Santa Monica started as a “handful of tech hopefuls meeting for backyard BBQs” to a “sea of strangers” filling coffee houses and chattering about tech, says Espree Devora, creator of WeAreLATech. Santa Monica isn’t alone, either. Neighboring Venice has also proven itself as an attractive destination for budding entrepreneurs as Snapchat’s headquarters and accelerator Amplify.La are living among the cafes. There are plenty of reasons why entrepreneurs look to these two areas for cues on where and how to get their startup going. Here are a few entrepreneurs based in the area that know the scene and have some insight as to why it’s unique:
Intersection of Cool & Different Tech
Devora is a startup guru and highly successful podcaster, says it’s a perfect mix for startup entrepreneurs:
It’s Pretty Chill
Justin Lefkovitch, owner of Santa Monica-based Mirrored Media, says that relaxation can go a long way:
Abundance of Creativity
Lefkovitch also says the creativity in the air fosters success:
Sun and Sand
Adam Pokornicky, Founder and CEO of Venice-based Doggy Buddies and Sniffer, says the location gives him a huge boost:
An Awesome Place for Crowdfunding
Andrew Yakub, CEO of Santa Monica-based Rayton Solar, says equity crowdfunding makes Santa Monica an awesome place to start your business:
It’s Diverse
Todd Mueller, Founder and Director of Venice-based Psyop, says the diversity in people’s talents and backgrounds gives Venice startups an edge:
Financial Capital Can be Tough
Pedram Sameni, Founder and CEO of Patexia, says securing financial capital can be difficult in Silicon Beach: No matter how you look at it, Santa Monica and Venice are becoming known for their brainpower rather than their suntans. Well, maybe they’re known for both. Either way, Silicon Beach is creating a noticeable focal point for startup entrepreneurs and it looks like it’s only going to get stronger from here. Read more about budding startups here at Tech.Co Photo: Flickr / majunznk
