Big props to Simran for pushing the point here. Agree or disagree, the discussion is the most important bit.
My thoughts: 1. The idea that you HAVE to move to the Valley to be successful is ridiculous. 2. The idea that it's unlikely that we'll build anything like Silicon Valley in Australia so we should stop trying to create an ecosystem that creates internationally relevant startups that maintain a strong local presence, is equally ridiculous. 3. As Simran rightly points out "success" is contextual. The idea that success is only measured by the valuation of a business or, as Elias speaks about in his blog post about Snake Oil and Ponzi schemes, the mere fact that your startup was acquired, is flawed. In other words, there's nothing "un-successful" about creating a profitable startup in Australia that doesn't take any money and therefore doesn't have an investment figure generated valuation, or not being acquired. I know many startups like this locally and their founders should be recognised as successful entrepreneurs too. 4. The idea that we should do our best to create the free flow of capital and resources between Australia and other startup hubs, in particular the Valley, is a valid one. Free flow as in 2-way. It's very 1-way at the moment but I know there are good people trying to change this. 5. The support for entrepreneurs that is a key part of american society and culture, and the way that's amplified in the Valley, is probably the biggest competitive advantage it has over any other startup hub in the world. Tall Poppy Syndrome (as Patrick rightly points out) is the biggest competitive disadvantage we have here. #unhate All the above having been said, my belief is that every Aussie startup entrepreneur should spend some time in the Valley. The amount of time will depend on your personal situation and the nature of your startup and the market(s) it wants to operate in. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Silicon Beach Australia mailing list. Vist http://siliconbeachaustralia.org for more Forum rules 1) No lurkers! It is expected that you introduce yourself. 2) No jobs postings. You can use http://siliconbeachaustralia.org/jobs To post to this group, send email to silicon-beach-australia@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to silicon-beach-australia+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/silicon-beach-australia?hl=en?hl=en
