Re:Ask HN: Why is Canada startup unfriendly?
by pedalpete on Sunday February 13, 2011 @05:01PM
(#2214103)
I've always thought the biggest limitation for the start-up environment in Canada is the risk-averse nature of Canadians and particularly Canadian investors.
In the US, angel investors and VCs are more apt to take risks and aim for the huge rewards. In Canada, it seems the investors are looking for singles, and even then, they expect you to already have market traction.
Check-out Basil Peters stuff to get an idea of what I'm referring to. Early Exits, not going for the home-runs.
At the same time, there is a large Canadian contingent in Silicon Valley doing great things. So I don't think its the entrepreneurs, it's the investment market.
In the US, angel investors and VCs are more apt to take risks and aim for the huge rewards. In Canada, it seems the investors are looking for singles, and even then, they expect you to already have market traction.
Check-out Basil Peters stuff to get an idea of what I'm referring to. Early Exits, not going for the home-runs.
At the same time, there is a large Canadian contingent in Silicon Valley doing great things. So I don't think its the entrepreneurs, it's the investment market.