1%
We just couldn't keep the company charged.
Nexy was a power bank rental network. We designed the hardware, built the software, and launched stations across Vancouver. But in Canada, building a hardware startup means navigating endless safety certifications, months-long permit queues, provincial regulations that differ city to city, and a banking system that treats startups like a risk — not an opportunity. The product worked. The system around it didn't.
If you've built hardware in Canada, I want to hear your story.
What roadblock drained your battery?
"Took 8 months just to open a business bank account. They kept asking for more documents."
"Got rejected 3 times for the same permit — each time a different reason."
"Spent more on compliance consultants than on actual product development."
"Waited 14 weeks for a safety certificate. Our competitor in the US got theirs in 10 days."
"Our lawyer costs more than our entire dev team combined."
"Applied for a provincial grant. Got approved 11 months later — after we already pivoted."
"Had to get separate certifications for each province. Same product, different rules."
"Investors told us to incorporate in Delaware instead. That says everything."
"Customs held our prototype for 6 weeks. No explanation. Just "under review.""
"Took 8 months to open a business bank account"
"We moved our manufacturing to the US. Shipping back to Canada costs less than producing here."