Tell me more ×
Answers OnStartups is a question and answer site for entrepreneurs looking to start or run a new business. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 1 down vote favorite

I've got an answer for this, or at least... I hope to have an answer, that is 'No'. But since I'm a newcomer with very poor experience in this wonderful world that is 'starting up', I'd like to have your feedback on this.

Italy is a difficult country for little software vendor startups for a lot of reasons including people mentality (except for some great ideas like balsamiq, prossimaisola.it, funambol and the mindthebridge initiative).

In my opinion, if starting up with a software product to be released using the Internet (as web app or also as desktop app) it's not so relevant from where you write the code. Of course if you stay focused and if you aren't influenced by a negative ecosystem.

What do you think about that?

share|improve this question

3 Answers

up vote 1 down vote accepted

In terms of actually selling your product - I would say that location does not matter too much.

That being said, here are some issues that may matter...

  1. Your availability during US business hours
  2. Your ability to deliver your message effectively (to US customers)
  3. The business customs are different in EUR than the US, try to understand them and deliver results that exceed customer expectations (this is true for any business!)

To me, the biggest drawback is your ability to network with companies, investors and those willing to advise you. These communities SV, NYC, BOS, Boulder tend to have great atmospheres where you can network and really create some valuable relationships.

I would suggest you try to travel around and make some virtual connections -- this is what I am trying to do -- since I am in a similar situation (in Michigan).

You can definitely do it! The internet is a great equalizer.

Good Luck!

share|improve this answer
Jeff I completely agree with you with the suggestion to travel around and being open minded. In my experience I took some speeches in www.owasp.org conferences, being in touch with people from all around the world. It is true... understanding people habits is a great plus to deliver in a very effective way. Thanks for the detailed comment and for sure I'll try to build strong relations! :-) – thesp0nge Jul 9 '10 at 15:09
Excellent! Good luck, feel free to ping me with any other questions! – Jeff Epstein Jul 9 '10 at 21:28
up vote 1 down vote

Yes and No. Why do you think there is universal answer?

In some countries it is easy for a lot of reasons but I think this should not stop you. And I live in a county where it was near impossible to be software startup before 5-7 years.

share|improve this answer
Please Ross, apologies for my tone. I don't think there is an universal answer. I asked this question because most of you have startupped with more projects and you can say if your "home" location as influenced "more", "little" or "none" in your business. :-) – thesp0nge Jul 9 '10 at 9:08
Nothing to appologize for. Yes, in my case, location was the reason I started too late in my carrier path. Before 5 years for example it was not easy to pay online and not easy to register a limited company. Not to mention the fact that there was no comunity of people that try to create software company and there is no way to share local expirience and to discuss with others. Also, osher important factor: VC money. Only recently there are funds that are willing to invest in hi-tech tehnology and software. – Ross Jul 9 '10 at 11:09
up vote 1 down vote

Have a look at past discussions:

http://answers.onstartups.com/questions/914/what-is-the-best-geographical-location-to-do-business

http://answers.onstartups.com/questions/3964/is-location-important-for-a-bootstrap-web-based-startup

It will depend a lot on what your plans and hopes for the business are. If you're looking to build a 2-3 man shop via organic growth, then it won't matter much. If you're looking to build a 100 million $ company, then being in a creativity-dense environment with lots of potential for mentoring, idea building, and attracting capital is probably helpful.

Having said that, it probably doesn't need to be Silicon Valley. One of the new things is that a handful of cities now have good incubator programs loosely modeled after Y Combinator.

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.