- The market has been flat since '02. There are no signs that the CDN market is improving, in fact, the money available for VC financing is tightening up.

- How do we relate to the US market? US = 10 while CDN = $6. But, from a number of company perspective, more CDN companies get funding. CDN is 2 to 1. The US companies get more money though. In the overall world VC market in 2004 Canada ranked third in terms of deals funded. However, we ranked 24th in terms of deal size.

- Two largest markets are Ontario and Quebec. $751 Mil ON to $710 in Quebec. BC is third with $226.

- The top US states are California with $12,385 Mil (that's 12. 4 Billion just in case you wanted a reminder) and Massachusetts with a little less.

- How do our cities fare? Montreal is number one. Toronto is fourth. Why? There may be too much activity (background noise?) here and it is harder for startups to get investor attention.

- Communications and networking is the sector leader followed by software then semiconductors then Internet.

- VCs have been investing in their existing portfolios and new investments are well-behind. Entrepreneurs must know their value proposition.

- Paradoxically, it is easier to get early stage investment in Canada than in the US!!

- US investors have played a key role with their investments: approx. %20. The bulk of that investment comes from the US East Coast.

"I played duplicate bridge tonight. For me this is a great way to relax. It requires total focus so takes my mind off of all other things.

The following is an article I wrote for Profit Magazine a while ago. It was edited by my friend Rick Spence. It still seems relevant today (and it also appeals to my sense of efficiency - re-use good material to make for a quick blog posting).

THE 12 RULES OF TIME

By Jim Estill

My business experience has taught me one true thing: That maximizing your productivity, happiness, peace, or impact can best be accomplished if you clearly understand the 12 Rules of Time.

1. Have goals

Being more efficient with your time is irrelevant if you don't know how you want to spend it. In managing time, the compass is more important than the clock. Know where you want to go and spend your time on the things that get you there.

Many people spend energy trying to be more efficient without first doing what's important: setting goals. It's like being lost on your way to a new city. Driving faster doesn't help if you are going in the wrong direction. Figure out what direction to go in and head that way.

Once you've prepared it, your list of goals will reveal what is important to you.

2. Analyze how you spend your time

It is always good to know how you're spending your time right now. You can track this by setting (...read more...)