Ask HN: Unusually-located startups

#1

Post by EFruit » Thu, Aug 25, 2016, 5:43 PM UTC

To those of you who've started a company inside the US but outside Silicon Valley, New York City, or DC, what drew you to your particular location? how well has your location worked out for you?

Those of you who _are_ in the valley/NYC/DC, would you consider starting up elsewhere if given the opportunity?

Re: Ask HN: Unusually-located startups

#2

Post by sklegg » Thu, Aug 25, 2016, 5:47 PM UTC

Is Seattle considered an unusual location for a startup?

Re: Ask HN: Unusually-located startups

#3

Post by EFruit » Thu, Aug 25, 2016, 5:57 PM UTC

sklegg wrote: post #2

Is Seattle considered an unusual location for a startup?

I'm not well-versed in the west-coast startup scene, but from my point of view, no, it's fairly usual.

Re: Ask HN: Unusually-located startups

#4

Post by dansipple » Thu, Aug 25, 2016, 7:40 PM UTC

I don't know if you want to consider them a startup, but Dribbble[http://dribbble.com] is located in Salem, MA.

Re: Ask HN: Unusually-located startups

#5

Post by haney » Thu, Aug 25, 2016, 8:12 PM UTC

I work at Bellhops in Chattanooga, TN. We were able to raise seed locally, and Series A and B from Bay Area and NYC investors while sizably growing market share. It definitely depends on what industry you're trying to start a company in but it's worked out pretty well for us.

Re: Ask HN: Unusually-located startups

#6

Post by asimuvPR » Thu, Aug 25, 2016, 8:33 PM UTC

haney wrote: post #5

I work at Bellhops in Chattanooga, TN. We were able to raise seed locally, and Series A and B from Bay Area and NYC investors while sizably growing market share. It definitely depends on what industry you're trying to start a company in but it's worked out pretty well for us.

I visited the area not long ago and it was very nice. The tech hub there is wonderful. Planning on visiting again soon.

Re: Ask HN: Unusually-located startups

#7

Post by nullski » Thu, Aug 25, 2016, 9:04 PM UTC

Portland, Maine has a killer scene. If you are early stage you have everything you need here and can easily branch out if you get big enough.

Re: Ask HN: Unusually-located startups

#8

Post by sotojuan » Fri, Aug 26, 2016, 4:14 AM UTC

IIRC Wufoo from YC (which got acquired) was headquartered in Florida and had a remote team.

Re: Ask HN: Unusually-located startups

#9

Post by SmellTheGlove » Fri, Aug 26, 2016, 3:00 PM UTC

nullski wrote: post #7

Portland, Maine has a killer scene. If you are early stage you have everything you need here and can easily branch out if you get big enough.

Really? I live in the area and wouldn't mind connecting with some folks.

Re: Ask HN: Unusually-located startups

#10

Post by nullski » Fri, Aug 26, 2016, 6:10 PM UTC

SmellTheGlove wrote: post #9

nullski wrote: post #7

Portland, Maine has a killer scene. If you are early stage you have everything you need here and can easily branch out if you get big enough.

Really? I live in the area and wouldn't mind connecting with some folks.

What part?