Since I started this series, I have received multiple emails of support from entrepreneurs – several of whom are “clients” of MaRS – and innovation practitioners. Here are some extracts:

I appreciate your courage to post your views (which I share) on the MaRS topic”  (from a university research commercialization specialist and entrepreneur)

“Being a client of MaRS, I share your sentiments, but wouldn’t do so in public (for the same reasons you mention)” (from a Toronto entrepreneur)

“I forwarded your site to some of my friends at MaRS. I’m finding it quite revealing to say the least!” (from a MaRS tenant)

“I saw your post on MaRS. I had heard the numbers, but had not had the link to them. Thank you.” (from an angel group member)

“MaRS is like the planet. It’s cold and distant. Apart from some educational sessions, it doesn’t do much for actual start-ups, yet it wants to control our galaxy. They should call it the Death Star.” (a Toronto entrepreneur)

“Can’t disagree with anything you are saying” (a long-time MaRS client)

“The story sounds interesting, and clearly quite relevant.” (from a national paper business columnist)

“They’re all so pompous and useless at MaRS, as if they’re running a NASA lab (…) If they had given that money to real entrepreneurs instead, they would have created more jobs and wealth” (from a Toronto entrepreneur)

“MaRS lacks any sort of accountability. Their impact is unknown because they don’t publish any relevant metric” (executive at another innovation hub)

(more…)