Valhalla Private Capital

12/11/2023

After a tumultuous year - largely credited to forest fires, iron ore mining in Newfoundland and Labrador and activity in natural gas and crude oil extraction in Alberta - Canada's economy remains up in the air.

As we look back at 2023, read more about the ups and downs of the Great White North's forever ebbing and flowing economy. Read more via our blog: https://www.valhallaprivatecap.com/canadian-economy-flatline-report-sector-rate-hike-bank

12/08/2023

Downtown offices are the most vacant they’ve been in a decade… and Calgary is the emptiest of them all.

Read more via our blog: https://www.valhallaprivatecap.com/calgary-empty-office-conversion-redevelopment-business

12/08/2023

It looks like the latest impediment to staff en masse has crept upon us as a result of the coronavirus pandemic: introducing brain fog.

According to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of adults with a disability rose from less than 15 million before the pandemic to about 16.5 million in September 2023, a number of which are experiencing “serious difficulty” thinking in a condition that has been linked to long Covid.

This particular infliction - defined by Healthline as “a symptom that [...] can cause confusion, memory issues, and a lack of focus” - has reportedly caused adults between their 20s and 40s to struggle with attention and conversation. People older than this age bracket, however, are more likely to experience memory deficits.

Arianna Huffington, founder and CEO at Thrive Global, has reiterated that brain fog can be caused by a range of different factors outside of Covid-19.

Via LinkedIn, she explained: “Even if that’s true, we should remember there are many factors that contribute to cognitive fog, from burnout and a lack of sleep to the gut-brain connection and the role of inflammatory foods in our diet.”

Indeed, Healthline notes six common causes of brain fog: stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, diet, medications and medical conditions.

But it seems not everyone is satisfied with the American government’s connection between the coronavirus pandemic and brain fog.

Sarah Hatter, senior director of community and events at PartnerHero, maintains that “we do not want to acknowledge that the consecutive traumas of a global pandemic, recession and mass layoffs, inflation, ridiculous political upheavals, and two active wars have changed how our brains work.”

On the topic, she elaborated: “We are all changed because of it, and that means the way we manage people has to change.”

Read more via our blog: https://www.valhallaprivatecap.com/brain-fog-covid-staff-disability-attention #

12/08/2023

Canada’s unemployment rate is on the rise once again, this time reaching a 21-month high of 5.7% according to Statistics Canada. leading many to hint at an “economic slowdown” for the Great White North.

This marks the fourth month of an increase in unemployment in the past six months, with the rate expected to reach 6% by the end of 2023.

Tu Nguyen, economist RSM Canada shared via LinkedIn that “the impact of high interest rates on businesses and households is undeniable.”

On the topic, she continued: “Those currently unemployed and those just entering the workforce –youths, for instance, are finding it more challenging to find work as labour demand eases. Even though companies are not going through mass layoffs, hiring freezes are becoming the norm.”

The Bank of Canada will get one more jobs report before its next interest rate decision next month on 6 December, with experts predicting the central bank will not add a further rate hike.

This viewpoint is maintained by Charles St-Arnaud, chief economist at Credit Union Central Alberta, who explained: “The softening of the labour market, with weak job gains, slower wage growth and a rising unemployment rate, suggests that some slack is being created in the economy. This will be welcomed by the Bank of Canada, and we believe it means that another rate hike is very unlikely.”

However Stephen Tapp, PhD, chief economist at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, claims this further rise in unemployment is “certainly not a cause for alarm yet”, though signals the strain of an increase in immigrants to Canada’s labour supply.

Do you have a question about angel investing? Get in touch with Valhalla Private Capital via our contact page.

12/05/2023

The one and only R Stewart (Randy) Thompson made an appearance at MNP's Tech the Halls Christmas party this year!

Rumor has it he brought his own red feather boa for the occasion... Goodlawyer BDC Fasken Innovate Calgary InterGen UCeed Investment Funds Olympia Trust Company Startup Canada Startup TNT

12/05/2023

Amid Valhalla Private Capital's 2023 highlights was our 20th anniversary, which saw R Stewart (Randy) Thompson and the gang celebrate bringing upwards of $74m of capital to more than 300 companies over the span of two decades.

Speaking of the companies achievements to date, Randy shows gratitude for "geographic coverage in six cities at one time, with chapters in Red Deer and Medicine Hat at one point in our history, and (just before COVID) more than 150 investors, 14 partners and employees creating a “cradle to exit” experience for more than 1,200 companies a year in 29 countries."

"You were part of it, and many of you still are," he added. Read more of Randy's letter via our blog: https://www.valhallaprivatecap.com/members-alumni-message-randy-stewart-thompson

Our chairman Randy Thompson takes a moment to remember where Valhalla Private Capital came from and where we see ourselves going.

12/04/2023

With another year almost in the books, we look back at the predictions of our Valhalla Vikings for 2023 with insights from R Stewart (Randy) Thompson, Rod Brown, Grant Lawrence, Marco Donadeo and more!

On the topic, our chairman Randy explained: "As entrepreneurs whether we like it or not there is at least one time in the journey where your expectations, assumptions, repetitive behaviors all get challenged.. and not like Kodak where you get boiled slowly, but like a sports car hitting a brick wall. That was my year.

"The other truth about a 'recalibration' in your journey is that the recalibration is spiritual... resetting what you believe and what's important and make sure you and your company stand for those values."

Read more via our blog: https://www.valhallaprivatecap.com/2023-year-ahead-angel-investing-entrepreneurs-business-canada

2023 has finally arrived, signaling a bittersweet farewell to another tumultuous year for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Find out what our team has to say about 2022 and the year ahead.

12/01/2023

Canada’s has trended higher once again this month, according to the latest iteration of Statistics Canada | Statistique Canada’s November survey.

The survey reported that Canada’s rate rose to 5.8 per cent in November - up from 5.7 per cent in October - which is being credited to the Bank of Canada's steep hikes and their detrimental effect on the .

While increased in manufacturing (+28,000; +1.6%) and construction (+16,000, +1.0%), declines occurred across retail (-27,000; -0.9%), finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing (-18,000; -1.3%).

However, Canada’s economy added a modest 25,000 last month, falling short of the pace of population growth. Due to this, economists maintain the Bank of Canada will continue to hold its key interest rate steady.

Unsurprisingly, the people of LinkedIn have some choice thoughts about Canada’s “labour-constrained economy”.

David-Alexandre Brassard, chief economist at Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada), said: “The interest rates are starting to bite like we expected them to, resulting in a stunted economy. The labour market holding strong illustrates that we are in a labour-constrained economy.”

“Wage pressures by themselves should not be enough to maintain inflation in unsustainable territory. On the contrary, higher interest rates seem to be sufficiently constraining and we can expect the Bank of Canada to hold their ground with no changes to the rate in next week’s announcement,” he continued.

On the plus side, hourly rose 4.8% (+$1.57 to $34.28) on a year-over-year basis due to staff asking for more money to combat inflation.

On the topic, Charles St-Arnaud, chief economist at Credit Union Central Alberta, remarked: “The Bank of Canada will take comfort in seeing slower momentum in wage gains, but wages continue to grow at levels that are disconnected from productivity gains.

“The rise in the unemployment rate suggests that some slack is gradually building up in the , which should help ease some of the upside pressures on wages.”

Read more via our blog: https://www.valhallaprivatecap.com/canadian-unemployment-labour-force-survey

Canada’s unemployment rate has trended higher once again this month, according to the latest iteration of Statistics Canada’s November labour force survey.

12/01/2023

Does Your Startup's Authenticity Matter?
Here’s hoping your business’ origin story hasn’t been embellished too much - Merriam-Webster Dictionary has chosen “authentic” as its word of the year for 2023.

The word - which according to the Oxford Dictionary means “of undisputed origin; genuine” - is being celebrated by the publisher in light of what Merriam-Webster has referred to as a “crisis of authenticity”.

Merriam-Webster’s choice was celebrated by Dylan H., founder of Reach, who said via LinkedIn: “Now, as we navigate an era where AI blurs the lines between real and virtual, maintaining authenticity becomes both a challenge and an opportunity for creators.”

On the topic, he continued: “In my own journey with REACH, I've seen how authenticity builds a community that's resilient and supportive.

“Whether it's bringing members to red carpet events or fostering a platform where young creatives can learn and grow, the core has always been about genuine, impactful experiences.”

However, not everyone resonates with Merriam-Webster‘s word for the year 2023.

Reid Litman, global consulting director at Ogilvy, explained: “‘Authenticity’ has lost all meaning - it's become a Gen Z buzz word for those not exactly sure what they want to say.”

The Ogilvy global consulting director elaborated: “Gen Z craves brands that act more like ever-evolving characters with a POV and publicly facing leaders than it does brands that cling to PowerPoint brand guidelines.”

Likewise Brendan Gahan, former chief innovation officer at Mekanism, said: “Not a fan of Merriam-Webster's selection of ‘authentic’ as its word of the year.”

“It certainly reflects today's challenges with AI and misinformation. But, in the creator landscape, this term's usage is often overused. So much so, its become a platitude largely devoid of meaning.” he added.

Instead, Brendan suggests the word is related to ‘one's personality or character’, rendering ‘authentic’ as a vague umbrella-term which doesn’t embody a successful founders’ “spectrum of traits, with authenticity being just one facet.”

Other words of distinction from 2023 include “deepfake,” “dystopian,” “indict,” “coronation” and “X”, in light of Elon Musk’s ill-fated Twitter rebrand.

Read more via our blog: https://lnkd.in/gmbyVEM8

12/01/2023

More than half of workers believe that disclosing details on will lead to better , according to the latest iteration of LinkedIn’s Index.

The index - which is based on a survey of 3,302 members in Canada between June and September 2023 - found that 52% of people asked felt that people sharing their information (including and ) would improve workplace equality, compared to 48% in 2022.

This number varies between different generations, with younger Canadians more likely to express support for pay transparency (73%), followed by 69% of Millennials, 46% of Gen X and 44% of Baby Boomers.

However, 37% of those surveyed remarked that they felt anxious about sharing their pay information - a 2% rise from the year prior.

Likewise, just under half (49%) said they felt well for the work they do while 74% expressed that the between and had become too wide.

The people of LinkedIn have come out in their dozens to give their two cents on the topic, with Adrienne Tom, executive resume writer for executives, saying: “I'm all for salary transparency, so long as the number is clear and legit. Some postings list salary ranges so wide that the actual salary number isn't entirely clear, leaving job seekers confused.”

“If you have a manager who is not advocating for the pay gap, you are working for the wrong manager,” remarked career strategist Sweta Regmi, while noting that women in Ontario earn an average of $0.87 for every dollar earned by men.

On the topic, she added: “Salary ranges with job postings can help close the gender pay gap while allowing companies to find qualified candidates more quickly.”

Read more via our blog: https://lnkd.in/gMQ9Yatv

12/01/2023

This December, the folks at Valhalla Private Capital will be revisiting some of our most popular posts from throughout 2023 alongside some topical news-focused posts to keep your finger on the pulse of all things !

11/30/2023

More than half of workers believe that disclosing details on will lead to better , according to the latest iteration of LinkedIn’s Index.

The index - which is based on a survey of 3,302 members in Canada between June and September 2023 - found that 52% of people asked felt that people sharing their information (including and ) would improve workplace equality, compared to 48% in 2022.

This number varies between different generations, with younger Canadians more likely to express support for pay transparency (73%), followed by 69% of Millennials, 46% of Gen X and 44% of Baby Boomers.

However, 37% of those surveyed remarked that they felt anxious about sharing their pay information - a 2% rise from the year prior.

Likewise, just under half (49%) said they felt well for the work they do while 74% expressed that the between and had become too wide.

The people of LinkedIn have come out in their dozens to give their two cents on the topic, with Adrienne Tom, executive resume writer for executives, saying: “I'm all for salary transparency, so long as the number is clear and legit. Some postings list salary ranges so wide that the actual salary number isn't entirely clear, leaving job seekers confused.”

“If you have a manager who is not advocating for the pay gap, you are working for the wrong manager,” remarked career strategist Sweta Regmi, while noting that women in Ontario earn an average of $0.87 for every dollar earned by men.

On the topic, she added: “Salary ranges with job postings can help close the gender pay gap while allowing companies to find qualified candidates more quickly.”

Read more via our blog: https://www.valhallaprivatecap.com/pay-transparency-workforce-confidence-index-linkedin

More than half of workers believe that disclosing worker compensation details on job postings will lead to better equality in pay, according to the latest iteration of LinkedIn’s Workforce Confidence Index.