By Vijender Trivedi
“A friendship founded on business is a good deal better than a business founded on friendship.” - John D. Rockefeller
In the current world of startups, starting a new business venture with a partner—as opposed to on one’s own—continues to be a popular trend. Most people get into partnerships with friends, colleagues or classmates who are like-minded and who have skills that complement their own. Starting a business with a partner offers multiple benefits, not the least of which is having someone to share the many responsibilities of running a business. But a partnership can quickly go bad if you don’t give it ample thought and planning. Continue reading “Looking for a co-founder to partner with? Look hard!” »
By Shalana Morton @ MaRS
Set to open in the fall of 2013, the MaRS Centre Phase 2 will anchor Toronto’s Discovery District and complete the MaRS Centre campus. Now that construction is well underway, I’m sure everyone is wondering what exactly the MaRS Centre Phase 2 will look like. I spoke with the architecture firm responsible for the building, B+H Architects, to get a sense of the thinking that went into their design. Continue reading “A designer’s eye on the MaRS Centre Phase 2” »
By Joanna Reynolds
The capital for communities and opportunities for people = 25 years, US$1.3 billion, 46 states and 47,000 jobs.
This past week, I had the pleasure of meeting with Frank Altman, president and CEO of the Community Reinvestment Fund (CRF), USA. Since 1988, the CRF has injected $1.3 billion into mostly low-income neighbourhoods across the United States, helping to retain or create 47,000 jobs. The impact has been sustained economic development within the urban and rural communities that need it the most. The CRF works through Community Development Finance Institutions to provide loans for businesses, affordable housing and community facilities such as daycares. Continue reading “By the numbers: Capital for communities and opportunities” »
By Winston Mok
Ever wondered what it’s like to join an accelerator program? If you think you’re ready to apply to MaRS’ new accelerator program, JOLT, but would like to know what you’re in for, read on.
The following post is courtesy of entrepreneur Winston Mok, CEO of Simply Good Technologies, a company working on mobile couponing based on influence. Originally from Toronto, Mok headed to Boston in January to participate in the TechStars accelerator program there. His company was the first from Toronto to be accepted into the program. Here’s his account of the accelerator experience. Continue reading “What’s it like to take part in an accelerator?” »
By Sean Moffitt @ MaRS
If you want to be successful in any organization, it’s imperative that you surround yourself with the most interesting big thinkers and with leaders who can push you, challenge you and pull you into the future. The adage “You are the company you keep” is particularly apt when it comes 48 hours in the valley, to innovation. Think Frederick Banting and Charles Best. Think Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Think Sergey Brin and Larry Page.
We’ve embraced this notion at MaRS from the very beginning, collaborating with some of the “best of us” across private and public sectors, academia and entrepreneurship, and spanning capital, corporate and social innovation arenas. Continue reading “The MaRS Mavens launches – A network of engagement all-stars and what “innovation is”” »
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