In this episode of the StartWell Podcast, lobbyist Morva Rohani joins us for a candid conversation about something most founders rarely think about until it’s too late: public policy.
For many entrepreneurs, government only enters the picture when it comes to tax credits, grants, or regulation that slows things down. But Morva argues that this perspective misses a much bigger opportunity. Public policy isn’t just a set of rules companies have to comply with - it’s the process through which governments define problems, set priorities, and decide how entire industries evolve.
And if you understand that process, regulation can become a competitive advantage rather than an obstacle.
Drawing on her experience advocating for technology companies across Canada, Morva demystifies how lobbying actually works in this country, how it differs from the United States, and why the most effective advocacy today isn’t about “who you know,” but about showing up with real expertise, thoughtful solutions, and a clear understanding of what government is trying to achieve.
The conversation also explores a number of bigger themes shaping Canada’s innovation landscape:
- Why the idea of a unified “tech sector” is often misleading
- How startups should integrate with the industries they’re trying to disrupt
- Why regulators are increasingly skeptical of the “launch first, apologize later” model
- The cultural challenge of risk aversion in Canada’s economy
And why humility and collaboration matter more than ever when working with government
For founders building in regulated spaces - from fintech and crypto to transportation, healthcare, and housing - understanding how policy is shaped may be just as important as building the product itself.
At StartWell, conversations like this are part of our effort to bring thoughtful dialogue about business, innovation, and leadership to our community. By putting these perspectives on stage and sharing them widely, we hope to help entrepreneurs better understand the systems that shape the markets they’re building in.
