From Mobile Clinics to Canadian Innovation: The Startup Visa Journey of Milad Parsa

In this episode of the SUV Founder Series, we sit down with Milad Parsa, co-founder of Runaso, a specialty vehicle company designing mobile clinics and mobile service units that make healthcare and essential services accessible wherever people are.

Milad shares how a tragic event in Iran sparked the mission behind Runaso, how he and his friends built a strong founding team, and why Canada became the right environment to scale a global, mobility-focused business. He walks us through his Startup Visa experience, from pitching to incubators and securing a Letter of Support, to navigating the challenges of settling in Canada and closing their first major contract.

His story is a practical look at what it takes to build trust, adapt to a new market, stay resilient, and run a business while navigating the immigration process.

This episode offers clear lessons, genuine insights, and encouragement for Startup Visa applicants and immigrant founders building their future in Canada.

Timestamps:
0:06 – Introduction
1:49 – Milad’s Background Before Canada
3:44 – Why Canada?
4:53 – Discovering the Startup Visa Program
6:24 – Their Startup Visa Journey
7:47 – Experience With the Incubator
8:55 – Pitching Experience
10:45 – Hardest Part of the Application
11:40 – Timeline to PR
12:41 – Documents and Preparation
13:51 – First Impressions of Canada
15:16 – First Steps as a Founder in Canada
17:00 – Has the Business Evolved?
18:26 – First Major Milestone
20:25 – Biggest Challenge After Arrival
21:33 – Early Mistakes & Lessons Learned
22:20 – Cultural Differences in Business
23:26 – What Kept Him Going
24:11 – Advice for SUV Applicants
28:05 – Where the Startup Is Today
29:31 – Achievement They’re Most Proud Of
30:32 – Goals for the Next 1–2 Years
31:14 – Giving Back to the Community


If you’re exploring the Start-Up Visa Program, or supporting immigrant founders, make sure to subscribe to the SUV Founder Series for more real stories and insights from entrepreneurs building their future in Canada.

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