I agree with Lee the YouTube acquisition worked out okay, double click as well. But with both of these who knows what the company's would have done had they remained independent.

My guess is that some producers came to the founders and said "can we try to produce a show using Twitter as a platform?", the twitter boys, said "what would we have to do?" and the producers said "Nothing, we just want to work on a show and pitch it to some networks and you guys get more PR".

At least that's what I get from the twitter blog post on this http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118004136.html?...

Not sure. My guess is that LPs would invest in early stage VCs if they came and asked for investment in Canada. Could go both ways, existing LPs pushing VCs up teh value chain, at the same time not many if any early stagers looking for investment from potential LPs. (pure speculation on gut feelings)

it's the diversity in VCs and risk profiles, having things like Seedcamp and other early stage angel investors who work with VCs. Also LPS are able to diversify so they have later stage and early stage investment vehicles.

Think the first point was bang on the mark. Left Canada eight years ago for Europe. Starting a company with another Canadian who's lived in the US for the past 6 or so years. We've both found the appetite for risk in early stage, seed, with an idea and a solid team just isn't there. 3-5 meetings and people just don't want to take the risk.

US and Europe even just have more angels ready to make the early stage dive.

Wow, love the analogy. Think that and skate to where the puck is going are the two sports related analogies that really ascend from Sport into life.