Reasons Entrepreneurs Choose New Locations

In the last 18 months, a quiet shift has been happening. More international founders are choosing Canada as their first North American market not as a backup, but as a strategy. And the numbers back it up. -Canada saw a 61% increase in global startup interest between 2022–2024 (Source: StartupBlink Ecosystem Report, 2024) -Ontario alone now supports over 20,000 active startups many led by immigrant and global founders who could have gone south, but didn’t. Here’s why: 1. Transparency > Velocity The U.S. market promises speed but with speed comes opacity, especially in early-stage B2B selling. Canada offers a more transparent sales environment: → Easier access to decision-makers → Government-backed innovation support → Clearer procurement paths For immigrant founders, this reduces trust barriers and accelerates early traction. 2. A Truly Diverse, Multicultural Buyer Base Toronto alone is home to over 250 ethnicities and 180 languages. (Source: City of Toronto, 2024) Startups that validate here are pressure-testing products in a globally representative market. Founders who scale in Canada often find they can enter Europe, LATAM, and APAC faster because they’ve already navigated cultural nuance, multilingual onboarding, and layered buyer personas. 3. Stronger IP, Immigration, and Policy Infrastructure Canada’s Global Talent Stream allows high-skilled founders and team members to land and build quickly. And our IP frameworks (including the IP Assist program via NRC-IRAP) protect innovation better than most U.S. systems, especially for hardware and deeptech ventures. For founders thinking long-term not just fast this matters. 4. Lower Burn, Longer Runway Office costs in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver are 30–50% lower than major U.S. metros (JLL Research, 2023). Combine that with: → Access to provincial grants (e.g., Ontario’s EIR program) → Federal programs like IRAP, SR&ED, and CanExport → No healthcare premiums for early teams …and you’re looking at longer strategic runway, with less founder dilution. 5. A Founder-First Ecosystem Unlike transactional accelerators in some U.S. cities, Canada’s startup hubs prioritize founder enablement. Founders are realizing: “The U.S. may offer market size. But Canada offers market quality and strategic depth.” If you’re building for global relevance, start where your story can grow with integrity. Start where your scale is supported by systems, not just luck. Start where innovation feels human and the runway lasts long enough to build something that matters. Start here. #Canada #Innovation #GoToMarket #Startups #Expansion #FounderStrategy

Every time I post about the UK, I hear the same thing. "Why would you think about starting a business there?" "The grass is greener elsewhere." "The economy is struggling." "Everything is just broken." I get it and no country is perfect. And yet, few places in the world offer what the UK does for it's entrepreneurs. More venture capital flows into the UK than anywhere else in Europe. London remains Europe’s leading financial hub, offering direct access to global markets. Setting up a company takes just 4.5 days, compared to weeks in other countries. Compare that to the US, the so-called "gold standard" for start ups. Yes, America has scale, but it also comes with: →  Huge regional disparities →  Complex regulations →  Sky-high living costs By contrast, the UK offers: →  A competitive 25% corporate tax rate →  1.2 million tech professionals, one of the most skilled workforces in the world →  World-class universities producing top-tier talent And the UK’s startup ecosystem is thriving. In the first half of 2024, 468,000 new businesses were launched here It's a gateway to global markets, bridging the US, Europe, and Asia. A culture of innovation, from fintech to AI, leading in cutting-edge industries. A transparent legal system, giving businesses the confidence to grow. Entrepreneurship is about playing the long game. And if there’s one thing the UK has always done, it’s adapt, evolve, and come out stronger. So instead of asking, “Why would you want to start a business in the UK?” Maybe ask, “Why wouldn’t you?” What defines the best place for entrepreneurs?

Why More Entrepreneurs Are Eyeing Dubai? As entrepreneurs, we’re wired to build fast, lean, and without unnecessary friction. But the truth is: where you build matters as much as what you build. After years of navigating India's entrepreneurial ecosystem and recently spending significant time studying how businesses grow in Dubai, I’ve come to a hard but honest insight: India is rich in talent and ambition, but Dubai is built for execution. Here’s what I’ve observed, not as a critic, but as someone deeply invested in India’s future and equally aware of global opportunities: 🔹 Speed vs. Structure In Dubai, the infrastructure to start, scale, and operationalise a business is built into the system. ✅ Company registration? Days, not months. ✅ Regulatory clarity? Centralised, digitised, and responsive. In India, passion often gets buried under paperwork. What should be a 2-week sprint turns into a 6-month marathon. 🔹 Trust-Based Business Culture In Dubai, relationships are built face-to-face over coffee, not cold emails. People value consistency, integrity, and showing up. In India, we do value connections, but red tape and bureaucracy often dilute trust-building into procedural formalities. 🔹 Evolving with the Market Dubai doesn’t just announce change, it implements it. When AI, crypto, or sustainability became focus areas, Dubai created zones, policy support, and funding windows to match. India makes the headlines, too, but execution lags. The intent is there, but the systems don’t always follow through. 🔹 Financial Predictability Setting up in Dubai is expensive, no doubt. But it's predictable. You know the taxes, the license costs, the timelines. In India, costs often appear mid-journey. Compliance complexity can change overnight. That uncertainty is what many founders struggle with. 🔹 Talent Access Without Borders Dubai lets you hire globally, scale remotely, and operate hybrid by design. India has world-class talent, but building cross-border agility is still evolving. We’re getting there, but not fast enough. So, was moving operations (or expanding) into Dubai a good decision? Not just good, it was necessary. For clarity, speed, and sanity. But let me be clear, India will always be my emotional and entrepreneurial root. I believe in its potential. But belief isn’t enough. As builders, we need systems that support scale without stalling. Entrepreneurs don’t leave India because they don’t believe in it. They leave because the cost of staying still is higher than the cost of leaping. Dubai may not be for everyone. But its lessons are for anyone who wants to understand what it takes to truly support entrepreneurship. If India can combine its talent with Dubai’s execution model, we won’t need to choose between the two. #entrepreneur #dubai #india #businessopportunities

A few years ago, when I started my company in Mumbai... little did I know that Pune, a city just two hours away, was on the verge of its own startup revolution! As someone who has been involved with over 400 startups, I have seen the problems of urban entrepreneurship—from sky-high rents to the hunt for talent and the endless traffic. It is tough out there. But then there is P-Town. Known for its educational institutions, this once-sleepy town is now a startup hub. Here is what has caught my attention: → Over 6,000 active startups  → 54 venture capital firms and incubators  → Home to 4 (FirstCry.com (BrainBees Solutions Ltd.), One Card, Rebel Foods, and ElasticRun) unicorns... and counting So, what is the secret? Pune benefits from a trifecta of advantages: → Prestigious colleges supply fresh, skilled talent → Friendly policies for entrepreneurs → A legacy of manufacturing Plus, the cost of doing business here is lower than in India’s other major cities. The impact? Startups in sectors like SaaS and D2C are flourishing. Young graduates are opting to join startups instead of settling for traditional corporate jobs. Even seasoned professionals from cities like Mumbai and Bangalore are moving in, for a better and more laid-back life. As an investor, it is interesting to see this energy… When mentees ask me, "Devansh, should we set up in Bangalore or Mumbai?" I often find myself suggesting, "Why not consider Pune?" These days, hahah. Thoughts? #Entrepreneurship #PuneStartups #SaaS #D2C #Innovation #VentureCapital

Site visit day. Today I'm out scoping a potential new location to expand the overally physical portfolio and it's got me thinking about what actually goes through my head when I'm standing in a space deciding whether it has potential. Because it's never just about the unit. The first thing I do is walk the whole area. Who's here? Who's shopping? What does the community feel like? A customer shouldn't be just a demographic on a spreadsheet. Then I look at the footfall. Where are people walking from and more importantly, where are they walking to? Are people actively shopping? Is there more interest in food and beverage over retail? Are we a destination or a detour? Both can work but they need very different things from a space and a team. Then I look at the competition. Not to be put off by it, the right competitors nearby can actually tell you a lot about whether the spend is there or whether there's untapped potential for there to be more spend in that category. Commercial viability matters, location, how the space lends itself to the customer and staff experience (both equally matter to me). But honestly? I'm also trying to feel it. Could I picture a team here? Could I picture a customer walking out having had the kind of experience that makes them want to come back? Growing a physical retail portfolio isn't just about finding empty units at the right rent. It's about making considered decisions that set a team and a community up to thrive. What do you look for when you're scoping a new location? Always interested in how other people approach this 👇 #RetailLeadership #RetailExpansion

🏢 Mastering Real Estate Selection for Business Success: In-Depth Insights 🌟 Selecting the right location is not just a decision—it’s a strategy that can define the future of your business. Here are my detailed insights on how to approach this critical choice: 1. Strategic Location Selection 📍 • Action: Conduct thorough research on foot traffic patterns using tools like Google Maps and local traffic analytics services. Choose locations with high visibility and accessibility that match the lifestyle and routines of your target demographic. • Pro Tip: Consider the proximity to major landmarks, public transport hubs, or popular retail centers that attract your ideal customers. 2. Demographic Deep Dive 👥 • Action: Utilize demographic data tools such as the U.S. Census Bureau or commercial services like Nielsen PRIZM to understand the socioeconomic status, purchasing behavior, and preferences of the local population. • Pro Tip: Align your product or service offerings with the local community’s needs and preferences to ensure relevance and demand. 3. Evaluating Competition and Synergies 🤼♂️ • Action: Map out competitors and complementary businesses within a reasonable radius. Analyze their customer reviews and foot traffic to gauge their success and market saturation. • Pro Tip: Look for opportunities to locate near businesses that offer complementary services which can introduce your business to their customer base, creating a beneficial ecosystem. 4. Navigating Lease and Purchase Terms 📑 • Action: Work with a real estate attorney to review all contractual documents. Pay special attention to clauses related to escalations, subleasing, and termination rights to ensure flexibility and cost efficiency. • Pro Tip: Negotiate terms that allow for leasehold improvements and upgrades, which can be essential as your business grows and evolves. 5. Planning for Scalability and Flexibility 🚀 • Action: Choose locations that offer the ability to expand square footage or alter the layout. Engage an architect or planner to discuss possible future modifications before finalizing any deals. • Pro Tip: Secure first right of refusal for adjacent spaces or include clauses that allow you to expand as needed within the property or commercial complex. Choosing the right real estate is a crucial decision that requires strategic thinking and careful planning. By following these actionable strategies, you can position your business for long-term growth and success in a location that not only meets your current needs but also adapowers your future ambitions. 🌱

While tech giants fought over talent in Bangalore, a European founder built a billion-dollar business management company in Gujarat. His secret? The city no one was watching. I am impressed by Fabien Pinckaers, the founder of Odoo who took a bold move by choosing Gandhinagar over Bangalore, Mumbai, or Delhi for his India office. At first, it sounds counterintuitive. Why would anyone skip India's Silicon Valley for a tier-2 city? But here's where it gets interesting. What Fabien understood about building for the long term is: The real cost of scaling a business isn't paying everyone's salary, but the turnover. I've seen companies in Bengaluru having less than 3 years employee retention but Odoo, on the other hand, enjoys a 7-year average in Gandhinagar. Their advantage is what I like to call "the power of being a big fish in a small river" rather than being just another fish in the vast sea. You see, in tier-1 cities, you're competing with Google, Microsoft, and Tata Consultancy Services for talent. In Gandhinagar, Odoo became the dream company to work for easily due to: 1. The hidden advantage of lower living costs 2. Lower local salaries meant they could pay above the market rate while maintaining healthy margins. The result? Happy employees and a sustainable business. In my experience, when everyone runs in one direction, the real opportunity often lies in the opposite direction. Fabien's strategy teaches us to: 1. Think in decades, not quarters 2. Build where you can nurture talent, not just hire from 3. Choose an environment where you can create, not just compete Because building a successful business is all about where you can take your team tomorrow. This isn't about location - it's about perspective. Sometimes the best strategic advantage is choosing to play a different game entirely. Looking back, some of my best decisions at Ctruh came when I questioned popular startup wisdom like this. Have you considered moving your startup to a Tier-2 city? #india #startups #competition #tier2 #strategy

Tired of visa struggles in the U.S.? Canada’s Start-Up Visa is solving that problem. For many U.S. entrepreneurs, the dream of building and scaling a company is blocked by: - Temporary visas - Renewal headaches - Healthcare costs that eat into budgets Canada’s Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program changes that. Here’s why more founders are looking north: 1. Permanent Residency from Day One No more visa lotteries. No yearly renewals. You get PR directly, which means: - Universal healthcare from the start - Spouse can work anywhere - Kids can study in public schools Focus on building your company, not your immigration status. 2. A Strong Start-Up Ecosystem Canada is now one of the most entrepreneur-friendly countries. Access to grants like IRAP & SR&ED tax credits Lower healthcare costs for you and your team Active investor community that supports global founders 3. Access to Global Markets With trade agreements like USMCA, CETA, and CPTPP, you reach 1.5 billion+ customers. Easy access to the U.S. market Global cities like Toronto & Vancouver as launchpads Multicultural workforce with global experience 4. Cost Savings & Family Benefits - Toronto office rent is 40–60% cheaper than San Francisco. - Employer payroll costs are nearly half of many U.S. states. - Add universal healthcare + childcare benefits = thousands saved every year. 5. Flexibility & Security You can choose your city: Toronto (finance & tech), Vancouver (Asia-Pacific), Montreal (AI), or even smaller hubs like Halifax & Waterloo. After 3 years of PR, you can apply for citizenship. And here’s a hidden gem: While your PR is being processed, you can move to Canada on a work permit and start building immediately. For many U.S. entrepreneurs, the SUV program isn’t just immigration. It’s long-term stability, cost savings, and a chance to grow globally. Canada is not just another option. It’s the smarter option. Follow Let's Emigrate to know more about this program #CanadaStartupVisa #Entrepreneurs #CanadaPR #StartupEcosystem #LetsEmigrate

Everyone talks about London or Paris. The obvious startup hubs of Europe. But there’s an underdog in the mix. The quiet favorite: Berlin. In the last year alone, I’ve seen more teams from Stockholm, Milan, London, Copenhagen skip the usual suspects and choose Berlin instead. Why are founders quietly placing their bets here? ↳ Lower burn, higher breathing room. Office rent, salaries, and living costs are all significantly lower than London or Paris. That means longer runway, and less pressure to scale prematurely. ↳ Talent without the bidding wars. Berlin attracts engineers, operators, and creatives from all over. 40% of startup employees here are international. And yes, most teams run in English. ↳ Central, connected, and efficient. Berlin gives you access to the entire EU without the edge-of-map logistics. ↳ Still growing, not overcrowded. 70+ accelerators. 100+ coworking spaces. But also space to stand out. This isn’t London-level saturation. There’s still space to build something that feels your own. But one thing that’s easy to overlook? Presence still carries weight in Germany. Clients want to know you’re not just passing through. Sometimes, the way your office feels says more than a pitch deck ever could. Berlin rewards teams who commit - quietly, intentionally, and with care. PS: Have you visited Berlin yet?