For any startup founder, choosing the right advisors to guide their growth is critical. Since launching MT>Ventures in May 2020, it’s been our mission to be that key advisor. We’ve worked with so many extraordinary companies in the Canadian ecosystem, and they’ve taught us a lot. We want to share our reflections and insights after three years of exciting challenges and successes.

Lawyers as partners and advisors

1. Startups need more than a lawyer or a law firm. They need a dependable partner. A partner who will support their business development efforts and build connections with potential customers and clients. A partner who will help craft investor decks and raise capital in volatile markets. A partner who will guide them through legal and non-legal challenges with advice based on real-world experience. We believe that lawyers should be trusted business advisors, and at MT>Ventures, we’re in it to win it with you.

Patience and resilience with a long-term focus

2. Building, investing in, and servicing a startup require patience and resilience – qualities that are equally important in legal counsel. All parties must be prepared for periods of high growth, setbacks, and potential failures. We coach our companies to focus on long-term growth and patience amidst shifting macroeconomic landscapes. Startups need to take calculated risk and should consider when to accelerate, and when to pivot. MT>Ventures has seen its portfolio companies make smart decisions based on challenging international circumstances, and only now are they reconsidering growth prospects outside Canada. Their patience was critical, and we know they’ll emerge stronger than before as the broader environment evolves.

Due diligence all around

3. Due diligence is essential for founders and investors. It’s not enough to rely on the work of others. Investors sometimes depend on the due diligence of lead and co-investors while founders are tempted sell to the first customer who validates their product. But good due diligence lets founders and investors independently assess the financial stability, reputation, and credibility of potential customers or investments. It flags issues such as legal disputes or regulatory compliance concerns. And independent due diligence helps startups and investors avoid groupthink and anecdotal evidence, thereby evading bad partnerships and minimizing future risk. At MT>Ventures, we do our own due diligence before adding a new client to our community, recognizing the significant investment of time involved. We work with a select group of companies where we can provide disproportionate value.

Conclusion

MT>Ventures is a startup dedicated to serving other startups. At three years old, we’re learning and growing everyday, understanding that our growth and knowledge directly impacts our portfolio companies. As we continue to evolve, we’re excited to partner with more startups in the Canadian ecosystem, providing them with advice while encouraging their patience and resilience as they bring their visions to life.