27 Jul 2020 Five Ws with the TIAs Sponsors: KPMG
In the lead-up to the 2020 Technology Impact Awards, BC Tech is profiling all four of the event’s Platinum and Gold sponsors. These invaluable supporters enable our work in the community, and some of them have been with us since the start.
A longstanding supporter of the Technology Impact Awards and friend of BC Tech, KPMG is proud to continue supporting the B.C. tech community by sponsoring the 2020 TIAs. As a Gold Sponsor, KPMG is committed to building the B.C. tech ecosystem. “KPMG believes in the power of our business and our people to drive social change. Supporting BC Tech and the amazing work they do is part of our commitment to helping B.C. grow and thrive, ” says George D. Kondopulos, Partner and GVA Industry Leader for Technology, Media and Telecommunications, KPMG.
KPMG
Who: KPMG is a global network of independent member firms offering audit, tax and advisory services, established in 147 countries and employing over 219,000 people collectively. Operating with a commitment to quality and consistency across their global network, KPMG brings a passion for client success and a purpose to serve and improve their communities in all that they do. “Through uncertain and uncomfortable times, KPMG hopes to inspire confidence and empower positive change,” explains George. “We apply these same principals to the organizations we support. BC Tech, throughout moments of deep uncertainty, has been a pillar of strength in the B.C. technology community. We’re proud to support them and help them continue to grow the industry.”
What: A Gold Sponsor of the TIAs for five years, KPMG’s commitment to supporting their communities and people can be found throughout the organization and company culture. “At KPMG, we have a set of values that we apply to everything we do. One that resonates most to me, and I believe applies to BC Tech as well, is that ‘We are committed to our communities’ value, which means we act as responsible corporate citizens,” explains George. “Whether through our KPMG Foundation which helps drive our mission to be a socially-responsible organization, or sponsorships of associations that are striving to make BC the best place to live, work and do business, we believe in helping those that do good. In the case of BC Tech, we continue to support the amazing work they do to create more jobs and opportunities in British Columbia, because tech ultimately impacts every other industry in the province. For me, it’s become increasingly important and impactful to support job creation in B.C., and I know BC Tech recognizes that.”
When: When asked about their long standing relationship with BC Tech, George joked, “We’ve been supporters of the TIAs for as long as I can remember – likely even longer than I’ve been with the company! I went to my first Technology Impact Awards about five years ago, and it’s really remarkable to see how they’ve continued to grow year after year. It’s very much a reflection of how the sector is growing, maturing and evolving. For us at KPMG, it means a lot to be a part of BC Tech’s growth, and it’s great to see so many small companies who were once doing elevator pitches now being recognized on a large scale.”
Where: Despite operating in 147 countries, the importance of supporting local communities and organizations is not lost on the KPMG team. “We’re deeply invested in the Vancouver community,” shares George. “With over 1200 employees and 130 partners throughout our offices in the Greater Vancouver area, we believe in the community here, and we believe in channeling our collective experiences and skills to build a strong, sustainable ecosystem by engaging our community and partners. We see these same values recognized by BC Tech.”
Why: “Purpose means something different for everyone, but the reality for us being professional advisors is we want to help other companies achieve success,” says George. “Part of why we support the TIAs and the BC Tech community is because they ultimately want to help small and growing tech and tech-enabled companies succeed, too. Our hope in supporting the TIAs is to continue to see the ecosystem grow and attract more amazing talent to the province. We’re confident BC Tech will continue growing the tech community year after year, and we’re happy to support them along the way.”