- 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.