Goods

Courtney Peters | Age: 29

Co-founder + CEO, Supercrush

Harsh Rathod | Age: 29

Co-founder + CEO, Niricson Software

Peter Shahbeigi | Age: 27

Co-founder + CEO, Flash Health Technologies

Sam Siegel | Age: 29

Co-founder, Sam’s Original Art

Rumi Tejpar | Age: 29

Founder + CEO, Be Ultimate Apparel