cal5k, Investors who invest money in your startup don't want to travel 3 hours (to Vancouver) 8-12 hours (to toronto) to manage their investment.

That is one important factor that makes startups in Toronto and Vancouver very unattractive. Most Silicon Valley investor invest money in your startup based on the fact that you are going to be within an hour distance away. It is easier for them to manage, especially when they have multiple investments. And that is why Brian can't easily just take the funding and move to Vancouver or Toronto and set up shop.

And I haven't even started talking about the difference between Canada - SFO/Mountain View with regards to talent pool and networking.

The point is, in general and this applies to 'most' companies (although not all), if you want your startup to be successful, you move to Silicon Valley. The difference is absolutely unbelievable.