This is the perfect example of a false dichotomy. Why can't both cities thrive as tech centers with different approaches? Why does NYC have to supersede SV (or why does SV have to stomp NYC)?
I'll posit an alternative: NYC ends up being an amazing hub for startups focusing on social (Foursquare, Tumblr, Etsy), fashion (Gilt Groupe), finance (HFT boutiques and small hedge funds), and education. SV, meanwhile, continues kicking ass.
PG always talks about margins, so consider: would the marginal company that barely succeeds in SV fail in NYC? Does anyone really believe that NYC lacks the financial or technological serendipity Graham mentioned last night? After living here for a month and hustling like crazy to talk to people, I'd argue NYC is full of opportunity.
I'd also argue PG's talk yesterday aimed to generate media buzz (see today's NYT article, TC, etc.) and publicity for YC. That's a conversation for another thread.
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This is the perfect example of a false dichotomy. Why can't both cities thrive as tech centers with different approaches? Why does NYC have to supersede SV (or why does SV have to stomp NYC)?
I'll posit an alternative: NYC ends up being an amazing hub for startups focusing on social (Foursquare, Tumblr, Etsy), fashion (Gilt Groupe), finance (HFT boutiques and small hedge funds), and education. SV, meanwhile, continues kicking ass.
PG always talks about margins, so consider: would the marginal company that barely succeeds in SV fail in NYC? Does anyone really believe that NYC lacks the financial or technological serendipity Graham mentioned last night? After living here for a month and hustling like crazy to talk to people, I'd argue NYC is full of opportunity.
I'd also argue PG's talk yesterday aimed to generate media buzz (see today's NYT article, TC, etc.) and publicity for YC. That's a conversation for another thread.