The NY Times recently had an article entitled “Silicon Valley Toured the Heartland and Fell in Love”. The article told about a bus trip organized for “coastal elites” including investors. “If it weren’t for my kids, I’d totally move,” said Cyan Banister, a partner at Founders Fund. This (talking about South Bend and Detroit) could be a really powerful ecosystem.”
The article went on to say, “These investors aren’t alone. In recent months, a growing number of tech leaders have been flirting with the idea of leaving Silicon Valley. Some cite the exorbitant cost of living in San Francisco and its suburbs, where even a million-dollar salary can feel middle class. Others complain about local criticism of the tech industry and a left-wing echo chamber that stifles opposing views. And yet others feel that better innovation is happening elsewhere.”
What about us (meaning the Tri-Cities of Albany, Schenectady and Troy and the Capital Region)? With out proximity to Montreal, Boston and New York City, our wordclass assets like the Adirondack and Catskill Park, our educational and health institutions, etc. etc., we are a tech diamond in the rough that lacks the leadership to realize our potential.