Canadian entrepreneurs discussed building billion-dollar companies outside of major tech hubs like Silicon Valley. They noted opportunities in Canada like lower costs, government support, and attracting international talent through immigration policies. However, traditionally risk-averse Canadian VCs have provided less financing. International startups must attract funding and be taken seriously without a presence in major hubs, through building customers, hiring talent, and gaining media coverage to prove the potential of companies outside Silicon Valley.

1. O Canada: Can You Build a Billion-
Dollar Company Outside the Valley?
Andrew D’Souza, Top Hat
Mike Litt, VidYard
Dan Martell, Angel Investor
Erin Bury, Betakit (moderator)

2. Proof Is in the Canadian Pudding

3. Opportunity
• War for Talent/Attracting Talent
• Startup Costs
• Immigration
• Governmental Support

4. Canadian Climate
• Traditionally more risk-averse VCs in Canada.
Impact on financing?
• How do Canadian/international startups
attract financing for companies built outside
of the Valley?

5. Tips for International Entrepreneurs
• How can you attract funding if you’re not in a
startup hub like NYC, Boston, or Silicon Valley?
• Do people take you seriously if you’re not in the
US? How can you build out a customer base?
• How can you attract entrepreneurial-minded
talent?
• Can you get media coverage/build relationships
without having a presence in Silicon Valley?