Tank Talks By Ripple Ventures

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

In this episode of Tank Talks, Matt Cohen chats with Ryan Gariepy, CTO and Co-Founder of Clearpath Robotics, on how a garage project from four Waterloo grads turned into one of Canada’s biggest deep tech exits. Ryan takes us behind the scenes of Clearpath’s $600M acquisition by Rockwell Automation and the company’s journey from building robots for researchers to dominating the autonomous mobile robot (AMR) space.The conversation covers building during a hardware-unfriendly time, the harsh realities of supply chains, the open-source bet that changed robotics, and what it really feels like to pitch in a room of 50+ Rockwell execs. Ryan also breaks down why humanoid robots are still far off, the evolution of talent in robotics, and how Canada can stay in the game. A must-listen for anyone building in frontier tech, hard tech, or just trying to scale something real.Garage to Global Robotics Platform (00:00:49)* Building Clearpath as a first job out of university* From LEGO and sci-fi to industrial-grade robots* “We didn’t incorporate until we sold our first piece of vaporware.”* Early clients and funding in a post-2008 downturnFinding Product-Market Fit in Robotics (00:07:22)* Observing where researchers were getting bored and the industry was getting excited* Why they skipped the self-driving car race and focused on logistics* Clearpath’s strategic bets: industrial automation, mining, and inventory trackingThe Role of Strategic Investors (00:10:00)* Caterpillar, GE, and Hyundai backed Clearpath with market-aligned capital* “They were bought into the vision before the checks were written.”The Rockwell Deal: Behind the $600M Exit (00:10:48)* Term sheet to close in five months: “It felt like an eternity.”* Surviving a 50-person technical due diligence call* Lessons from being tested by Fortune 500 execs: “I’m proud I made it through.”* On integration: "Separate your identity from your company early, it helps."Post-Acquisition Life and Scaling with Rockwell (00:16:16)* Transitioning from founder to employee* How joining Rockwell offered the scale Clearpath couldn’t build alone* The upside of collaborating with seasoned technical leadersROS, Open Source, and the OSRA Launch (00:17:11)* Founding the Open Source Robotics Alliance* Making open-source robotics enterprise-ready* “We want people to build on reliable tools, not reinvent the wheel.”AI, Hype vs. Reality in Robotics (00:20:03)* Why LLMs aren’t yet revolutionizing robot performance* Cautioning against overhyping early AI integrations* “Writing the algorithm is the easy part, everything around it is the hard part.”The Evolution of Robotic Talent (00:23:07)* From grad-school coders to cross-industry engineering pros* Production-grade code becoming the standard* The underrated value of hiring low-ego, heads-down engineers earlyLessons from Scaling Hardware Through Crisis (00:27:23)* Navigating power cable shortages during COVID* Being vertically integrated saved them barely* “Our margins took a hit, but our suppliers knew we were long-term partners.”Why Autonomy in Plants Will Win (00:34:07)* Factory robots vs. public-road self-driving cars* Simpler operational environments = faster ROI* “We already have the existence proof for factory autonomy.”The Future of Robotics (00:36:59)* Hoping for better sensors, especially depth cameras* Small, on-device AI models for better HRI (Human-Robot Interaction)* “The tech isn’t quite conscious, but we’re close to robots that can explain themselves.”About Ryan GariepyRyan Gariepy is the CTO and Co-Founder of Clearpath Robotics, a Waterloo-born robotics company that pioneered open-source development in autonomous mobile robots. In 2023, Clearpath was acquired for $600M USD by Rockwell Automation. Ryan is a board member of the Open Source Robotics Foundation, co-chair of the Canadian Robotics Council, and a vocal advocate for AI and robotics leadership in Canada.Connect with Ryan Gariepy on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/rgariepyVisit Clearpath Robotics Website: https://clearpathrobotics.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

In this episode of Tank Talks, we delve into the grassroots movement that's turning heads across Canada’s innovation ecosystem: Toronto Tech Week. Joining us are two of the powerhouse organizers behind the festival: Julia Baird of Golden Ventures and Taha Hossain of Daybreak Studio. With Collision saying goodbye to Toronto, Julia and Taha stepped up to fill the void, co-creating a decentralized, nonprofit, and radically inclusive tech festival that’s rallying an entire city.From organizing 200+ events across 24 neighbourhoods to collaborating with giants like Shopify and Google Cloud, Julia and Taha break down how Toronto Tech Week came to life, what makes it truly different from traditional tech conferences, and why it matters so much to Canada’s next generation of founders, investors, and builders.* What’s the future of community in tech?* How do you run a 5-day, 200+ event festival without a central committee?* Can a city-scale tech festival really be open-source and inclusive?How Toronto Tech Week Was Born (00:02:37)* Why Collision’s exit left more than just a calendar gap* The spontaneous conversations that sparked a movement* What it took to rally 40+ early partners and full-city supportDecentralized by Design: What Makes This Festival Different (00:04:50)* The open-source structure and why it works* Student-led, VC-supported, builder-run: a new way to “conference”* Why side events became the main eventSocial Media & The Rise of Momentum (00:08:50)* How Toby Lutke, Twitter, and memes helped launch the idea* Rallying the community with retro vibes and real voices* Why the diversity of events is by design, not accidentDesigning the Streetcar-Inspired Website (00:11:13)* Taha’s inspiration from his Toronto commute* Gamifying city navigation with local flavour* How retro tech, TTC lines, and nostalgia created an authentic experienceLogistics of a 24-Neighbourhood Tech Week (00:17:44)* The hidden support of the City of Toronto* Navigating across the city on foot, by bike, or by subway* Why decentralization adds to the magicBuilding a Global Platform from a Local Base (00:25:08)* How CDL and other partners brought international attention* The snowball effect of global participation* Why leaders like ​Chamath Palihapitiya, Geoffrey Hinton & Harley Finkelstein matterWhat to Expect: From Hinton to Homecoming (00:17:44)* Previewing the biggest events, from BetaKit Town Hall to Netflix’s CTO* What excites Julia and Taha most on the calendar* How every community, from AI to CPG, is representedHosting an Event? Here's How (00:34:27)* How the event application process works* What types of events are welcomed (hint: all of them)* How organizers can tap into tools, space, and city supportThe Ripple Effects: Why This Matters (00:31:22)* Why Canadians are everywhere but rarely recognized* Why Toronto Tech Week is a "homecoming" for global talent* How this might plant seeds for the next wave of innovationAdvice for Founders & Attendees (00:35:58)* Why Toronto is the easiest place to make real friendships* What the organizers hope every visitor walks away with* How optimism and belief drive long-term impactAs cities everywhere chase the next big tech event, Toronto may have just found the blueprint: open, grassroots, volunteer-led, and deeply local. Will other ecosystems follow its lead?Toronto Tech Week is a weeklong, citywide collection of events to connect and celebrate the tech community. Happening on June 23-27, 2025, it's an open platform for anyone to join or host events to showcase Toronto globally as a city where anything is possible.About Julia BairdJulia Baird is the Head of Platform & Operations at Golden Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund based in Toronto. She’s also one of the founding organizers behind Toronto Tech Week. Julia brings deep experience supporting startups and venture ecosystems and has been instrumental in building the strategic partnerships that power this new community-first festival. When she’s not coordinating 200+ events, she’s championing Canadian tech talent and empowering founders to scale their impact.About Taha HossainTaha Hossain is the founder of Daybreak Studio, a design and technology studio based in Toronto that partners with high-growth startups to craft impactful brand, product, and web experiences. As one of the founding organizers of Toronto Tech Week, Taha led the creative direction behind its now-iconic streetcar-inspired website and brand identity. His work blends playful design with deep cultural context, making tech feel approachable, authentic, and unmistakably Toronto.Connect with Julia Baird on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliabaird/Connect with Taha Hossain on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tahahossain/Visit the Toronto Tech Week website: https://www.torontotechweek.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 episode of Tank Talks! This week, Matt Cohen and John Ruffolo dive deep into the economic and innovation headlines shaping Canada's future, from the shocking collapse in domestic VC funding to Bell’s billion-dollar bet on AI infrastructure, and Mark Carney’s latest power move that might just redefine Canadian politics.* Is Canada's startup ecosystem on life support?* What Bell's AI supercluster plan means for data sovereignty and why it might be too small, too late.* Mark Carney's political chess game: A shift to the economic right?* Jim Balsillie’s warning about crypto, open banking, and the end of Canadian monetary independence.This is one episode where politics, venture capital, and emerging tech collide. Let’s dive in.Vancouver’s Web Summit Debut: A Promising Start, But Room to Grow (00:00:42)Matt shares his experience from Web Summit Vancouver, highlighting a surprisingly dense tech scene and global founders living in B.C., but the event suffered from a lack of promotion and branding blunders.John’s take: Good signs of energy on the West Coast, but Vancouver still needs to establish itself as a recurring VC destination.Canada's VC Crisis: A System on the Brink (00:04:30)BDC and CVCA reports reveal domestic early-stage VC activity has plummeted to a five-year low. U.S. capital, once Canada’s cushion, is drying up too.John’s take: The system is at a critical point. Without a strong local VC backbone, Canada risks losing its tech future. The warning signs are clear and urgent.Risk-Off Era: Are VCs Getting Too Cautious? (00:08:14)Fundraising is down, LPs are nervous, and timelines are stretching. Despite great founders, Canadian VCs are playing defense, not offense.John’s take: It’s fear, not fundamentals. This is the exact moment when bold investing should happen. But anxiety from capital pools is paralyzing the ecosystem.Bell's AI Supercluster Gamble: Bold or Too Small? (00:12:40)Bell Canada plans six new AI data centers, but can they compete with the U.S.'s Stargate megaproject?John’s take: We’re betting small while others bet global. Sovereignty is good, but if we’re not exporting Canadian tech to the world, we’re falling behind.Jim Balsillie’s Crypto Challenge: Canada Must Move or Be Left Behind (00:16:08)Balsillie urges the government to adopt open banking and stablecoins now or risk being sidelined in the new global financial order.John’s take: Canada was ahead in crypto once. If we don’t act now, we’ll lose our influence over the next generation of monetary infrastructure.Mark Carney's First Power Move: Is the Economic Right Back in Style? (00:18:51)Carney appoints Marc-André Blanchard, ex-UN ambassador and CDPQ executive, as chief of staff. It’s a clear signal he means business.John’s take: This is a big-league move. Blanchard’s background shows Carney is building a serious, economically focused leadership team.VC Fund Stakes on Sale: Crisis or Opportunity? (00:21:05)LPs like Yale and Harvard are dumping VC fund positions at steep discounts. Secondary market activity is exploding.John’s take: It’s concerning, but also an opportunity. Discounts of 60%+ could generate strong returns. Still, the pullback from emerging managers could choke off future innovation.If you’re a founder, investor, or policymaker, this is essential listening. Canada is at an inflection point, and this episode helps you understand the stakes.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, Matt Cohen speaks with Terry Doyle, Managing Partner at Telus Global Ventures, about the evolving role of corporate venture capital (CVC) in business strategy. Terry discusses his path from Nokia and Microsoft to leading one of Canada’s top CVC arms. With 30+ deals in 2023 and a dual “investor + customer” model, Telus is redefining how corporates fuel innovation. The conversation covers AI in emerging verticals, enterprise partnerships, and Canada's place in global tech. Founders, investors, and policy leaders alike will find actionable insights and strategic guidance throughout this episode.Terry’s Unconventional Career Path (00:00:49)* From law school to Nokia’s corporate development during the iPhone disruption.* Lessons from Nokia’s decline: "The paranoid survive" (Andy Grove) and the dangers of engineering-centric cultures.* Transition to Microsoft pre-Satya Nadella: Pitching $400M deals in an era where "revenue below $1B wasn’t reported."How Telus Builds Through Venture Capital (00:14:51)* Telus’s evolution from telco to tech & services powerhouse* Over 90% of investments include commercial partnerships* Measuring ROI through value capture: “$34M in portfolio revenue last year, targeting $60M this year.”Navigating M&A and Corporate Integration (00:28:43)* Why integration, not pricing, kills most acquisitions* Founders: plan to stay 3+ years post-acquisition* The liquidity logjam: public markets are closed, valuations remain stickyAI’s Vertical and Observability Revolution (00:43:00)* Why Telus is betting on vertical LLMs and AI observability tools* Applications in health, agriculture, and cybersecurity* “AI isn’t a side bet, it’s foundational to our product strategy.”Canada’s Innovation Imperative (00:32:58)* Only 6% of Canadian corporates invest in venture (vs. 40% in the U.S.)* “If you don’t like change, you’re going to hate irrelevance.”* The need for more startup acquisitions, angel reinvestment, and risk tolerance from corporate leadersAbout Terry DoyleTerry Doyle is Managing Partner at Telus Global Ventures, leading strategic investments across Telus’ digital health, agriculture, and AI verticals. A veteran of British Telecom, Nokia, and Microsoft, Terry has negotiated global M&A deals and now helps startups scale through Telus’ commercial ecosystem. Passionate about Canadian tech, Terry is also a long-time supporter of C100 and innovation policy.Connect with Terry Doyle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doyleterryVisit Telus Global Ventures Website: https://www.telus.com/en/ventures/global-venturesConnect 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

On this episode of Tank Talks, we sit down with Dean Brauer, co-founder of GoHenry, to explore how his revolutionary fintech startup is teaching kids financial literacy in a digital-first world. Dean takes us through his journey from South Africa to Toronto, then London, and back to Canada, highlighting how living abroad shaped his entrepreneurial mindset.Dean shares how GoHenry was born out of frustration with kids racking up charges on their parents’ credit cards and how he saw the opportunity to build a fintech product that combines financial education with practical money management. GoHenry’s unique approach of pairing a debit card for kids with an intuitive app has empowered millions of young users to learn about saving, spending, earning, and giving—all while giving parents the tools to guide their children responsibly.We also dive into Dean’s innovative fundraising strategies, including breaking equity crowdfunding records and raising millions from parents-turned-investors. He reveals how customer loyalty and a mission-driven brand helped GoHenry scale to over 2 million users across the UK and the US.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:* The inspiration behind GoHenry and why financial literacy for kids matters* How Dean navigated London’s emerging tech scene in the late 2000s* The unique challenges of expanding a fintech startup internationally* Why GoHenry chose crowdfunding over traditional VC in the early days* Lessons from GoHenry’s acquisition by Acorns and the strategic alignment between the two companies* Dean’s practical advice for founders on maintaining balance, focus, and integrity while scaling a businessBuilding Financial Literacy for Kids (00:04:55)* How GoHenry’s debit card and app teach money management* Why kids learn best by doing, and how GoHenry empowers themThe Crowdfunding Success Story (00:25:55)* How GoHenry raised $15M through customer investment* Why crowdfunding worked for GoHenry and how it built brand loyaltyNavigating International Expansion (00:35:37)* Lessons from expanding GoHenry from the UK to the US and Europe* How to balance home market stability with new market entryThe Acquisition by Acorns (00:40:09)* Why Acorns and GoHenry make the perfect pair for building financial wellness* How the acquisition strategy aligned with GoHenry’s missionAdvice for Entrepreneurs (00:44:17)* Dean’s “Rule of Three” for balancing family, health, and business* How maintaining integrity and authenticity helps build lasting relationshipsAbout Dean BrauerDean Brauer is the co-founder of GoHenry, a fintech platform designed to teach kids money management skills through real-world experience. Originally from South Africa, Dean’s journey took him from Toronto to London, where he co-founded GoHenry and led it to become a leader in the kid-focused fintech space. Following GoHenry’s acquisition by Acorns, Dean continues to inspire entrepreneurs with his practical insights on building mission-driven businesses.Connect with Dean Brauer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanbrauer/Visit the GoHenry website: https://www.gohenry.com/uk/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 sits down with John Ruffolo to dissect the latest turbulence in venture capital, political uncertainty, and Canada's looming economic challenges. From shrinking VC deals to a controversial budget delay, this conversation cuts through the noise to reveal what's really happening beneath the headlines.* The steepest drop in Canadian VC deal count since 2020* Seed rounds oversubscribed by U.S. funds, while Series A bars skyrocket* Growth equity freezes as Canadian LPs hunker down* The “denominator effect” myth dies in a two-week market rally* Cabinet curveballs: Tim Hodgson calms resource markets, but policy vacuum lingers* Can Ottawa really cut taxes without a budget vote?* Why investors fear 18 months of fiscal radio silenceVenture Capital in Crisis: Deals Down, Dollars Up (00:00:02)Canada's VC market showed worrying signs in Q1 2025, with just 116 deals - the lowest since 2020 (seed) and 2021 (pre-seed). While total investment held at $1.26B, this was propped up by large late-stage rounds. U.S. investors retreated, forcing startups to rely on shaky domestic funding. AI deals masked deeper weakness - excluding them, the market looked "very, very low." The data reveals growing risk aversion, particularly at early stages, threatening Canada's innovation pipeline as capital becomes increasingly concentrated in fewer, later-stage companies.John's Take: If early-stage funding collapses, innovation dies with it. We're already seeing the warning signs - fewer deals mean fewer future companies getting to Series A and beyond. The government doesn't seem to grasp how critical this pipeline is.Risk Aversion: Canada vs. U.S. (00:02:00)The U.S. market is surging, stocks rally, IPOs soar (eToro jumps 40% on debut), and capital flows despite turbulence. Canada, meanwhile, pulls back as local investors freeze while Americans dive in. The denominator effect fades as rebounding public markets revive LP confidence, unlocking fresh venture funding. Optimism returns, but risks linger beneath the rally’s glow. Will momentum hold, or will volatility resurface? For now, the bulls are running, and the world is watching.John's Take: This is classic Canadian risk aversion - we pull back exactly when we should be deploying. In the U.S., they see volatility as an opportunity. Here? We see it as a reason to hide. It's economic self-sabotage.Carney’s New Cabinet Sends Mixed Signals (00:11:24)Carney’s cabinet shuffle has drawn scrutiny, particularly with controversial picks like Evan Solomon overseeing AI compute. Meanwhile, the budget delay, now pushed to Fall, leaves Canada without a fiscal roadmap for 18 months since the disastrous April 2024 plan. Though the government promises middle-income tax relief, the lack of legislative details fuels skepticism. Is this genuine reform or mere political theater? With uncertainty looming, critics question whether Carney’s agenda can deliver.John's Take: Kicking the budget down the road is disrespectful to businesses making investment decisions. You can't claim to be pro-market while operating in a policy vacuum. This isn't governance - it's negligence.Higher Bars, Shifting Tides in Startup Funding (00:06:50)Canadian startups now face tougher Series A requirements, with investors demanding Series B-level metrics like $3M+ revenue. Meanwhile, U.S. capital is pouring into seed rounds, oversubscribing deals as American funds seek early-stage bargains. Yet the later-stage market has frozen, with growth equity drying up amid rising risk aversion. The funding landscape is increasingly polarized, hot at the seed level, brutal for scaling companies. For founders, adaptability is now the ultimate test.John's Take: The U.S. is eating our lunch because they understand something we don't - downturns create winners. While our investors panic, theirs are backing the next generation of companies. We're being outplayed at every turn.The Bottom LineJohn's Final Warning: Canada is at a crossroads. Without urgent policy fixes and a cultural shift toward risk-taking, we'll wake up in five years wondering why all our best companies moved south. The time to act was yesterday.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 episode of Tank Talks! Host Matt Cohen is joined once again by John Ruffolo to dissect the major headlines shaping the tech and political landscapes. From Google’s surprising search decline to Alberta's political maneuvers and OpenAI's evolving partnership with Microsoft, this episode delivers in-depth analysis and thought-provoking insights.Alberta’s Exit Threat: Political Reality or Empty Rhetoric? (00:04:20)* In a passionate speech, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called for significant changes, including scrapping Bill C-69 and easing pipeline restrictions. While her stance highlights Alberta’s grievances over federal policies, talk of a potential referendum on separation looms large.John’s take: Alberta’s frustrations are rooted in a decade of feeling undervalued, but the talk of separation could harm Canada’s stability on the global stage. Is this a legitimate political movement or a pressure tactic to get Ottawa’s attention?OpenAI’s Partnership Drama: Can Microsoft Keep Control? (00:09:36)* OpenAI’s revenue-sharing deal with Microsoft faces renegotiation, as the AI giant’s financial projections for 2030 are far lower than initially expected. With Microsoft holding critical infrastructure leverage, how will OpenAI balance growth aspirations with strategic partnerships?John’s take: The entry of a new executive at OpenAI may signal a strategic pivot as the organization navigates both its nonprofit roots and commercial ambitions.Apple vs. Google: The Browser Battle Intensifies (00:13:45)* Apple’s decision to challenge Google’s default search dominance has sent shockwaves through the tech world. As the DOJ moves to bar Google from maintaining exclusivity on third-party browsers, could this spark a major shift in browser market dynamics?John’s take: Apple’s track record with AI has been inconsistent, but disrupting Google’s foothold might be a game-changer in the long run.Is Google Losing Its Search Dominance? (00:15:09)* Google’s recent sell-off raised eyebrows, fueled by statements hinting at a decline in search usage. John Ruffolo dives into the implications of Google's search being “under attack” and the strategic shifts at play. Is the rise of AI-powered alternatives like ChatGPT fundamentally altering how people search for information?John’s take: Google’s maneuver might be an attempt to alleviate DOJ antitrust pressure. If Google’s dominance in search truly falters, what could this mean for the future of the tech giant?Education Disrupted: The AI Cheating Debate (00:16:52)* A viral article from New York Magazine claims students are increasingly using AI tools like ChatGPT to bypass traditional academic tasks. Is this cheating, or a natural evolution of how technology reshapes education?John’s take: Comparing the rise of AI tools to the introduction of calculators in schools, John questions whether the educational system needs a fundamental rethink to adapt to the digital age.Investing Evolution: CO2 Opens the Doors to Smaller Investors (00:19:27)* A new fund from CO2, backed by Bezos and Dell, allows investors to contribute as little as $50,000. Is this democratization of venture capital a positive trend, or a risky dilution of strategic investment?John’s take: This could signal a growing divide between massive investment conglomerates and boutique, specialized investors. Is the barbell approach to investment here to stay?Tune in to hear Matt and John’s nuanced perspectives on these unfolding stories, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of business, technology, and policy.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