Location matters for founders; great founders seek out networks that are essential for their specific challenges, and Silicon Valley is strong in certain areas but not all.

Starting a company in Europe presents challenges, such as a fragmented market and a lack of nurturing environments for early-stage startups compared to Silicon Valley.

Europe lacks not only the concentration of investment but also the knowledge and experience that Silicon Valley investors have, which is crucial for startup success. Before coming to the United States, I never thought it was possible to receive an investment larger than what my family could provide, and billion-dollar exits felt like something out of a movie.

Founders should avoid moving their startups to cheaper locations after Y Combinator, as this can lead to a loss of valuable resources and talent.

You should consider moving your startup to Silicon Valley if your first customers will be here, as it makes sense to be close to them.

Moving to the Bay Area can expose founders to new ideas and insights in AI, helping them stay competitive.

Creating another Silicon Valley is challenging due to the need for a dense network effect that fosters entrepreneurship.

Founders often struggle with the transition from a tech giant mindset to the scrappy approach needed in startups, which requires extreme resourcefulness and thoughtfulness.

Despite the high costs, the amazing weather in Silicon Valley is a factor to consider when deciding to move your startup here.