I think Ryan and PG have a different idea of what startups are. PG said in response to a question at FOWA that he was talking about startups designed for acquisition by the likes of Google. Acquisition is much easier where there are big established companies to network with. Ryan on the other hand seems to be talking about bootstrapping and building to last, which doesn't depend on the benefits of SV as much.
Ryan Carson responds to Paul Graham on startup hubs
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Re: Ryan Carson responds to Paul Graham on startup hubs
#12How can we get to that critical level of support here in Europe if we always have people saying everyone should move to Silicon Valley?
I was more concerned with saying something true than saying something that would encourage startups in a particular region. I agree entirely that saying startups will do equally well anywhere would encourage startups in Europe. If Carson in turn agrees that this statement, though encouraging, is false, then we'll have settled our differences.
Re: Ryan Carson responds to Paul Graham on startup hubs
#13London and Paris will never become competitive startup hubs for the most simplest and most important reason, the climate! Everybody loves sun and beaches!
I'm in Portugal, we have very good climate and beaches but i don't think Lisbon or any other Portuguese city will ever be a hub. It's not just the climate.
Re: Ryan Carson responds to Paul Graham on startup hubs
#14Ryan Carson doth protest too much, methinks.
Re: Ryan Carson responds to Paul Graham on startup hubs
#15He said it himself. He's not replying b/c he's got a good point, he's replying b/c he's angry -- his blood is boiling.
Re: Ryan Carson responds to Paul Graham on startup hubs
#16I think Ryan and PG have a different idea of what startups are. PG said in response to a question at FOWA that he was talking about startups designed for acquisition by the likes of Google. Acquisition is much easier where there are big established companies to network with. Ryan on the other hand seems to be talking about bootstrapping and building to last, which doesn't depend on the benefits of SV as much.
"bootstrapping and building to last, which doesn't depend on the benefits of SV as much"
Why's that? Funding, connections, deals, etc are still very important. If you want to grow your business at all, whether it's to an acquisition, IPO, or whatever... those things are still important.
Re: Ryan Carson responds to Paul Graham on startup hubs
#17London and Paris will never become competitive startup hubs for the most simplest and most important reason, the climate! Everybody loves sun and beaches!
The more people go out, the less they use your web two point oh app.
Re: Ryan Carson responds to Paul Graham on startup hubs
#18[deleted]
Re: Ryan Carson responds to Paul Graham on startup hubs
#19there was an excellent article published in Foreign Affairs last year on the topic of Entrepreneurial Economies, written by Carl Schramm, author and CEO at Kauffman Institute.
the article is unfortunately not freely distributed and requires a subscription fee to access it.
The concept of hubs is central to his thesis. He basically argues that the key requirements for an industry hub are: large companies for R&D and M&A, Research Universities for research and tech transfer, Investment Groups for access to capital, and knowledge workers with applicable skills.
In the web/tech space there is no argument that SV provides the right mix of resources and is the leading technology hub.
Where the EU and metro regions in the US can improve is increasing the linkages between these groups and thus making it easier for entreps to succeed there.
Many of the examples Ryan provided in his post are examples of the progress that has been made in Europe.
Re: Ryan Carson responds to Paul Graham on startup hubs
#20I think PG is right.
Ryan Carson wishful thinking is not going make it better.
I due however think that Europe has an opportunity to attract hackers from everywhere (due to USA VISA policies) and build a vibrant startup community.