FLF Partner Insight:

Consulate General of Canada/Seattle

 

What is your organization’s name? Consulate General of Canada – Seattle

What is your mission and who does your organization serve? We represent the Government of Canada in the Pacific Northwest. We serve companies, industry partners, and entrepreneurs across Canada looking to expand their business and establish partnerships in this region.

What exciting trends are you seeing with startups in Washington right now? I think there are a couple of very interesting niches that WA State startups are making some noise in, notably real estate tech. But given this region’s industry DNA, I’m most excited about some of the work being done at the cross-section of software and aerospace. I think we’ll continue to see startups move into the hardware side and introduce some fantastic technology for the space and commercial aerospace sectors.

What do you hope to get out of partnering with WTIA on this first-ever First Look Forum in Bellingham? We’re strong supports of building more cross-border bridges in the regional tech startup ecosystem. There are great things being done by entrepreneurs all over BC, WA and OR — we should be doing more to bring those people together. WTIA’s First Look Forum provides a great opportunity to do just that. We’re excited to bring together startups, investors, and mentors from BC to this event to help promote cross-border collaboration.

Do you have any advice for the First Look Forum competitors? I think some of the best advice I’ve seen recently for early stage startups, particularly those starting to pitch, comes from Vancouver investor and founder Boris Wertz at Version One Ventures. His advice was, well, simple: “simplify”! Simplify your vision, your value proposition, your metrics and your pitch. It’s harder than you think, but well worth the effort for your audience.

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Written by: Troy DeFrank

Troy DeFrank is a Trade Commissioner at the Consulate General of Canada in Seattle where he promotes cross-border trade, investment, and business partnerships in the tech sector, with a focus on gaming, wireless, and enterprise software. His work includes building relationships with Fortune 500 companies, industry associations, and startups across Canada and the Pacific Northwest. Prior to joining the Consulate General of Canada in 2011, Troy spent five years as an International Business Development Manager for the Washington State Department of Commerce where he led international business delegations to Japan, Europe, and Canada. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Master’s Degree in International Studies from the University of Washington.