Ecosystems
Startup scenes in Canada and abroad, policy, talent and diversity.
Overpromising and Other Lessons Learned From Failed Unicorns
Since unicorns are given valuations based on the promise of future growth, it's not surprising few ever live up to their potential.
November 2, 2017IBM Helping Women Re-Enter the Tech World
Fifty-two percent of women in science, tech, engineering and math quit their jobs mid-career. A new IBM program is helping to bring them back.
September 15, 2017SV Entrepreneurs Flock to Smaller, More Affordable Markets
Tech talent is flocking to these seven smaller — and more affordable — U.S. markets: Salt Lake City, Tampa, Huntsville, St. Louis, Seattle, Phoenix and Albany.
August 31, 2017High Rents Driving Biotech Startups Out of New York and Boston
It’s not just young people that can’t afford the rent in New York. Biotech firms are also leaving the Big Apple in search of affordable accommodations outside the city.
August 21, 2017The Silicon Valley Engineers Who Get Paid Millions To Do Nothing
It's a well-known secret in Silicon Valley: Big tech companies employ “resters and vesters”; employees who collect full pay and stock without having to do much — or any — actual work.
August 11, 2017B.C. Entrepreneurs Get a Big Boost From Tech Heavyweights
The arrival of tech heavyweights has unleashed a ripple effect boosting startups in Vancouver.
April 27, 2017Vancouver is a VR and AR Hub of the Future
In the global technology race, successful cities are constantly searching for fresh ways to innovate and grow new startups. One of the emerging hot spots is the field…
March 21, 2017Innovator Insights from the BC Tech Summit
Lots of amazing things happen when you pack 5,000 people in a conference hall to talk about technology innovation and entrepreneurship.
March 15, 2017Ecosystem Spinoffs: New Tech Hubs Form Outside the City Limits
Urban tech hubs have followed the trend of San Francisco: As success skyrockets, so too does the cost of living. In British Columbia, New York, California and beyond, startups are taking advantage of the connected digital age by finding new places to set up HQ.
March 13, 2017Need a Silicon Valley Champion? Meet Joanne Fedeyko
“I help people build trusted networks in the Valley,” says Fedeyko, who is now CEO of Connection Silicon Valley. “Whether you’re a startup, corporate, or someone in-between, think of me as your innovation partner who will help you navigate the Valley ecosystem.”
March 10, 2017Taking Strides Toward Gender Diversity in the Tech World
As engineer Susan J. Fowler’s viral account of her year at Uber underlined, a lack of gender diversity and faulty HR policies can lead to a vastly flawed corporate culture. Correcting imbalance and combating unacceptable behaviour are the responsibility of everyone in the tech industry, and women are taking the lead.
February 27, 2017Chilecon Valley: An Immigration-Fueled Startup Success Story
Foreign innovation drives startup economies. In the US alone, 51% of billion-dollar startups were founded by immigrants. Cities across the world have taken notice: encouraging the free movement of information and talent is crucial to tech sector success. Santiago, Chile, is forging ahead with a government-backed plan to attract top talent. As reported in Brookings, part of Santiago’s success as Latin America’s tech hub is due to a program called Start Up Chile.
February 23, 2017Startups Never Rest: 5 Companies That Expanded Into New Markets
Not satisfied with establishing market dominance in just one area, forward-looking companies like Airbnb and Uber continue to explore new arenas of profit. Leveraging success into adjacent markets isn’t about making a complete pivot: it’s about applying your enterprise’s core competencies in a new way.
February 21, 2017International Tech Reacts to the US Immigration Ban
The recent American limits to the refugee program and entry limits for citizens of certain countries is hitting home for citizens of a community without national borders: the tech industry.
January 31, 2017#BCTECH Summit a New Peak For British Columbia’s Tech Scene
The growth numbers don’t lie: British Columbia's tech sector is outpacing the provincial economy, employing over 90,000 people who are earning wages 75% above the provincial average. The upcoming #BCTECH Summit in March isn't just about celebrating the strides that the tech industry has made in BC: it’s about laying out the future of this crucial industry.
January 12, 2017IBM SmartCamp Shines a Light On London’s Burgeoning Tech Ecosystem
London, Ontario’s SmartCamp Pitch Competition happening December 14 will push Canadian tech talent onto an international stage.
December 8, 2016Tech Heads West
A booming tech scene is not only transforming B.C.’s economy, but the lives of its citizens. On March 14 - 15, the second #BCTECH Summit will showcase this transformation.
November 25, 2016Canada Creating Faster Startup-Friendly Work Visas
Canadian government is developing a new fast-track startup-friendly visa that could be processed in up to 14 days.
November 3, 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, 2016iTech Vancouver’s Top 5 Takeaways for Cloud and Mobility
The transformational power of cloud computing will encompass AI, infrastructure, security, and large-scale business opportunities.
October 7, 2016Frequently Asked Questions
What is a startup ecosystem?
The network of founders, investors, universities, accelerators, large companies and governments in a place that together help new companies start and grow.
Which ecosystems does TechPortfolio cover?
Canadian cities including Toronto, Waterloo, Montréal, Vancouver and Calgary, and international hubs from Silicon Valley to Singapore.
What is the Startup Cultures Across Canada series?
A city-by-city TechPortfolio series profiling how startup communities work across Canada. A companion series, Global Startup Cultures, covers other countries.
Does the section cover diversity and talent?
Yes. The Diversity & Talent subsection covers women in technology, skills gaps and immigration.
How can I suggest an ecosystem story?
Email info@techportfolio.net with the city or community and what is changing there.