I live in Montreal and intend to do a consumer oriented software startup. I would like to better understand what I would be getting into starting up here, vs. applying to YC. Can you suggest resources for understanding Canadian startup landscape, funding etc.?
Perceived Pros:
- Many STEM grads
- Gaming and AI industry, 2+ top AI schools
- Relatively little competition for engineering talent compared to SV
- Many engineers who are barred entry to US based on country of origin
- Easier work visas (to be confirmed)
- Free healthcare and other social services, and less violence
Perceived Cons:
- Cultural lack of ambition, entrepreneurial dreaming.
- Excessive reliance on government subsidy (the government is the customer)
- Risk averse VC
- Shallow bench of experienced operators to mentor, invest,
and manage
- Brain drain to SV of best talent
- Higher taxes
Perceived Pros:
- Many STEM grads
- Gaming and AI industry, 2+ top AI schools
- Relatively little competition for engineering talent compared to SV
- Many engineers who are barred entry to US based on country of origin
- Easier work visas (to be confirmed)
- Free healthcare and other social services, and less violence
Perceived Cons:
- Cultural lack of ambition, entrepreneurial dreaming.
- Excessive reliance on government subsidy (the government is the customer)
- Risk averse VC
- Shallow bench of experienced operators to mentor, invest, and manage
- Brain drain to SV of best talent
- Higher taxes