E506 – Lasha Glennie, The Startup Surge in Winnipeg
“You can have an incredibly low burn rate here because everything’s so affordable. Like, we have startup founders that own houses.”
Lasha breaks down the unique strengths of Winnipeg’s startup ecosystem, including a deep talent pipeline, affordable cost of living, and sector-specific tax incentives that are among the best in the country. She shares how her role bridges local growth and national investment attraction—offering white-glove support for companies ready to expand or establish a presence in Manitoba. She also covers the importance of grassroots innovation hubs like Tech Thursdays and Manitoba Innovates, the evolving role of programs like the Manitoba First Fund, and the city’s approach to nurturing future anchor companies. Lasha also offers practical advice for founders preparing to enter new markets, attend major conferences, and pursue global growth. Whether you’re building your first startup or seeking a strategic second office location, this episode offers an inside look at one of Canada’s most underrated cities for innovation and entrepreneurship.