After spending a significant portion of my time outside of the SF Bay Area, I’ve come to a realization: it’s time to come back.
Like many others, I had my reasons for stepping away, but now I’m back, and so are a lot of other leaders and executives. The pandemic changed how we think about location and work, but there’s something about the SF Bay that draws us back.
I spent the majority of the last few years in Southern California, with a bit of time in Palo Alto, and even less elsewhere. For me, it wasn’t about working by the beach; it was about family. But still, I never thought I’d leave the Bay, and yet I did. Now, I’m here to tell you that the SF Bay Area is bouncing back, and it’s worth reconsidering your stance on being here too.
Why SF Bay Area Still Matters
The SF Bay Area is undeniably the center of the AI Boom. Even though some key players are spread out across the globe, places like Paris and New York, the heartbeat of innovation is still strong in the Bay.
YCombinator is experiencing a resurgence, with hundreds of top-tier startups being born here. Most of these companies stay and thrive in SF, which speaks to the Bay’s magnetic pull for innovation. Even top European accelerators like EF have set up shop here. Many venture capitalists (VCs) who left during the pandemic have made their way back, and it feels like a homecoming for the tech scene.
Not All Tech Hubs Are Created Equal
Yes, New York, Southern California, and even Miami are growing tech hubs, but SF Bay is still unique. Sure, there are segments of the tech world, like vertical SaaS and parts of eCommerce, that are shifting focus to other regions, but when it comes to the B2B space, especially for ambitious founders, SF is the place to be.
Being here gives you access to the VCs, founders, and CEOs who make the tech world tick. You can make connections anywhere, but it’s much easier when you’re in the thick of it. That’s something that hasn’t changed.
A Different SF Bay
However, the SF Bay Area has changed. It’s no longer the place for everyone. It’s become more exclusive in a way, and not everyone will find value in being here. For many, it might make more sense to find a remote job and live somewhere more affordable and less chaotic. Some parts of SF are still in rough shape. SOMA and the financial district haven’t fully recovered, while Palo Alto and the Peninsula are as beautiful and expensive as ever.
The density of top talent isn’t quite what it was before March 2020. I remember how, before the pandemic, you could easily bump into a top SaaS exec just by walking down the street. That doesn’t happen as often anymore. But still, for ambitious individuals, there’s no better place to be.
Why It’s Time to Come Back
While VCs are more open to investing anywhere these days, being in SF Bay still gives you an edge. Getting to know investors is so much easier in person, and for founders, being here opens doors that are much harder to find elsewhere. As a VP or aspiring VP, working from the Bay provides opportunities for collaboration and growth that you just can’t get remotely.
Yes, you can succeed outside of the Bay, but it’s so much easier to meet with other founders and CEOs here. Networking is part of the culture, and that’s something that hasn’t changed.
My Takeaway
I’ve come back to the SF Bay Area, and I’m glad I did. It’s not the same as it was before, and I do miss the beach, but I realize that this is where I need to be. If you’re really ambitious, if you’re a B2B founder, or if you’re looking to grow as a VP, there’s no place like the Bay.
The density of talent might be less than it was, but it’s still unmatched. The opportunities for growth and connection are still here. If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, it might be time for you to come back too.
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