Why I'm growing my Vancouver AI company in Taiwan and Europe instead of the U.S. (bcbusiness.ca)

Al Vigier, founder and CEO of the Vancouver-based AI company Caseway, has announced a strategic pivot for expansion, focusing on Taiwan and Europe instead of the United States. This decision follows the company's withdrawal from a technology accelerator in Silicon Valley, driven largely by concerns over legal exposure and market access amid changing trade relations between Canada and the U.S. Vigier emphasizes the importance of choosing market partners before pursuing new territories, stating that direct collaborations can provide clearer opportunities than forecasts. Caseway specializes in form-filling software for legal and defense sectors, emphasizing user control of sensitive data. In Taiwan, the company has established partnerships for pilot projects with firms like MiTAC and Kunway Technology, which build hardware that complements Caseway's software. These partnerships not only offer potential revenue share models but also grant access to specific customer needs in the drone industry. Meanwhile, efforts in Europe are bolstered by Canada’s defense financing agreements, presenting further opportunities for collaboration. As the AI/ML community watches this transition, Caseway's approach highlights a growing trend of tech companies seeking partnerships in regions that align closely with their operational requirements and market demands.