Decoding the Canadian Tech Start-up Ecosystem : HWH018

In Episode 18, we are joined by Naren Balakrishnan: Principal- Tax, R&D, and Govt. Incentives (Grant Thornton). With over 15 years experience in information technology, including the last 12 in professional services and consulting, he helps clients across all industries file maximized and substantiated Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) and OIDMTC tax credit claims. He also provides support in other tax incentive advisory and compliance matters. A principal in the R&D and Government Incentives group, Naren’s area of specialty is in the technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) space. Here, he supports clients in the software information technology (IT) realm. This includes specialty areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), mobile application development, blockchain, fintech, aerospace and defense, health IT, and biotechnology. When working with clients, I support them in a number of areas including determining eligible expenditures, preparing technical reports, reviewing documentation, incorporating best practices to maximize claim size, and handling potential CRA matters, including audit defense. Naren is heavily involved in business development initiatives, developing strategic partnerships with technology associations, and working closely with start-up companies to help them get to the next level. In his spare time, he also volunteers to raise money for the United Way and other community organizations and charities.

In this episode, Naren shared insights on (Time Stamps):

(04:40): How he transitioned from a computer science student to advising start-ups in tax and compliance matters.  

(08:20): What really differentiates the Canadian Tech Start-up Ecosystem from the rest of the world.

(13:05): Naren shares with us how he’s been able to deliver tremendous value for his clients

(24:40): How start-ups are disrupting the tech-space in the North American market and particularly Canada

(29:00): How start-ups have responded to the Covid-19 challenge.

(32:30): Ways through which a start-up can prepare for financial instability before it actually happens

(37:40): Business development ideas for getting start-up clients on board.

To find out more about Naren, you may follow him on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/narenbalakrishnan/. Make sure you subscribe to this show and leave a review of what you think about this episode. For all the latest updates please follow us on https://www.instagram.com/hustlewithharmit/  you may also write to us on: harmitspeaks@gmail.com.