[slantyyz]

>> There is no way it's difficult to hire talent in Toronto, which consistently ranks as one of the most desirable cities in the world.

It's not hard to hire talent in Toronto if you're willing to pay full price.

In my experience, a lot of startups will try to use the lure of risky options/equity/bonus promises with the occasional signing bonus in exchange for a "startup discount" on the base salary.

Combine high living expenses of Toronto with the fact that there are so many large companies in Toronto offering stable jobs, your talent pool shrinks to those people who can or are willing to take on the risk of working for a startup.

[Naritai]

Sure - now take that situation, and throw into the mix having Google and Facebook 30-mins away and them having the budget to outbid you on anybody they want at any time. That's what Joist management is walking into by moving to SF.