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Wattpad declined to respond directly to The Logic’s questions. “We don’t have any comment about the cities we spoke with for this process,” said spokesperson Kiel Hume. Wattpad’s RFP said it would prefer a host city willing to help secure government subsidies, according to The Globe.

(Wattpad) was looking to an ecosystem that complements their personality as an organization Volta CEO Jesse Rodgers

Halifax’s bid was a joint initiative that included Dalhousie University, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI) and the innovation hub Volta, Volta CEO Jesse Rodgers told The Logic.

“(Wattpad) was looking to an ecosystem that complements their personality as an organization. I know Allen (Lau) and Eva (Allen’s spouse and Wattpad’s former head of community), both are interested in the smaller cities – the Winnipegs, the Edmontons,” said Rodgers, whose incubator will house Wattpad in early 2020 until it grows big enough to require standalone office space.

“If you think about Wattpad back when they were starting, they were one of the first companies to say, ‘We can do this in Toronto,’” said Rodgers. “I think they like the early part of an ecosystem. They can really add a lot to the ecosystem.”

NSBI offers several business incentives for firms operating in Nova Scotia, including payroll rebates and an “innovate to opportunity” program, which provides up to 35 per cent of the salary of a new graduate working in tech.

It would not comment on whether Wattpad has indicated it would apply, or whether it has already been offered incentives under these programs. “NSBI does not discuss whether anything is in the works – that’s not how good business is conducted,” said spokesperson Shawn Hirtle.