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Re:Canada forgot to plan for its future by leaning on oil an... by cal5k on Tuesday January 12, 2016 @09:56AM (#10887718)
As a Toronto-based startup founder, I'm sorry you had that experience! (Shit, how Canadian of me... Apologizing for other people)

In any event, I think for the first time there's a really good cohort of Toronto founders with American-style vision and ability to execute. I don't think we're too far from seeing a couple of unicorns in Toronto that will help to build a stronger ecosystem. And yes, where necessary that means importing American management at great expense.

Toronto has a lot going for it. It's not everyone's cup of tea, as you can attest, but I think it's as good a place as anything to do something great.

Re:Canada forgot to plan for its future by leaning on oil an... by cmrdporcupine on Tuesday January 12, 2016 @10:17AM (#10887845)
With the CAD being low there might be a window where a lot more American capital invests here. Until the price of oil climbs again.

In general it seems like VC-funded companies that go through acquisition here get a far weaker deal than similar companies in the US. And the employees a lesser share of the pie. Maybe that's changing now, but unless the capital is there to invest, I can't see how.

Re:Canada forgot to plan for its future by leaning on oil an... by cal5k on Tuesday January 12, 2016 @11:33AM (#10888354)
It's improving. The capital is there, you just have to think globally fairly quickly.

We can always whine about how things in Canada are never as good as in <x>, in this case the Valley, but overall it's actually pretty good. I guess the secret sauce is to just get on with doing what you'd do regardless of your circumstances. I personally am not motivated by whether or not I'd get a 30% boost on an eventual exit if we were in the US.

Re:Canada forgot to plan for its future by leaning on oil an... by cmrdporcupine on Tuesday January 12, 2016 @11:38AM (#10888391)
As an employee trying to pay off a mortgage and save for my kids uni, that 30% is important to _me_. So for recruiting good talent (not claiming I'm good talent, but whatever) I'd think it matters a lot.
Re:Canada forgot to plan for its future by leaning on oil an... by mrtron on Tuesday January 12, 2016 @12:02PM (#10888577)
I think the Toronto scene is the strongest I have seen. A lot of great companies doing exciting things and growing fast.