Moving to a foreign country to set up a business is a big dream for many entrepreneurs. But turning that dream into reality requires immense effort and a willingness to go the extra mile.
This was certainly the case for Maulik Pandya, founder of Eatance, an AI-powered Foodtech platform, when he began on his business journey in Canada.
However, years later, he has now announced his decision to leave Canada after enduring what he describes as “unbearable” struggles with the country’s systems.
“We have spent many sleepless nights, cried and watched our mental health and physical health fade,” Pandya wrote on LinkedIn, revealing the toll that persistent bureaucratic and systemic obstacles have taken on his family over the past few years.
Pandya’s post tells us about how not just him but his family was deeply invested in building a future in Canada, only to find themselves trapped in a cycle of delays, uncertainty, and frustration.
Their once-promising journey in Canada was marked by hurdles, from issues with their daughters’ education to the bureaucratic hurdles facing his business.
Pandya describes a series of unanswered inquiries to government offices, complex red tape, and overwhelming stress as they struggled to make it through the complexities of immigration and business regulations.
What were the struggles Pandya faced?
“Our children were punished by systems beyond their control,” Pandya shared, referencing the struggles his daughter faced with the International Student Permit (IRCC) and the impact of the delayed study permit on her education.
Pandya claims that they submitted their daughter’s application on time; however, the family was met with silence and confusion.
As their daughter’s school, McMaster University, demanded exorbitant international student fees and the uncertainty around her future grew, the family knew they had to make a tough decision.
It was not just the education system. Pandya explained the challenges his startup faced. He founded Eatance, a platform designed to revolutionise dining with AI-driven digital ordering and event management, with a vision of growth and innovation. Yet, the business encountered persistent delays and roadblocks that only compounded the family’s stress.
“Every day brought a new trap from Canadian system,” Pandya explained, claiming that the challenges he faced in his efforts to get a Startup Visa and Permanent Residency (PR). What started as a process expected to take only a few months had stretched on for years, with no clear answers and no sense of direction.
“We wrote to many offices and met silence or simple ping pong.” He explained that their efforts to seek clarity from lawyer and even our MP’s office yielded nothing substantial.
After years of waiting and uncertainty, the government’s processing times for the Startup Visa application extended beyond 10 years, putting their future in Canada in serious jeopardy.
Announcing his decision to leave Canada, he wrote, “Our decision is simple. We are not asking for anything more. We are closing this chapter and moving forward for the sake of our children and our peace.”
With this decision to leave Canada, Pandya and his family are now looking to move to India
Eatance will continue to serve global clients, with a 50% discount available through December 2025, but the company’s focus will shift to new regions.
Pandya added that while the Eatance app and Magnet may continue with some close partners in Canada, the majority of their operations and revenue will move to the US or India, where they will continue to grow.
‘This is heartbreaking to read’
Some of Pandya’s followers on LinkedIn wrote their opinion on the post.
A user noted, “This is heartbreaking to read. After such an immense effort, I deeply admire your strength and resolve to make this decision for your family’s well-being and future. I am praying for you and the family, and I wish you the very best as you build your next chapter in business and life.”
Another added, “Good decision.” Keep up the good work.”
“I have seen your journey up close. Your persistence, optimism, and the heart you put into building #Eatance. You created real value, jobs, and impact in #Canada. Collaborating with you as a mentor has been a source of valuable lessons, especially in resilience and purpose-driven leadership. Your decision reflects strength, not defeat. I am sad to see you and your family leave, but I deeply respect the courage it took to make this choice. Wishing you stability and continued success ahead,” added a user.