If you work at Cisco, do you need to start learning the national anthem of Canada?

“O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all thy sons command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free! …”

Just teasing, eh.

Cisco (Nasdaq: CSCO) is a global networking giant, and the U.S. remains its home. But the latest investment $150 million for innovation acceleration that Cisco disclosed today in Toronto makes clear – again – that Chairman and CEO John Chambers likes doing business there. Cisco’s tax spat is far from finished with the U.S., and in comments from Cisco executives about the latest deal you can read shots at American tax and business policy.

Let’s be clear on one point: Cisco loves North Carolina, to be sure. It’s bringing another 550 jobs to RTP and it is a limited partner in the new Bull City Venture Partners fund.

But Canada – now there is a love affair between a company and a country.

More  WRAL TechWire Coverage of Cisco:

  • Cisco goes to Canada for $4 billion in growth, 1,700 new jobs
  • Cisco bringing 550 jobs to RTP
  • Cisco’s D-Day salute to USA – new jobs – despite ongoing tax dispute
  • Cisco joins new Bull City Venture VC fund

Our Cisco ArchiveCheck out more than a decade of Cisco stories as reported in WRAL TechWire.

In December, Cisco committed $4 billion and 1,700 jobs over 10 years to Canada.

And read what Cisco execs said today in Toronto:

  • Nitin Kawale, President, Cisco Canada:

“Cisco believes there is a tremendous opportunity for growth and prosperity in Canada’s innovation engine. Canada continues to produce some of the top engineering and management talent in the world and is home to dynamic industries that are ripe for business transformation. We believe the Cisco Canada Innovation Program is a great opportunity to fund and mentor start-up companies, foster innovation and help Canada be recognized among the most innovative countries in the world.”

  • Hilton Romanski, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development, Cisco:

“Canada is a great place to do business, with tremendous potential for innovative ideas. Cisco’s investment focus is on strategic opportunities that align with our business today and with potential future disruptions that may shape the broader, global market and ecosystem. We see many opportunities in Canada and look forward to enhancing our global portfolio with additional venture funding in Canada’s innovation ecosystem.”

Just imagine what $150 million for startups would mean in North Carolina.

Cisco plans to invest north of the border in:

  • Venture capital funds
  • incubators
  • And what it calls “direct” deals in “cloud infrastructure, digital media, big
    data/analytics/information management, intelligent infrastructure and
    mobility.”

The company declared its intentions to  ”invest across a mix of technologies, businesses, and investment stages over the next 10 years, and will actively engage with investment partners and start-ups to mentor and develop new leaders and innovators.”

Cisco’s even playing cheerleader for Canada as a place to do business.

“Through the Cisco Canada Innovation Program, Cisco is encouraging other corporations to recognize Canada’s tremendous talent, innovation and commercialization opportunities and to increase their investments.”

O Canada! You’ve sure got a big friend in Cisco, eh?