Venture Capital and Angel Investors - Challenging to Raise Money Outside of Canada

Both Venture Capital and Angel investors worldwidelobbying to change Section 116 would be positive for
have been challenged to raise a significant amount ofentrepreneurs in Canada and create world-class VC
money because of the challenging times world-wide.firms.
In Canada, raising money from outside the countryWith the current economic state entrepreneurs need
has been relatively challenging because of Section 116to be able to access capital to grow their businesses
which makes tax treatment for United Statesin Canada. Changing the tax treatment for United
investors a time consuming affair.States to make it easier for Angels and Venture
In British Columbia, the BC Renaissance Capital FundCapital investors to invest in Canadian businesses
has created pools of money to invest in venturecould be very positive for entrepreneurs and business
funds. However, this VC has to invest a significantgrowth within Canada.
amount of the commitment back into companiesFinding the money has always been a challenge and
from that province.now with the tightening of the belts worldwide it is
Canada is competing for capital and talentindeed more difficult. Section 116 tax treatment for
internationally. Administrative hurdles like Section 116the United States investors should not be a time
give Canadian VC's hurdles to compete for capitalconsuming affair. The United States and Canada can
internationally. Canadian VC's traditionally invest theirwork together to stimulate our business economy if
money in their home region so the net effect ofchanges are made to Section 116.