MaRS Discovery District
The Millennial-Startup Equation That’s Drawing Investors In
The undeniable business case for startups delivering products and services that speak to the millennial consumer segment is getting stronger by the year.
December 21, 2016Not a Myth: Why Startups That Zero In On Millennials Attract Investment
The digital natives and early adopters of the millennial generation are a central focus for many startups that are attracting major interest — and major funding.
December 16, 2016How Big Companies Can Make Innovation Successful
Innovation isn’t about having the right "look," it’s about embracing risk.
November 15, 2016Ongoing Startup Survey Shows Strength of Ontario Universities
Early results from an ongoing survey by MaRS Discovery District and Endeavor Insight show that educational institutions are the strongest connecting hubs in Ontario’s entrepreneurial networks.
November 1, 2016Why Fintech Entrepreneurs Should Make Friends with Regulations
Adam Nanjee, Head of Fintech at MaRS Discovery District, explains the key role of the regulatory environment at each stage of a fintech startup’s development.
October 20, 2016Quantum Startups Aim to Future-Proof Corporate Security
“Bank encryption will be rendered completely vulnerable when hackers get quantum computing,” one Venture North speaker warned.
September 20, 2016VC Funding Doesn’t Reflect Talent in Toronto and KW: Minister
While Silicon Valley snaps up Ontario engineering graduates, little money is coming the other way.
September 16, 2016IBM Partners with MaRS Fintech Hub
The tech giant joins a network of other MaRS FinTech Cluster partners including CIBC, Manulife and payment processor Moneris, in providing startups with support including product feedback and business advisory services.
August 31, 2016VIDEO: Fintech Innovation Happens Through Cooperation
In order to meet the needs and expectations of a newer generation of customers, fintech companies, banks, and regulators have to collaborate closely.
July 29, 2016VIDEO: Legal Expertise Essential to Fintech Success
Pay close attention to financial regulation, otherwise your great product and team can’t approach the marketplace.
July 26, 2016VIDEO: No ‘Friend or Foe’ Mentality For Banks Soliciting Fintech Startups
Banks will actively work directly with fintech startups to deliver innovation for their customers.
July 20, 2016If Banks Aren’t Absorbing Fintech Startup Products, They’re Investing in Them
Banks are getting the picture, learning the tools of the fintech trade by partnering with and investing in fintech startups and incubators
July 4, 2016Fintech a Massive Market Opportunity For Startups
The $14 trillion global wealth transfer and early fintech adoption by millennials are key drivers of this $22 billion+ market
July 1, 2016Tech Startup Ecosystems Missing Out On Diversity
It’s unfortunate the lack of women in progressive and disruptive industries, like the startup tech world, is still a topic for discussion in 2016. Yet, here we are.
June 27, 2016How to Skill Your Startup
TechPortfolio spoke to Sonia Strimban, manager, Venture Operations at Mars Discovery District about the ideal evolution of startups within the accelerator community and the issues startups run into when it comes to finding employees with the right skills.
June 6, 2016Early-Stage Startups Need More than Tech to Impress Investors
TechPortfolio interviewed investors including iNovia Capital Managing Partner Chris Arsenault and others to learn what they look for in early stage startups – and how they define success.
May 31, 2016Tech Sector Leaders on Funding Challenges Facing Canadian Startups
Startup founders need to think about funding options at all stages of growth. What kind of funding is available – or not – at which stages? We talked to investors and founders about the challenges attracting startup investment, cultural fit, and how some have negotiated funding issues. While everyone we spoke to said there are challenges getting funding, there’s little consensus on where exactly those holes are – or how they should be filled.
May 27, 2016Tech Investors and Founders Identify Bankable Technologies
Entrepreneur and author Seth Godin’s comment from more than a decade ago, which addresses what’s now generally referred to as “disruption,” resonates among entrepreneurs more than ever. To address this, we asked each of our launch week interviewees what technology is going to be the most bankable in the next few years?
May 24, 2016Choosing the Wrong Accelerator Can Get You Nowhere Fast
Accelerators can put startups on a fast track towards growth-stage success, but founders shouldn’t be tempted to apply to a program simply on the basis of acceptance chances. Geography, funding, office space, and mentorship availability are all important, and there are still other factors to keep in mind.
May 18, 2016Demand for Fintech Innovation Creates Cooperation Ecosystems
Financial institutions are wrestling with the competitive implications of fintech. A recent PwC report says 20% of their business is at risk by 2020, so many are already partnering with more nimble, innovative startups. Funding of fintech startups last year reached $12.2 billion.
May 17, 2016