Nice news

High of 26F/3C in Toronto today and I counted six (!) bike commuters out and about on just my 2 block walk to a coffee shop this morning.

It’s been a big week for Bike City.

Last Wednesday I had a final presentation for one of my classes and as I was packing up to head to a meeting I noticed that David had texted: “call me when you can. I have some nice news.” Being the understated Brit that he is, I guessed/hoped that his news was a little better than “nice” and rushed into the hall to call him.

It was definitely better than “nice.”

We are very honored to have been awarded a $10,000 Sobtoka Seed Stage Venture Grant.

I know.

In the flashy world of high tech start-ups, $10,000 may not seem like much. But for us, it’s a good boost to get us going on our next pilot.

And, while the money is super helpful and important, it’s always nice to get some external validation that this is an idea worth exploring. Encouragement and feedback along the way helps us learn and recalibrate as we go. Which is the best you can hope for, really. 

When I read some of the feedback from the grant committee I had another moment of “welp, let’s just pack up now because these are really good points and I don’t have a clear answer right now.” Ugh. Come on! They just gave us $10,000.

I know.

That is not the signal to pack up and go home.

But I sure could use some of that oft bemoaned MBA hubris right about now.

Fortunately I’ve rallied and re-focused on our stupidly long to-do list. Plenty to keep us busy over the holiday break.

And yes, if you ask me about Bike City at a holiday party I will talk your ear off about it until you send a strong signal that you’ve had enough. You’ve been warned. 

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