Want to Innovate? Move Outside the Spotlight

Pilgrimage to Silicon Valley Is No Longer the Optimal Path for Founders

Image: ChatGPT

There was a time when “moving to Silicon Valley” was synonymous with building a startup. Founders packed their measly posessions, flocked to San Francisco like geese with laptops, and pitched VCs in coffee shops and demo days, hoping to join the ranks of the iconic few who made it big.

Something has changed though.

Today, if you want to do real innovation, you might be better off moving away from the spotlight. Because more and more, the best ideas aren’t coming from the main stage. They’re being built in quiet corners, by people focused on solving problems, not raising eyebrows.

Let’s talk about why.

The Spotlight Is Distracting

Being in the spotlight feels like progress. You’re on stage. You’re featured in TechCrunch. You’re posting updates that get likes. You’re giving talks about “the future of X.”

But all too often, it’s a substitute for actual work.

Innovation requires focus, patience, and the willingness to be misunderstood. None of those things thrive under constant exposure. When everyone is watching, it’s harder to make weird bets. Harder to…