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Life is full of trade-offs. So it holds true for the start-up ecosystem everywhere in the world. I believe that the Canadian start-up ecosystem DOES work - but differently as Pieter has pointed out. It's very much a matter of values, culture and what one wants out of life. In my local Vancouver ecosystem, I've witnessed much self-selection of many serial entrepreneurs and angel investors over a period spanning almost 2 decades. As entrepreneurs and angel investors move in and out of our local community, those with "staying power" have built an incredible local infrastructure that has proven beneficial to our startup ecosystem. Arguably, they could've made a "bigger killing" if they emigrated to Silicon Valley but instead they chose to ply their trade here - and make a life for themselves here - and many have done so very successfully without compromising what is important to them.

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