Better yet, convince me how valley networking helped companies like:
-Google – backlinks would have made this company whether they started in SF or in Tampa.
-Microsoft – signing that IBM deal Gates would have made it whether in SF or in Mexico City

In other words, I believe the companies made it big because of the entrpreneurs and the networking contacts was just a minor factor (maybe sped things up a little).

“Entrepreneurs are leaders who not only need others but rely strongly on their ability to rally others towards a common goal.”

1) Sure but living in the Valley is not as big of a deal as made out here. Anybody can be reached by phone or email.

2) Lots of examples otherwise (Gates, Ellison,

@Joe the Web Developer said:

“A simple example: Google decided to make a search engine even though there where tons of established players at the time, that is swimming with the crowd and being successful as entrepreneurs.”

1) doing a search engine DESPITE there being tons of established players is going against the crowd (you could say it was already saturated).

2) they swam against the crowd in how they thought outside the box and approached the problem in a new way (backlinks)

I think you tried to make a point but ended up contradicting yourself. Real entrepreneurs don’t care which way the crowd moves, they focus on doing what works. A simple example: Google decided to make a search engine even though there where tons of established players at the time, that is swimming with the crowd and being successful as entrepreneurs.

You said:

“Unconvincing article. Real entrepreneurs swim against the crowd AND think for themselves. They don’t need anybody else. Look at the examples.”

First, I would strongly disagree that real entrepreneurs don’t need anybody else. Entrepreneurs are leaders who not only need others but rely strongly on their ability to rally others towards a common goal.

Second, I’d like to hear all the examples of tech entrepreneurs who started and grew innovative and paradigm-shifting companies outside of the Valley, or some other tech startup hub. There are a few examples, I’m sure, but the overwhelming majority of those companies are here.

I may be wrong…please feel free to post some examples.

If you already know everyone you will need to know, you don’t have to be in the valley.. but if you do need to network, you can network about 10x as efficiently in the bay area.

If you are building a business or technology where there is a lot of precedent, you don’t need to be in the Valley. But if you are doing something innovative, you need constant feedback from the cutting edge to define and position your company effectively.

Customers? Funding? both could come from anywhere in the country, but if you need to attract either a customer or an investor with a heavy tolerance for risk, the valley is the best bet. Its in the culture.

If anything, being in the valley would get you caught in a rut with people all thinking the same – therefore how can you swim against the crowd.

Ideas and execution on those ideas is what is important.