With the mesh conference just five weeks away (register here), we've got another exciting opportunity - something we call "15 Minutes of Fame" or 15MOF. So what we're offering is three people on each day of the conference to come on stage for five minutes (hence, the Andy Warhol-like 15 minutes) to talk about a cool idea, a must-use Web 2.0 service, their need for venture capital, etc. For a shot at 15MOF, all you need to do is write a 250-word pitch on why you should share the stage with our top-notch keynotes and panelists. More more details on 15MOF, go here.
Update: For other takes on 15MOF, click here and here.

There is little high-tech venture capital in Canada.
Sure, there are venture capital firms but they mostly act like merchant banks - cautiously and conservatively investing in companies with customers, revenue and a track record. When it comes to start-ups, Canadian VCs have no appetite for risk. This is somewhat self-defeating because if there is no money for start-ups, it is difficult for them to grow into large companies with customers, revenue and track records. There is a chance - albeit quite small - that Canada's sad financing landscape is changing after Garage Technology Ventures Canada raised C$50-million to invest in early-stage companies. Now, $50-million is not a lot of cash but it's a start in the right direction. So how does Garage Canada define early-stage? Well, it's apparently willing to invest in companies that do not have a commercial product but have customers interested in making purchases. For a Canadian VC, this is a huge leap of faith - imagine, investing in a company without a product available! For those wondering about the link between Garage Canada and Palo Alto-based Garage Technology Ventures, the Canadian firm has a license to use the GTV's secret investment sauce and the brand. Garage Canada also plans to invest as much as 25% of its capital in the GTV's deals.
Addendum: GTV managing director Guy Kawasaki has a post about his first 100 days of blogging. The only quibble I have with his list (the man loves lists!) is his aspiration to have a top-10 Technorati ranking. It's fine to have ambitions but blogging should be more about the insight you offer than your popularity.