2019加拿大科创企业展望英文版_14页_1mb

Canada Startup Outlook 2019 Summary

Core Content

The Canada Startup Outlook 2019 report, published by Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and future expectations of startups in Canada and other global innovation hubs. The survey includes responses from nearly 1,400 technology and healthcare founders and executives, highlighting key trends and challenges in the startup ecosystem.

Main Points and Key Insights

1. Optimism Amid Uncertainty

• Canadian entrepreneurs are optimistic, with nearly 90% expecting business conditions to improve or remain the same in 2019 compared to 2018.
• Despite challenges like geopolitical uncertainty (e.g., US-China trade tensions, Brexit), startups remain focused on innovation.

2. Capital Raising Challenges

• 64% of Canadian startups successfully raised capital in 2018.
• 80% of those companies find the current fundraising environment extremely or somewhat challenging.
• Venture capital is the most common source for the next round of funding, with 49% of startups expecting to raise from VCs, followed by 28% from angels or individual investors.

3. M&A Activity is Strong

• 80% of Canadian startups expect M&A activity to increase or maintain 2018 levels.
• This optimism is driven by available capital and the growing visibility of Canada's innovation ecosystem.

4. AI and Emerging Technologies

• AI and big data are currently the most promising sectors in Canada.
• Looking ahead a decade, life science, autonomous transportation, and cleantech/energy innovation are expected to be key areas of growth.
• Collaboration between industry and government is seen as essential to support these technologies.

5. Hiring Challenges

• 80% of Canadian startups plan to hire new employees in 2019.
• 89% find it extremely or somewhat challenging to find skilled workers, especially in product development/R&D, technical, and sales roles.
• Access to talent is the top public policy issue for Canadian startups, similar to the US.

6. Diversity in Leadership

• 60% of Canadian startups have at least one woman in an executive position.
• 40% have at least one woman on their board of directors.
• SVB plans to release an in-depth report on Women in Technology Leadership in H1 2019.

7. Government Support

• 60% of Canadian startups have received government support, with 48% benefiting from the Scientific Research and Experimental Development tax incentive.
• 13% use the Global Skills Strategy/Global Talent Stream, and 10% benefit from the Start-up Visa Program.
• Government support is perceived as positive by most, with 60% citing a positive impact compared to 29% who say it has no impact.

Key Quotes

"Canada has small VCs and big investment groups. We need VCs for investments between $2 million and $20 million."
— Founder, cloud networking company

"We need a solid pipeline of employees, and that depends on an open immigration policy and universities that turn out more world-class employees."
— COO, software company

"Consumer and entity cybersecurity and privacy concerns grow. Technology needs to focus on ensuring that individuals own and control their data."
— CEO, regtech company

Conclusion

The report underscores the resilience and optimism of Canadian startups, despite macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges. It highlights the importance of talent acquisition, government support, and venture capital in driving innovation. As the innovation economy continues to evolve, Canadian startups are positioned to adapt and grow, with a clear focus on emerging technologies and strategic M&A activity.