Not that its necessary, but here is some background of my involvement in startups: I’ve been in the software startup industry for more years than I usually like to admit (ok, since the early ‘80s). I was fortunate enough to work with some of Canada’s largest enterprises’ initial adoption of the IBM PC, with some great early personal computer environments (like Atari and Commodore) and with some of the early advancements into the graphics environment we take for granted (anyone remember GEM, or Windows 1.0?). I have been writing software, managing teams and publishing software since that time. I was fortunate to have witnessed and been part of essentially every startup model; I’ve founded and run startups, public companies, and incubators; I have invested as an angel, been a managing partner of two VC funds; I’ve sat on boards of every size and stage software company imaginable. And I’ve been very involved in the growth of the VC industry in Canada.
OK, you get the point. I have some experience in startups and the Canadian marketplace.
It would not be helpful if I commented in any detail on the two blog posts or many twitters written by Mark McQueen at Wellington. I don’t recall ever meeting Mark, so I don’t really have any basis to understand his motivation in making these posts, but in general terms I do believe that one of the downsides of Social Media, (such as Blogs and twitter), is that they sometimes lead to pretty inappropriate social interaction which would not happen in person.
I just wonder why someone like Mark McQueen, who’s firm is in the Venture debt business – something completely out of reach for any startup company I have ever been involved with in Canada – spends so much time writing about my opinion regarding the dismal state of the startup industry in Canada? (And, sheesh, why the nasty tweets calling me a “failed VC” and quoting the Jeremy Wright imposter’s comments if he is not “taking pot shots” at me?). I personally put it down to “Social Media caused behaviour” and move on.
The opinions I have expressed in my blogs and comments and as (somewhat) reflected in the WSJ blog post, are not new. Neither are they unique. Does anyone really think that, in this flat world, we should be ashamed to discuss our industry’s problems with the US press? Does Mark really think that we should hold back on stating our issues because of fear of showing up (as he puts it) “in a Google search the next time a prospective international Limited Partner considers a first time commitment”? I’m pretty sure a reasonable prospective new LP will do solid diligence and won’t be scared off by a WSJ blog post.
Let’s not be fearful of openly discussing the problems and challenges in this industry to anyone who will listen. Its not as if the VC industry worldwide isn’t in crisis – Techchrunch spent the last week in an openly critical discussion of the relatively very healthy Israeli industry, and the US players openly debate their huge crises.
Let’s cut the petty attacks on me because I am willing to air our industry’s problems. Believe me, I am completely passionate about our industry and it pains me to see the current situation. But the solution lies in openly discussing our issues.
We have issues to deal with:
Our provincial and federal governments are struggling to help fix the problems in the industry and we need to keep responding to them with our input.
Startups are in deep pain because of the major crisis in early stage funding, especially in Ontario.
The traditional VC solutions don’t accommodate the new Web 2.0 marketplace. And, the existing VC industry in not in a healthy situation.
AND, I have been talking about these issues for years. I have been living them for years. And, I am doing what I can to fix them – yes, starting new Web 2.0 businesses such as istopover.com and agilebuddy.com is playing a part in nurturing new entrepreneurs, hopefully building new businesses that will grow and endure, and I hope will be an example to others looking to start new startups in Canada.
I look forward to continued deep involvement in the evolution of the Canadian startup industry. And I look forward to working closely with the people involved in this startup industry.
Blogs are good for every one where we get lots of information for any topics nice job keep it up !!!
Posted by: dissertation help | April 23, 2009 at 12:54 AM