Thanks for all the Fish

Last week was the conclusion of my VC adventure.  For 8 years I’ve been doing the voodoo that VCs do and it’s been great.  I’ve realized, tho, Venture Capital is for the most part a spectator sport. You are a coach in some cases, yes, but in general, you write the check, do some nurturing but watch (hope for!) the growth.

I am not a good spectator. I am a terrible back seat driver (ask anyone!) and I really miss those days of making products and pressing the buttons.

Naturally, there will be the rumors and propaganda regarding the VC industry in Canada, etc, etc.  So, a few tidbits for you.

1. No, JLA Ventures isn’t the next casualty in Canada. Far from it, the upcoming announcements in the fall will certainly put that nonsense to rest.  I’ve written many times about the “brain flip” and in this case the bell tolls for me.  Going forward, JLA will continue to be the leading VC in Canada. They are the best, go there first, nuff said!
2. No, I don’t think the VC community is dead in Canada.  I’ve already talked about that one. I believed it then and I believe it now.
3. Yes, I believe now is a great time to be doing a startup. Nuff said on that one.
4. No, I’m not a casualty of anything or a symptom of anything.  It’s really as clean and simple as it is.  The VC thing and moi is not a long term good mix.

So, that’s a wrap for me.  I am really grateful to John Albright for giving me the opportunity at JLA Ventures.  The proof of being a risk taker is taking some wonk and letting him play with the big boys. 

JLA has great portfolio of companies with amazing management teams all of whom are in great shape by any metrics you’d like to use.  It’s been an honor to have been part of their story.

I have a number of posts queued up that I hope will be helpful as you continue your quest for startup glory, stay tuned to this station.

Go code something!  (I am)

Comments

[Sandy]

Thanks for all your support and honesty you brought to the investment community.

Best of luck with your new venture....

[John Philip Green]

Good luck with your next adventure Rick! Looking forward to hearing the details. When will we find out?

Our paths have crossed a few times over the last 4 years and though we haven't worked together directly, I've appreciated the work you've done from the VC side to support entrepreneurs in Canada. Hope you are staying in Toronto and will continue to be part of the community.

[Lekan]

Hi Rick,

I've been an avid reader of your blog for quite some time and I must say it is one of the blogs i take time to read every week. I wish you all the best in whatever you do.

[Sandra]

Neato. I look forward to what is next. Good Luck, Rick!

[David Crow]

Congratulations Rick! Startups will miss your "No Harm, No Foul" and honest, sincere advice.

[Rachel]

Intriguing. Looking forward to what you are going to do next.

[Joe]

Awesome Rick!

I'm sure your next move, whatever it is, will be amazing. Best of luck!

[Harrison Lung]

All the best ! I hope you continue with this blog.

Cheers !

[John Carson]

Thanks for all the great advice, Rick, and best of luck with the next venture!

John.

[Mark MacLeod]

Rick,

Big news! Congrats and look forward to hearing about your next moves.

Mark

[Michael Garrity]

Congrats on the move Rick. You've always been a tireless advocate for Canadian start ups and Canadian VC's. More so than many of those who were born here in Canada. Good luck on your next adventure and let us know how we can support you.

[Simon Sage]

Keep us posted about your future plans, especially if you're doing anything in mobile.

[Leila Boujnane]

No way! Awesome. Welcome to the trenches. Come and hang out with us more often. We will share war stories around the campfire! Congrats... You a spectator? What were you drinking? Anyway: good move. See you around.

[Jodi Echakowitz]

Looking forward to hearing about your next adventure. Best of luck and hope that we can stay in touch!

[Josh Sookman]

Rick -- It was great to have the chance to work with you at the BlackBerry Partners Fund! I'm looking forward to hearing what you're up to next. I'd wish you luck in your venture(s), but I know you don't need any. Cheers!

[Matt Bogart]

It was a pleasure to work with you Rick. I wish you all the best with your next challenge.

[Craig]

You've been really good at talking the talk, and now I'm really interested in seeing you walk the walk.

I wish you good fortune and look forward to your future posts that I expect will have a slightly different perspective!

[Jonas Brandon]

Congrats on getting back in the driver's seat Rick!

[Jeremy Wright]

Hey Rick, I posted on this at Ensight, but just wanted to reach out and say a nice big congrats, and an even bigger welcome back to the startup scene. We don't wear as many polo shirts, but we drink better vodka ;-)

[Jay Shirley]

Wow, Rick!

I guess Palin inspired you?

*rimshot*

Good luck, please keep us all posted. I'm eager to see what you're working on. I'm guessing it's Blackberry based, which means I'll miss out from first hand experience but still eager to see!

Thanks for your advice and blog posts from the ivory tower.

[dahamsta]

I await with bated breath. Hopefully something to do with the Pre, those BB's suck. :)

adam

[Marc Gingras]

Rick,

Good try - you are still not off the hook - knocking some sense into me as only you can do. You are and will remain a Tungler. You are a rock star and a friend. This IS the end of an era.

Keep it real Rick.

Marc.

[Lloyd Budd]

Can't wait to hear what is next for you!

[Pema Hegan]

Best of luck with whatever adventures you have planned next, Rick! And as Leila says... Welcome (back) to the trenches :). Selfishly, I hope you decide to stay in Toronto - you contribute so much to this community.

[Chris Kemp]

I have been an avid reader of your blog for a number of years and we crossed paths during JLA's due diligence of our company. I'm sure that you'll be greatly missed in the VC community here. Good luck to you in your future endeavors!