The above is all true, and I'd like to add a really important point. In the Bay Area, I observed that startups collaborate, partner, meet, etc - all in the spirit of the best possible user experience as an end in itself. The startups work together more. It's easy to get a meeting, you can basically show up to someone's office, just walk in, and you're welcomed. Founders work on "cool" experiences or tech first, and worry about financials second. In NYC I found the reverse to be true. It's harder to get a meeting with a founder. When you get one, it's like going to the dentist; the EA schedules a meeting with you 6 weeks in advance, upon arriving you sit in lobby and you wait until you are called. The meeting is transactional, a "novel" user experience or excitement around a technical breakthrough is rarely a main topic. It's much more transactional. This isn't a criticism in any way, it's just an observation that I believe explains why there are less household tech names coming out of NYC. Because if you look at the household tech names in the world - they always put the user first.
🏙 New York City's startup ecosystem is strong but has some weaknesses: - Culture: The average conversation is not about tech/startups - Connectivity: It's harder to "bump into" fellow founders, VCs, operators - History: Fewer household name startups originated in NYC vs SF However, NYC is the land of opportunity To inspire a more vibrant ecosystem, I want to showcase the stories behind NYC's most iconic startups and why building in NYC was an advantage for them I'm calling the series "Created in NYC" First story drops tomorrow! 📕
This is one of the realest takes I've read. I didn't believe it until I started pitching in both cities and difference is startling. Hit me like a truck when I got to SF and pitched to Angels, founders, and even my friends. The amount of enthusiasm and openness to jamming about building great products and envisioning a better future were world's apart. From my experience NYC just doesn't have that yet!
That's a fascinating observation. Bay Area vs NYC dynamics, quite intriguing.
Interesting insights here. Less ego - and more focus on the customer.
Fascinating observation Howard! Prioritizing user experience and collaboration in startup culture can drive innovation.
Thank you.
Both have their perks, but putting the user first? That's the universal key to success in tech, no matter where you are!
Great take
Co-Founder @ Hark
2moLet me know when you're in NYC and we'll meet. In the meantime, just come to our floor on Roam - always open!