My startup has 6 people who all quit their jobs more than a year ago and have been working for free full-time since then. We have bet everything on our idea and we're running out of time and money but unfortunately where we're located the kind of investors who are progressive enough to appreciate what we are doing just simply don't exist.
Long before we even knew YC existed we had already planned to move to SV to search for funding and launch in early-mid 2008. We have a fairly extensive network of people who can help us there. Really, it would be insane for us to try to raise capital anywhere else.
If YC had been in Boston this cycle we wouldn't have even applied.
I've lived here for quite some time.
More generally, if you aren't tied down with family obligations, move to Silicon Valley.
The average rent for an apartment in San Francisco stood at $2,243 in the third quarter, up nearly 12 percent from one year ago; in San Jose, the average rent also jumped 12 percent to $1,622, said RealFacts of Novato, which tracks rents in mostly large buildings across the nation.
.... A few years ago, after the dot-com implosion, landlords welcomed pets if it meant filling a vacant apartment. But Fougner, in his mid-30s, said online apartment searches turn up few that allow pets. Even then, he said, prices are usually at the very high end of his range - around $2,500.
Meanwhile, he has stopped going to open houses; even when Fougner would show up 15 minutes early, he found five or six people waiting.
"We might just end up getting a spot for $2,400 or $2,500 (a month), which will just make me sick every month writing that check," Fougner said. "But if it's not a dump and has a patio, then we'll want to stay home more anyway."
SO, to all you guys that are deciding to move to SV:
1. What stops your "idea" from being successful where you are currently at? Can't you get your business/idea off the ground to a certain point, where you CAN actually get some kind of funding, and maybe have move with VC money, and not your credit card.
2. Do you really think that just by the fact that you come here, you will find everything paved in gold? And everything is going to resolve itself somewhow, and you going to meet that VC/angel and give you money?
3. Are you actually preparing to move to the SF Bay area well enough? Do you guys realise that rents and living expenses are thru the roof in here (NYC/Manhatan is the only place more expensive). Do you guys know how HARD (like in months) is to find a decent appartment. Make sure you get some temporary housing BEFORE coming here, or you will get screweded big time by thinking you can stay in ah hotel, and find a place in a week or so.
People, I don't want to rein your parada, but be realistic. If you have a very good idea/prototype/initial users, tell VCs. that you have the willingess to move to SV, and maybe move here when you get some funding.
Otherwise, you can come to SF (visiting) go to those tech parties, demos, to connect with potential investors. You don't need to move to SV to do that.