Rigel Jose Raju

Between 2017 and 2023, VC funding for Canadian fintechs grew at 1.8 percent per year, on average, compared with 18 percent in the United States. Growth of the fintech sector inevitably depends upon the availability of capital to support growing companies. And while there is no shortage of Canadian venture capital (VC), the US fintech market remains a primary target for investors due to its larger size and maturity. 50 percent of the investors we interviewed said they also invested in US fintechs. Read McKinsey Canada's latest article on the state of fintech in Canada 🏦➡️ https://mck.co/44a0CbY

6

1 Comment

Imagine a Canada without Shopify. What began as a small business now powers millions of entrepreneurial dreams. This is the power of entrepreneurship—it’s not a single moment, but a dynamic journey that transforms industries, communities, and economies. To ensure Canada remains prosperous in the decades ahead, we need to create the conditions that foster and reward entrepreneurial growth. But this journey isn’t just for startups—Canada’s largest and most established companies have a crucial role to play. With the newly launched NACO Canada Angels & Dreams Fellowship Program, we’re clearing the runway for the next generation of Canadian innovators to get lift off. Success is about playing for the long term. Canada’s biggest companies are already getting involved, including senior leaders of industry giants like Amazon AWS, Barclays Canada, Google Canada, Interac, Loblaw Digital, National Bank, Porter Airlines, WestJet, and many others. By supporting the next generation of innovators through this Fellowship, we can help create the structural advantages that drive global competitiveness and transformative growth. Reach out if you want to get involved. Together, we’re building a future where Canada’s entrepreneurs can thrive, innovate, and lead on the world stage. This is just the beginning. #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #AngelsAndDreams #Fellowship #CanadianBusiness https://lnkd.in/gp-dttZT

102

6 Comments

Neil Patel will be at Expand North Star! Last week was intense but incredibly rewarding. I spoke to over 30 Canadian startups, and the interest in joining our Startup Delegation to Dubai (13-16 October) is growing every day. However, what surprised me was How many were unaware of the immense potential #Dubai offers for Funding and collaborations. Many of these startups shared that they found the US market "too tough to enter”. To provide some clarity, here’s a comparison: US Market: In 2023, the market saw a 37% decline in startup investment. Despite this, the US is expected to generate US$264.5 billion for the ecosystem in 2024. UAE Market:Though smaller in size, the UAE has shown a consistent increase in investment, expected to raise US$1.1 billion. The Middle East is experiencing a boom in venture debt and private credit, targeting a growing set of “unbanked” issuers. Startups and ambitious Tech companies in the Middle East are increasingly using venture debt to grow. In fact, USD 757 million was raised as venture debt in the Middle East last year, an all-time high, up from USD 209 million in 2022 and USD 165 million in 2021 (report by MAGNiTT). I advised these Canadian startups to go where there is less competition and more opportunity. Canada Startup Association is organizing the first-ever official Startup Trade Delegation to Dubai to attend Expand North Star exhibition and conference. If you're a Canadian #TechStartup seeking funding, this is your opportunity to scale globally and tap into a high-potential market with us. Let's talk—DM me or book a call to discuss this incredible opportunity. Join us and let's show the Canadian innovation to the world!

33

5 Comments

🌍 Thrilled to be moderating today’s panel at ventureLAB’s 4th Annual #HardTechSummit, diving into Canada’s pivotal role in the global hardtech economy! It's more crucial than ever to focus on Canada's role in the global economy. Canada stands at a unique crossroads, with the talent, resources, and infrastructure to support world-leading hardtech innovation. From AI to advanced manufacturing, we’re positioned to drive transformative solutions on a global scale, and I’m excited to unpack these opportunities with leaders who are at the forefront: ● Mitch Debora, Co-Founder & CEO, Mosaic Manufacturing Ltd. ● Paula Cruickshank, Senior Vice President, Fund Investments, BDC Capital (Canada) ● Dan Herman, PhD, CEO, Intellectual Property Ontario, Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) ● Yuri Navarro, Managing Partner, Kanata Ventures, Venture Advisor We’ll explore how Canadian hardtech companies are not only meeting international demand but are shaping the future of industries critical to resilience and security. Mosaic Manufacturing’s recent $28M CAD raise is a prime example, as they expand their innovative 3D printing systems that enable onshoring and tackle global supply chain issues. Canadian-made solutions like these are redefining how industries approach manufacturing, AI, and IP on a global stage. Don’t miss this chance to see how Canada is setting new standards in tech and innovation! There’s still time to join virtually. 🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/g2YHDhVe #YRtech #Semiconductors #AI #TechInnovation #StartupCanada #TechNetworking #CityofMarkham #CanadaInTech

134

6 Comments

5 numbers that tell the story 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 $6.9B: The amount of venture capital invested in Canadian companies in 2023. That’s down 34 per cent from a year earlier, but is still slightly higher than pre-pandemic levels - % relative to GDP. $10.4B: The dry powder—or capital available to deploy to companies—that Canadian investors have accumulated, compared to the record high $421 billion in U.S. 12 months: The average amount of time companies have before they run out of cash, based on BDC’s portfolio vs 2020’s 16-month peak. 31%: The portion of down rounds—or share of VC deals in which startups raised money at depressed valuations—relative to previous financing rounds. $432.8M: The amount of venture debt startups raised in 2023, after spiking to $721.9 million a year earlier.

15

We in Two Small Fish Ventures don’t encourage founders to think too much about their exit strategy. Building an amazing company is what should be on their minds. But when and if it’s time to exit, founders need to craft a “crown jewel” strategy to get the best outcome. Think how to make it a 1+1=10 situation. Or even better, 1+1=♾️ I hope you find this article from BetaKit useful. #startup #MergerAquisition #scaleup

69

2 Comments

🎙 A really good episode with tons of insight! Check it out below!

10

Today, I am celebrating one year as a Co-founder of Canada Startup Association. Together with the President Tehmina A Chaudhry, we achieved some amazing milestones such as: 1. Mentoring over 200 women startups 2. Supporting Canadian startups at Expand North Star in Dubai 3. Helping newcomers establish their businesses in Canada. One of the community of entrepreneurs that need a lot of support in Canada is BIPOC. We know that BIPOC entrepreneurs still face significant challenges. There are systemic barriers, limited access to capital, and fewer networking opportunities for this community. These obstacles can suppress their full potential, but we believe in turning challenges into opportunities. Canada Startup Association has identified that as one of the priority. That’s why we are hosting the AGAZ Summit on 15 November 2024. This event will provide BIPOC entrepreneurs with opportunities to learn, network, and showcase their talents, helping them break through barriers and grow their businesses. Participate as an exhibitor or as a Sponsor. Join us in this movement and make a difference for BIPOC entrepreneurship. #BIPOC #Agazsummit #Canada #BIPOCEntrepreneurs

90

46 Comments

🚨 The Canadian startup ecosystem is at a pivotal moment, and the opportunity to shape its future is NOW! 🚨 Our team has just completed an analytical report that shines a light on key trends within the Canadian startup ecosystem. The data confirms what many of us have sensed—we face pressing challenges, but with these challenges come immense growth opportunities. We've identified crucial trends in early and growth-stage Canadian tech by analyzing the last three Canadian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (CVCA) reports and combining them with data from Crunchbase. The findings reinforce our commitment at NextStars and FundsFarm to focus on early-stage #MedTech and #CleanTech companies, sectors where Canada has the potential to lead globally. This is our chance to create an innovative and sustainable future—together, we can drive meaningful change and position Canada as a global leader in tech. Let’s harness the power of today’s opportunities to build a brighter tomorrow! #Startup #Venture_Capital #Investor Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/g8F_pj8u

41

10 Comments

Reposting as its an important initiative where the input is required to ensure we (re)create the ecosystems required to foster innovation, productivity and growth

4

 Connecting Startups with Ontario's Angel Investor Network I'm excited to share an updated directory of Angel Investor Groups across Ontario, designed to support ambitious startups by connecting them with invaluable funding and mentorship opportunities.  This comprehensive list includes details on each investor group’s: Catchment Areas Focus Sectors Contact Information With support from networks like Angel One Network, Georgian Angel Network, Southwestern Ontario Angels, York Angel Investors, and many more, startups in industries ranging from technology to healthcare, and from manufacturing to clean tech, can find the right match to fuel their growth.  Why this matters: Angel investors are a vital part of Ontario’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing more than just funding—they offer experience, networks, and guidance that are critical for early-stage companies to succeed. If you’re an entrepreneur seeking funding or an angel investor interested in expanding your portfolio, this directory is a valuable resource to build meaningful connections.  DM me to get a copy of the directory, or access more information via  Angel Investors Ontario . #AngelInvestors #Ontario #Startups #Innovation #Investment #Entrepreneurship #Funding #Networking #TechStartups #CleanTech #HealthcareStartups #EconomicGrowth

2

Founders, let’s talk about something that comes up a lot: dilution and fundraising strategy. It’s easy to get fixated on minimizing dilution at all costs, but as I shared recently at a panel at McMaster University, this approach can actually backfire. Why? Because it tends to raise red flags with investors. Here’s the thing: the best founders I’ve backed don’t sweat every percentage point. They focus on getting the deal done and then dive back into building the business. Sure, there are some general rules to keep in mind, a top one being to aim to avoid selling more than 20-25% of your company in any single round so you maintain a healthy cap table as you move through funding stages. But don't let dilution become a backseat driver in your fundraising journey. If getting your business off the ground requires you to raise an outsized amount early on, go for it in spite of the dilution (Just make sure, of course, you’ve got the metrics to back up that high valuation—think solid revenues, a strong customer base, or other compelling proof points). Remember, the real key is to keep your eye on the prize: building real value in your business. The founders who get stuck on dilution often signal that they’re already anticipating trust issues with investors. That’s a non-starter for a productive partnership. Stay focused on what matters: executing your vision. The rest, including dilution, will sort itself out along the way. #fundraising #entrepreneurship #venturecapital

18

The 4 Biggest SR&ED Mistakes I See Canadian Companies Make I’ve helped 45+ Canadian startups with their SR&ED refund. 1️⃣ Not Planning Owner Compensation: This is critical and so often overlooked that it makes my head hurt. Paying yourself in dividends? Dividends are in-eligible for SR&ED. Last week a founder lost out on $30K SR&ED refund because of this. 15 mins with a SR&ED expert can help you plan your compensation. Do this at the beginning of (not after) your corporate tax year. 2️⃣ Late Filing: SR&ED claims have an 18-month deadline. Miss it and you lose the refund forever. Unlike corporate tax returns, which can be filed years later, SR&ED is strict. Don’t procrastinate! 3️⃣ Assuming All Expenses Qualify: Payments to contractors or employees who are not Canadian tax residents? Not eligible. Some times, paying more for local talent can lead to bigger SR&ED refunds thereby reducing your net payroll cost. Key takeaway - location planning for key technical hires is critical. 4️⃣ Not Tracking Projects Properly: Failing to document work through the year is a huge mistake. Make sure you track your R&D activities through meeting notes, Jira tickets, project docs etc. This helps substantiate your SR&ED claim in case you are audited. — Looking for more tactics? Leave a comment below and follow me for more tax and accounting insights.

11

1 Comment

It's 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 time to build in Canada 🏗️ 🇨🇦 2025 is the perfect time to launch a business (in Canada). 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: 1. The Toronto-Waterloo corridor has a deep pool of highly skilled talent. 2. Founders can now get dramatically lower development costs driven by AI (and forex, see #4). 3. Let's not forget the productivity boost from a reinvigorated national mindset—thanks to the minor nudge from DJT—time to build at home and sell to the world. 4. Epic arbitrage moment: price your product/service in USD and pay costs in CAD. 5. Opportunities abound: Every thing is up for grabs/every business model could get a redesign in the age of AI. Literally every line item on every P&L is an opportunity. And for what it's worth (a lot), consumer and business spending remains strong at home and abroad. Just ask Tswift about the health of the economy (e.g., expenditures in downtown Toronto increased 45 percent week-over-week during her 6-night visit to Toronto in November). lfg 🍁

381

33 Comments

Ever wonder what it was like to be one of the first 25 employees of Uber? In our latest episode on the Unstacked Startups Podcast, I had a great conversation with Andre Charoo, Uber's 25th employee and now founder of Maple VC. From launching Uber in major cities to backing resilient Canadian founders, Andre’s journey is jammed with lessons on grit, ambition, and spotting hidden talent. Here’s what you’ll learn: - How Uber's early culture thrived by hiring underdogs with “Founder DNA” - The unique strengths of Canadian founders—and why they’re shaping global tech - Tips on building a durable technology company Watch the episode below. It won't disappoint!

9

2 Comments

I’m offering FREE early access to my new app that streamlines your business operations—for just 5 Canadian businesses in the Greater Toronto Area. 🚨 Exclusive Opportunity for 5 GTA Business Owners 🚨 This is your chance to help shape the tool with your feedback while saving time on tasks like scheduling, invoicing, and tracking jobs. ✅ Save time, simplify operations, get paid faster 👉 Limited to 5 businesses— Comment or DM to get added on the list. Let’s work together to make this tool your new business ally. #GTA #EarlyAccess #BusinessGrowth #TimeSaving #CanadianBusiness #TechForBusiness #StreamlineYourWork #Productivity #Efficiency #Teamwork #BusinessOwner #Innovation #EarlyAccess #SimplifyYourWork

"Are You Still Running Your Business Like It’s 2010?" As a small business owner, I know what it’s like to juggle a million things at once: ✅ Keeping customers happy ✅ Managing a team on the go ✅ Tracking invoices, schedules, and equipment For years, businesses has relied on pen, paper, and spreadsheets—and it worked… kind of. But what you are missing is that time saved is money earned. Upgrading to a mobile app and automated scheduling changes the game 🔧 Less time spent chasing down work orders 📅 Jobs booked faster and more efficiently 💵 Invoices sent out on the same day (no more cash flow delays!) For those of you in service industries, are you using technology to grow your business? If not, what’s holding you back? I’d love to hear how you’re streamlining operations and saving time. #SmallBusiness #FieldService #Efficiency #TechnologyInBusiness

1