After living in both cities, I didn't feel like Austin had gotten a fair shake. Here's my take on the real differences: It comes down to levels of intensity.
I'm glad he talked about the difference in funding in SF and Austin. I'm from the Austin area and absolutely love the city, but I've always wondered how Austin was so friendly to start ups when there doesn't appear to be a huge finance scene. I'm a finance guy (not a VC or anything, will be a lowly analyst at a tech company upon graduation)and SF is one of the biggest finance hubs in America. It would seem that gaining exposure for a startup seeking funding would be a lot harder in Austin.
It is harder, frankly. But the counter-argument that Austinites make is that they don't need as much funding, and prefer to avoid large amounts of investment in favor of a more bootstrapped company that is (probably) more stable and a long-term business.
It's a stylistic thing. Obviously, some companies require tons of funding, and are best-suited to SF/The Valley.
Flip those around to positives, because they are relative and preferences, and you've got the recipe for why Austinites love Austin, the weather being among the top 3 reasons.
Also, Texas is objectively a better place to start a business, other than funding sources. Your tax rate is about HALF of what it is in California.
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[ 3.1 ms ] story [ 18.9 ms ] threadIt's a stylistic thing. Obviously, some companies require tons of funding, and are best-suited to SF/The Valley.
Also, Texas is objectively a better place to start a business, other than funding sources. Your tax rate is about HALF of what it is in California.