Tank Talks By Ripple Ventures

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Tank Talks! Host Matt Cohen is joined by John Ruffolo as they dive deep into some of the most fascinating business and tech news, covering everything from the Bank of Canada’s interest rates to Figma’s IPO debut and the rising debate over AI web crawling. Get ready for another whirlwind discussion on the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of technology, finance, and policy!Bank of Canada Holds Rates Amid Tariff Resilience (00:31)The episode kicks off with a look at the Bank of Canada’s decision to hold interest rates steady at 2.75%, despite tariff resistance from the U.S. Matt and John dissect how the Canadian economy is faring and whether this wait-and-see approach will help or hurt the country’s future rate cuts.Figma IPO: A Tech World Shake-Up (02:56)Figma, the design software giant, hits the New York Stock Exchange with a stunning 225% stock surge, far surpassing its $33 IPO price. Matt and John explore the remarkable jump in Figma’s stock value, its previous $20 billion offer from Adobe, and how this signals a new era for the tech IPO market.The Surge of AI-Powered IPOs and Investment Opportunities (05:02)From Figma to potential IPOs from high-growth AI companies, the episode shifts focus to the flood of upcoming tech public offerings. With Microsoft and Meta reporting blowout earnings, the duo discusses how AI and high-tech companies are dominating the IPO space and the new investment opportunities in play.Cohere's Growth Amidst AI Giants (07:29)Canadian AI startup Cohere is making waves with a new partnership with Bell Canada and reports of revenue growth, doubling its projected recurring revenue. John and Matt discuss how the startup is positioning itself in the highly competitive AI space, especially with privacy-focused models catering to regulated industries.JPMorgan and Coinbase's Surprising Crypto Partnership (09:48)JPMorgan and Coinbase announce a groundbreaking partnership, directly connecting customers' bank accounts to crypto wallets. Matt and John break down how this bold move marks a huge shift in the banking industry, particularly as Canadian banks are left playing catch-up.Ontario Cancels Starlink Deal Over Tariff Tensions (12:09)In a shocking move, the Ontario government cancels a $92 million Starlink deal due to U.S. tariff tensions. Matt and John discuss how this decision could impact access to vital broadband for remote communities and the political ramifications of Canada’s communications sovereignty.The Growing Battle Over AI Web Crawlers and Content Protection (15:26)As AI web crawlers, including OpenAI's GPT and Anthropic's Claude, face growing restrictions, Matt and John discuss the implications of major companies like Amazon and media giants blocking these crawlers. The episode explores the future of online data scraping, the rise of closed ecosystems, and the potential impact on digital advertising.Connect with John Ruffolo on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/joruffoloConnect with Matt Cohen on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/matt-cohen1Visit the Ripple Ventures website: https://www.rippleventures.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

In this episode of Tank Talks, we’re joined by Gaurav Jain, co-founder of Afore Capital, one of the earliest and most respected players in the pre-seed investing space. Gaurav shares how growing up in a small town in India, moving to Canada, and working at Blackberry, Amazon, and Google helped him understand the value of momentum, iteration, and building products that truly matter.He walks us through how a random dinner at Harvard led to meeting his future co-founder, how they built Afore around the belief that the best founders are often overlooked too early, and why the firm exclusively focuses on investing before there's a product or sometimes even an idea.Gaurav dives into what makes a great founder at the earliest stage, why he believes momentum is the only moat, and how the rise of AI has only accelerated opportunities for young, technical entrepreneurs to build enduring companies with less capital. He also opens up about the firm's "Founder-in-Residence" and "UTransfer" programs, his view on the Canadian tech scene, and the power of bespoke, high-conviction investing.We explore:* Why is momentum the only true moat in early-stage startups?* Can pre-seed investing still deliver alpha now that it's crowded?* Is seed-strapping the future of venture capital?* How do you identify founders before they've found their idea?* What happens when you give 19-year-olds the capital to build?Building a Pre-Seed Fund Before “Pre-Seed” Was a Thing (00:03:54)* Interning globally to chase experience and perspective* The turning point: joining Founder Collective* Meeting co-founder Anamitra through a lucky dinner at Foundation Capital* Launching Afore in 2016 to fill the pre-seed voidFounder Empathy & Early-Stage VC Lessons (00:08:17)* Mistakes from being a first-time founder* Learning that exits don’t matter, products and pain points do* Why Canadian angel advice focused too much on sales, not software* Why product-led growth is a must-have, not a nice-to-haveThe 10,000 Coffees Rule of Venture (00:11:27)* How judgment is built: time, exposure, and repetition* Why investing based on ideas (not teams) is a rookie mistake* Filtering “this could work” vs. “this must work”* The real constraint in VC: time, not capitalAfore’s Mission: Investing Before the Idea (00:15:00)* The “Too Early” problem founders face and why Afore exists* How FIR (Founder in Residence) and Transfer University fund ideation* Building a support system, not a portfolio of call options* Why being idea-stage isn’t a red flag, it’s a sign of ambitionConvincing LPs That Pre-Seed Was Real (00:19:19)* LP skepticism: “Isn’t this just the bad deals no one else wants?”* How talking to founders not seed managers won over investors* Working with PitchBook and Crunchbase to split out pre-seed data* Making pre-seed visible helped founders self-identify and alignSeed-Strapping and the Rise of Efficient Startups (00:24:00)* How AI-native startups are hitting $1M ARR 2x faster* Case study: Gamma’s hypergrowth on ultra-low burn* Why founders can delay growth rounds longer than ever* Capital efficiency is now a competitive edgeMomentum Is the Only Moat (00:26:07)* How Android’s rise taught Gaurav speed = survival* Lessons from RIM’s downfall: never rest on product laurels* Why the AI era is reshaping iteration timelines* Pre-seed startups now move at the speed of launches, not quartersPivot-as-a-Service in the AI World (00:34:16)* FIR teams pivoting from speech therapy to CX platforms* Younger founders = more raw talent, less domain bias* Startups pivoting every 6–8 weeks—and why that’s healthy* Embracing pivots as a feature, not a flawScaling Afore with Purpose (00:35:21)* Fund IV, $500M+ AUM, and 150+ companies later* Why concentrated portfolios beat spray-and-pray* The dangers of being too dogmatic on stage or valuation* Supporting breakout talent like Neo, Gamma, and BenchGlobal Perspective: Canada’s Role in Venture (00:41:19)* Why Canada produces world-class engineering talent* The upside and limits of building in the North* Hybrid models: Canada for R&D, U.S. for GTM* Afore’s belief in serving Canadian founders, wherever they buildFailure may define most early-stage startups, but for Gaurav Jain, the real story starts before the pitch, before the product, even before the idea. With Afore Capital, he is betting on people over polish, instinct over perfection, and helping founders build long before the rest of the world is watching. His journey reminds us that great companies don’t always start with traction; they start with trust.About Gaurav JainCo-founder and Managing Partner at Afore Capital. Ex-Android, BlackBerry, and founder of Polar Mobile. Afore is known for being one of the first firms dedicated to pre-seed, supporting founders before they even have an idea.Connect with Gaurav Jain on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gjainvcVisit Afore Capital Website: https://www.afore.vc/Connect with Matt Cohen on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/matt-cohen1Visit the Ripple Ventures website: https://www.rippleventures.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

Welcome back to Tank Talks! In this episode, host Matt Cohen and John Ruffolo dive deep into the latest developments at the intersection of AI, tech, finance, and Canadian sovereignty. From Canada's battle over data center sovereignty to the rapid rise of secondary funds in venture capital, Matt and John cover it all in a fast-paced, thought-provoking conversation.Canada’s Looming Data Sovereignty Crisis (00:30)Matt and John kick things off with a critical discussion on Canada's data sovereignty issues. With foreign powers potentially controlling key Canadian data centers, they explore the risks and the urgent need for Canada to develop a more self-reliant infrastructure.The Great AI Infrastructure Rush (03:23)The Canadian pension funds (also known as the Maple 8) are making huge moves in the AI infrastructure space. But is this just the tip of the iceberg? Matt and John unpack the massive investments pouring into data centers and AI infrastructure, and what Canada could do to ensure it doesn't just become a resource extractor for foreign companies.The Growing Secondary Market: Northleaf’s $663 Million Fund (07:56)Secondary funds are taking center stage in the private equity world. Northleaf Capital Partners recently raised $663 million for its secondary fund, and Matt and John break down the growing trend of secondary transactions in venture capital. Will more firms follow Northleaf’s lead? Tune in to find out!The Issue of Zombie Assets in Venture Capital (10:57)John introduces the concept of “zombie assets” that are sitting stagnant in venture capital funds. These assets are causing liquidity problems, and Matt and John discuss how secondary funds like Northleaf are stepping in to help.Sovereignty and Stablecoins: A National Security Risk? (12:57)As the US dominates the stablecoin market, Matt and John discuss Canada’s vulnerability in the crypto space. Should Canada be concerned about losing control of its monetary policy to foreign stablecoins and cryptocurrencies? The conversation takes a deep dive into how these digital assets are changing global financial power dynamics.Regulating Crypto and Stablecoins in Canada (16:42)John brings up a troubling development, Canada’s slow response to the rise of stablecoins, and the risks of leaving its financial sovereignty at the mercy of foreign-backed assets. With the US moving fast on crypto regulation, what should Canada do to protect its financial system?A Wake-Up Call for Canadian Banks (19:47)Matt and John discuss the changing landscape for Canadian banks as crypto and stablecoins grow in popularity. What should Canadian financial institutions do to ensure they don’t lose out on this emerging market? The hosts explore potential strategies for banks to adopt in response to the rapid growth of decentralized finance.Connect with John Ruffolo on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/joruffoloConnect with Matt Cohen on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/matt-cohen1Visit the Ripple Ventures website: https://www.rippleventures.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

Welcome back to another action-packed episode of Tank Talks! Join host Matt Cohen with John Ruffalo as they break down the high-stakes drama shaking the AI and tech world. First up: the shocking collapse of OpenAI’s $3 billion deal to acquire Windsurf, derailed by Microsoft’s IP grip, and Google DeepMind’s lightning-fast $2.4 billion countermove to snag top talent. Was this a regulatory dodge or a ruthless talent grab?The plot thickens as Cognition swoops in to rescue Windsurf’s abandoned employees, sparking fiery debates about ethics in tech acquisitions. Meanwhile, Meta’s throwing half-billion-dollar offers and unlimited GPU access at AI researchers, will this arms race kill open-source AI?From Google’s $3 billion hydropower deal to private equity’s risky play for Grant Thornton, no stone is left unturned. Plus, is the red-hot IPO market ready for crypto’s comeback? Strap in for a no-holds-barred dive into the deals, power struggles, and Silicon Valley scheming you need to know about!OpenAI’s $3 Billion Deal Collapse: A Tech Industry Shock (00:45)It all started with a major deal unraveling: OpenAI’s attempt to acquire Windsurf, a competitor to Cursor, fell apart due to a contractual conflict with Microsoft. Matt and John break down what went wrong, how this impacts the AI talent war, and the broader implications for future tech acquisitions.Google DeepMind's $2.4 Billion Deal: A New Era of AI Acquisition (02:05)Google swoops in to capitalize on the situation with a $2.4 billion licensing deal for Windsurf’s key staff and technology. Matt and John explore how this move positions Google and whether it signals a new wave of AI-powered business acquisitions.The Ethics of Acquihires and Minority Shareholder Issues (05:10)What happens when top employees leave with huge payouts, while others are left behind in the dust? John and Matt discuss the ethical and legal complexities of acquihires and the tension between founders, employees, and investors when money and control are on the line.Cognition’s Quick Move to Acquire Windsurf (07:00)In a dramatic twist, AI company Cognition steps in to acquire Windsurf and its employees, turning the situation around. Matt and John analyze the speed and strategy behind this acquisition and what it means for competition in the AI coding space.Mark Zuckerberg’s AI Talent Strategy: Unlimited GPUs and $500M Deals (09:00)Zuckerberg’s bold move to attract top AI talent with unlimited GPU access and eye-popping compensation packages is making waves. But is it desperation or a stroke of genius? Tune in as Matt and John debate the future of AI talent wars and Meta’s place in the race for superintelligence.The Power Struggles Behind AI and Crypto Investments (11:05)It’s not just about technology; it’s about energy, too. Matt and John discuss the power struggles behind data centers, microgrids, and massive AI and crypto energy consumption, including the huge investments made by Meta, Google, and Oracle to secure their futures.Grant Thornton's Global Franchise Issues: When Private Equity Meets AI (12:20)Private equity’s increasing role in professional services firms like Grant Thornton is causing some tension. Matt and John explore how AI and cross-border partnerships are shaking up the accounting world, leading to serious questions about the future of global firms.Bitcoin Soars and IPOs Heat Up: The Crypto Revolution (15:30)Bitcoin is soaring and the IPO market is heating up with crypto companies eager to go public. John and Matt discuss the latest developments in the blockchain world, and whether there’s room for Canadian companies to make waves on the IPO stage.Connect with John Ruffolo on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/joruffoloConnect with Matt Cohen on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/matt-cohen1Visit the Ripple Ventures website: https://www.rippleventures.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

Jay Lee collaborates with Matt Cohen at Ripple Ventures and recently worked on the Build Canada Group memo. They discuss Canada’s outdated capital gains policies that discourage entrepreneurship compared to the U.S. Improving tax reforms could close the small business gap and create jobs. They emphasize the importance of a thriving private sector for economic growth and the need for better incentives for risk-takers. Lee advocates for attracting talent and investment to ensure a prosperous future for Canadian innovators.

In this episode of Tank Talks, we’re joined by Sam Pillar and Forrest Zeisler, co-founders of Jobber, a platform that’s changing the way small service businesses operate. Jobber brings everything, quoting, scheduling, invoicing, and payments, into one simple, powerful system, making it easier for service professionals to run and grow their businesses.Sam and Forrest share how what began as late-night coding sessions and casual coffee shop chats evolved into a company helping thousands of tradespeople work more efficiently and take back control of their time. They talk about the early lessons learned, the importance of staying relentlessly focused on real customer needs, and how they’ve embraced AI to help entrepreneurs future-proof their businesses.From turning 56-hour workweeks into tasks handled in minutes, to giving business owners the freedom to manage operations from anywhere, even a hospital room or beachside cabana, Jobber is proving that small businesses don’t have to sacrifice their well-being for success.We explore the big questions:* Can AI finally give small business owners their "5 to 9" back?* What happens when you build software by listening, not dictating, to your customers?* Will AI become the most indispensable "employee" for millions of tradespeople?The Coffee Shop Origins of Jobber (00:01:43)* Meeting over code at Remedy Coffee in Edmonton* Building software to bring order to small business chaos* Learning from real customers instead of leading with assumptionsThe Power of Listening to Small Business Pain Points (00:04:31)* How a $430 phone bill inspired Jobber's early product* Focusing on relationship-driven problem discovery* Why the best solutions come from understanding, not pitchingEarly Hustle and Near-Impossible Odds (00:08:19)* Maxed-out credit cards, mice in the office, and toaster oven hacks* The role of naive optimism in surviving the startup grind* Asking parents for investment in an “idea” that wasn’t worth much (yet)Building Trust with Small Business Owners (00:11:27)* Overcoming skepticism of the cloud and digital tools* Why authenticity, empathy, and asking the right questions matter* The “bullsh*t meter” of tradespeople and how Jobber earned credibilityImpact Stories: Reclaiming the '5 to 9' Life (00:18:24)* A customer's ability to run his business from a hospital bedside* Empowering entrepreneurs to pursue dreams, not drown in paperwork* Emotional success stories from Jobber customersThe 'Gateway Drug' of Entrepreneurship (00:22:02)* The surprising role of poop scooping businesses* Why low-barrier industries ignite entrepreneurial ambition* Jobber’s commitment to serving all small businesses, no matter how nicheScaling with Purpose: Jobber as the Shopify of Home Services (00:23:43)* Prioritizing customer stories over founder fame* Embedding customer obsession into every team and meeting* How Jobber fosters an internal culture rooted in small business successThe Future of AI for Trades & Small Business (00:26:07)* AI as a “most trusted employee” for entrepreneurs* Real-world automation reducing 56-hour tasks to minutes* Why tradespeople stand to benefit most from AI efficiency* Building trust before AI can fully run their businessCo-Founder Chemistry & Fun Facts (00:34:16)* Forrest’s love for right-hand drive sports cars* Sam’s vintage Mercedes obsession and former bike courier skills* The role of carpentry, farming, and hands-on hobbies as a founder escapesAs entrepreneurial life splinters under pressure, platforms like Jobber illuminate a better path: one where smart technology and strong relationships meet. They’re not just building software—they’re cultivating trust, reclaiming freedom, and reimagining what it means to succeed in small business. Whether you're buried in paperwork or dreaming of the next simple service, Jobber could be the partner you didn't know you needed.About Sam PillarCo-founder & CEO of Jobber, passionate about empowering small service businesses. Former freelance developer turned tech leader driven to help entrepreneurs succeed.Connect with Sam Pillar on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/sampillarAbout Forrest ZeislerCo-founder & CTO of Jobber, software engineer by trade with a deep belief in building practical solutions for real-world problems. Known for his car obsession and mechanical watch collection.Connect with Forrest Zeisler on LinkedIn :https://ca.linkedin.com/in/forrestzeislerVisit Jobber Website: https://www.getjobber.com/Connect with Matt Cohen on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/matt-cohen1Visit the Ripple Ventures website: https://www.rippleventures.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

Welcome back to another thought-provoking episode of Tank Talks! In this episode, Matt Cohen and John Ruffolo cut through the noise to unpack the latest economic headlines and policy shifts reshaping North America’s business landscape. From Canada’s surprise repeal of the Digital Services Tax to Brookfield’s launch of an evergreen private equity fund, this episode dives deep into the forces driving change in trade, finance, and innovation.Will Canada’s late-stage policy reversal strengthen its position in U.S. trade talks? Are evergreen funds the next big wave in private equity? And how will digital-only banks and stablecoins reshape the future of finance? Tune in for all that and more!Canada’s Digital Services Tax Repealed at the 11th Hour (00:14)Just hours before the June 30th collection date, Canada repealed its controversial 3% digital services tax to clear the runway for renewed trade negotiations with the U.S. Matt and John unpack the political optics, the timing missteps, and why this repeal might’ve come too late to score real leverage in the upcoming Carney-Trump summit.Trade Tensions and a Pivot Away from U.S. Exports (02:50)With U.S. tariffs still biting Canadian industries like steel, aluminum, and autos, exports to non-U.S. markets jumped 5.7% in May. John analyzes the long-term risks and what a 10% tariff “compromise” could mean for Canadian trade policy moving forward.Brookfield’s Evergreen Fund: Liquidity vs. Strategy (06:37)Brookfield’s launch of a new evergreen private equity fund is raising eyebrows. These liquid investment vehicles are tailored for high-net-worth investors, but could they undermine Brookfield’s traditional closed-end funds? Matt and John discuss the tradeoffs and potential disruption to institutional capital models.Stablecoins, Erebor & The Future of Banking (10:53)With the launch of Erebor, a new U.S. digital-only bank backed by Palmer Luckey, Peter Thiel, and Joe Lonsdale, the open banking revolution is heating up. But will Canada get left behind amid regulatory hesitations? The duo explores how stablecoins and crypto-native banks are reshaping the financial ecosystem.The “Big Beautiful Bill”: Trillions in U.S. Spending (13:56)At nearly 1,000 pages and $4.85 trillion, the latest U.S. tax and spending package is a behemoth. John calls out some of the more controversial provisions, like Section 899, a “revenge tax” aimed at foreign investors, and weighs in on what this means for the U.S. deficit and global investment climate.Figma Files to Go Public: A Product-Led Rocketship with a Caveat (16:49)Figma’s S-1 filing reveals eye-popping growth: $750M in 2024 revenue, 91% gross margins, and 90% of the Fortune 500 on board. But one number raised eyebrows, its definition of net revenue retention. Is the 132% figure misleading? Matt and John dissect the metrics and what investors need to know.Anthropic & OpenAI’s Revenue Explosion (19:39)AI darlings Anthropic and OpenAI are shattering expectations, with annualized revenues of $4B and $10B, respectively. What’s fueling this growth, and is it sustainable? Matt and John assess the trajectory and strategic implications for the broader AI race.Meta’s Talent War: $300M Signing Bonuses & AI Domination (20:30)Meta’s aggressive push into AI includes poaching top OpenAI talent with eye-watering offers reportedly reaching $300M. Is this visionary investing, or panic-mode recruiting? The conversation digs into the implications of Meta’s superintelligence ambitions and the high-stakes battle for AI supremacy.Microsoft Layoffs: AI Efficiency or Budget Strategy? (22:52)With Microsoft cutting 9,000 jobs, questions swirl around whether AI-driven efficiencies or strategic capital reallocation are the real drivers. John shares his take on what this means for enterprise software, consulting firms, and the future of knowledge work.As the tides of global economics, innovation, and technology continue to shift, Tank Talks is your front-row seat to the big moves shaping our world. Don’t miss this jam-packed episode!Connect with John Ruffolo on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/joruffoloConnect with Matt Cohen on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/matt-cohen1Visit the Ripple Ventures website: https://www.rippleventures.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

Henrik Werdelin, co-founder of BarkBox and Prehype, and Nicholas Thorne, an experienced startup innovator, dive into the future of solo entrepreneurship with Audos. They discuss the potential for AI to revolutionize one-person businesses, transforming them into scalable ventures. Hear about the concept of "Donkeycorns" and the shift from big teams to empowered solo founders. Their insights on finding customer needs, the role of strategic relationships, and the blend of automation with personal touch make for an engaging listen.

In this episode of Tank Talks, Matt Cohen speaks with Ryan Manucha, research fellow at the C.D. Howe Institute and author of Booze, Cigarettes, and Constitutional Dust-Ups, about a critical issue that remains largely invisible yet impacts every business operating in Canada: interprovincial trade barriers.Despite being a G7 economy, Canada continues to operate like a collection of fragmented markets, with conflicting provincial regulations creating friction across supply chains, licensing, and commerce. From inconsistent building codes to restrictions on transporting wine, the regulatory inefficiencies between provinces quietly stifle economic growth, suppress competition, and make it harder for startups to scale.Ryan outlines how these barriers originated, why reform has been so difficult, and what solutions, like mutual recognition and targeted legislation, are gaining traction across the country. He also shares how political will, industry pushback, and regulatory inertia are all part of the story. If you've ever wondered why your favorite B.C. wine can’t be shipped to Ontario, or why it’s so hard for businesses to scale across Canada, this episode is for you.Canada’s Fragmented Internal Market (00:01:00)* Why interprovincial trade feels like dealing with 13 separate countries* How protectionist policies quietly hurt entrepreneurs and consumers* The story of Gérard Comeau and the constitutional fight over beerThe $200 Billion Opportunity (00:06:43)* Why eliminating internal trade barriers could add up to 7.9% to Canada’s GDP* The dynamic benefits of freer internal markets beyond the static estimates* Why mutual recognition matters more than full harmonizationReal-World Examples of Dysfunction (00:09:56)* The absurdities of cannabis excise tax stamps and meat supply chain barriers* Trucking regulations, GST/PST discrepancies, and licensing headaches* The “invisible” cost of credentialing and compliance across provincesWhy the U.S. and Australia Do It Better (00:12:03)* How stronger constitutional laws and market pressure keep the U.S. more unified* Australia’s model of mutual recognition and regulatory transparencyThe Politics Behind the Gridlock (00:15:35)* How provincial self-interest, regulatory capture, and lobby pressure slow reform* Why strong leadership from premiers like Doug Ford and Danielle Smith is key* The federal government’s role in bridging the gaps and building capacityFixing the System (00:20:56)* Why the Canadian Free Trade Agreement is full of opt-outs and loopholes* How a “coalition of the willing” could lead the way* Using market pressure and interprovincial courts to drive changeWhat’s at Stake for Startups and Innovation (00:36:37)* How trade barriers inflate the cost of living and suppress entrepreneurship* Why tech founders and business leaders need to speak up* Ryan’s call to action: “If you see something, say something.”About Ryan ManuchaRyan Manucha is a research fellow at the C.D. Howe Institute, a Harvard-educated lawyer, and the author of Booze, Cigarettes, and Constitutional Dust-Ups, which won the 2022 Donner Prize for best Canadian public policy book. He specializes in Canadian interprovincial trade law and is a leading voice on reducing regulatory inefficiencies to promote innovation and economic growth.Connect with Ryan Manucha on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/ryan-manuchaVisit the C.D. Howe Institute: https://cdhowe.org/Check out Booze, Cigarettes, and Constitutional Dust-Ups (2022 Donner Prize winner)Explore the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA): https://www.cfta-alec.ca/Connect with Matt Cohen on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/matt-cohen1Visit the Ripple Ventures website: https://www.rippleventures.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

Welcome back to another electrifying episode of Tank Talks! Matt Cohen is joined once again by John Ruffolo to unpack the latest economic and technological headlines. From Canada’s growing role in global AI and energy discussions to the latest shifts in public-private partnerships, this episode is packed with high-stakes insights and forward-thinking analysis.Is Canada ready to lead the charge in AI and quantum technology? Can the nation address its looming energy challenges and secure a sustainable economic future? Tune in for an exploration of these questions and more!G7 Summit & Canada's Global Position: A Race for AI Leadership (00:14)The G7 Summit in Alberta saw world leaders make bold commitments to AI and quantum technology, with Canada front and center. But how realistic are these promises? Matt and John dive into the challenges and opportunities ahead as Canada seeks to secure its place as a global leader in innovation and technology.AI Investment and Quantum Computing: Is Canada Ready to Step Up? (00:40)The G7 has pledged $185 million towards AI and quantum growth, but John has concerns about the scale and execution of these investments. Will this funding truly move the needle, or is it just more talk without follow-through? John discusses whether Canada has the right strategy to dominate in these transformative technologies.Energy Challenges: Canada’s Struggle for Economic Resilience (03:30)Energy remains Canada’s Achilles' heel. As global markets shift and environmental concerns grow, John breaks down Canada’s struggle to address its energy needs while maintaining environmental responsibility. How can Canada secure its energy future in a politically and environmentally charged landscape? The conversation digs into what needs to change for the country to thrive.Open Banking: Canada’s Slow Progress and Risk of Falling Behind (06:05)Despite promises, Canada is still stumbling on the road to open banking. With no concrete timeline in place, John and Matt discuss the latest developments and why Canada risks falling behind other fintech hubs like the U.S. and the UK. Is Canada’s fintech future in peril, or is there hope for change on the horizon?Public-Private Partnerships in AI: A Game-Changer for Canada’s Economy? (08:47)Cohere’s new partnership with the Canadian and UK governments is raising the stakes for AI innovation in the public sector. As AI gains ground in government services, Matt and John examine how this public-private collaboration could shape Canada’s economic future. Are these partnerships the key to unlocking Canada’s AI potential?Meta’s AI Bet: Is Zuckerberg Playing Catch-Up or Leading the Charge? (14:32)Mark Zuckerberg is throwing down big bets in AI, offering hefty signing bonuses and investing $14 billion into Scale AI. But is this a desperate attempt to catch up with rivals like OpenAI, or a strategic move to solidify Meta’s position at the forefront of AI? Matt and John analyze the implications of Zuckerberg’s moves and what they mean for Meta’s future.Investment Shifts: VC Fund Performance and What It Means for the Tech Landscape (20:01)The latest data on VC fund performance reveals some stark realities. While TVPI (Total Value to Paid-in Capital) shows some life, DPI (Distributions to Paid-in Capital) is still scarce. John and Matt dive into the numbers and discuss what this means for investors, founders, and the future of venture capitalAs global dynamics shift, Canada’s role in AI, energy, and investment will be tested like never before. Can the country capitalize on its technological opportunities, or will it get left behind? This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding how these shifts will shape the future of business, technology, and global leadership.Connect with John Ruffolo on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/joruffoloConnect with Matt Cohen on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/matt-cohen1Visit the Ripple Ventures website: https://www.rippleventures.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com