SV relies on dense loci of talent in order to function, Chicago is really the only city that has this. The melting pot of ideas, poaching, engineering etc is a huge reason for its success.
While I understand SV is looking increasingly unattractive for cheap big bets, I don't think this will play out like these firms expect.
It's not about the money, it's about the culture that SV cultivated. And while parts of it are toxic, other parts of it are enormously successful and notoriously hard to replicate.
It also doesn't help that every state in the midwest has been slashing educational budgets and in some states has enacted almost a war on education. I think the attitude of "SV toxic culture" is ironic, after having grown up in the midwest and seen horrible racism, anti-intellecutalism, anti-free speech measures, and all others kinds of issues.
While I understand SV is looking increasingly unattractive for cheap big bets, I don't think this will play out like these firms expect.
It's not about the money, it's about the culture that SV cultivated. And while parts of it are toxic, other parts of it are enormously successful and notoriously hard to replicate.
It also doesn't help that every state in the midwest has been slashing educational budgets and in some states has enacted almost a war on education. I think the attitude of "SV toxic culture" is ironic, after having grown up in the midwest and seen horrible racism, anti-intellecutalism, anti-free speech measures, and all others kinds of issues.