Why I Gave Up My Front-Row Seat in Silicon Valley(founderdating.com)
founderdating.com
Why I Gave Up My Front-Row Seat in Silicon Valley
http://founderdating.com/why-i-gave-up-silicon-valley-for-tel-aviv/
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The company I sold was indeed fully thought out - it was ranked one of the 5,000 fastest growing private companies in America by INC Magazine in 2011 ;)
It was sold by the buyer who bought it from me (acquired by a supplier), and I have no control over the content anymore, but as far as I can tell the site has been completely replaced at least twice since I sold it.
As far as "living a life of lies," I take offense, and I'm not sure where you come to this conclusion.
For me, living a life of lies meant telling myself I was meant to go to Stanford and run a Silicon Valley Startup.
Since I'm not sure there's any basis to the rest of your critique, I don't know how to respond to it.
It was sold by the buyer who bought it from me (acquired by a supplier), and I have no control over the content anymore, but as far as I can tell the site has been completely replaced at least twice since I sold it.
As far as "living a life of lies," I take offense, and I'm not sure where you come to this conclusion.
For me, living a life of lies meant telling myself I was meant to go to Stanford and run a Silicon Valley Startup.
Since I'm not sure there's any basis to the rest of your critique, I don't know how to respond to it.
Your former company is falling to pieces. No fault of yours, but you might have checked it out before you linked to it.
For clarification as to my comment.
The lie: I behave this way because of the place I live.
The truth: I am responsible for my behavior, regardless of where I live.
The fault, therefore, is not Silicon Valley, but the choices I make every day.
Finally, congratulations, you not only have a choice of how you behave, but you also enjoy the rare choice of being able to choose where you live.
Enjoy your choices. That's all I was trying to say. And I think Silicon Valley is a beautiful area, so don't knock it unless you have a legitimate gripe ;)
For clarification as to my comment.
The lie: I behave this way because of the place I live.
The truth: I am responsible for my behavior, regardless of where I live.
The fault, therefore, is not Silicon Valley, but the choices I make every day.
Finally, congratulations, you not only have a choice of how you behave, but you also enjoy the rare choice of being able to choose where you live.
Enjoy your choices. That's all I was trying to say. And I think Silicon Valley is a beautiful area, so don't knock it unless you have a legitimate gripe ;)
[deleted]
So... you're the same guy as OP?
I'm actually not sure who the OP is... I'm the author of the article. Came here to post it myself and saw that it was already here. (You can see that my username matches the username the article links to on twitter, @entreprenewer)
> Working long hours is not a function of where you live. It's a choice.
Our choices are often informed, for better or worse, by those around us.
And, for those for whom compensation is attached directly to how many hours they spend working (when you think about it, this group includes plenty of people on "salary" as well), where you live and the hours you work are directly correlated.
Our choices are often informed, for better or worse, by those around us.
And, for those for whom compensation is attached directly to how many hours they spend working (when you think about it, this group includes plenty of people on "salary" as well), where you live and the hours you work are directly correlated.
I couldn't agree more. I have friends at McKinsey London who are working 8AM-11PM every night, and I have friends at McKinsey Amsterdam who work 9AM-6PM.
Different places have different cultures. I'm not going to go so far as to say that Israel's work culture is more relaxed than the valley's, because people work their asses off here, too, but I think there's definitely a more "chilled" attitude here. As an example, most people go to the army for at least 2-3 years, then take 6-12 months off to explore the world before getting their bachelor's degree (which takes 4-5 years). How many people in the valley have this kind of lax attitude? In fact, most of the valley's prized examples can't even wait to finish their freshman year of college... see the difference?
I also think the fact that most people are a little older and have a little more perspective (having served a minimum of 3 years defending their country) changes the dynamic. Just my opinions.
Different places have different cultures. I'm not going to go so far as to say that Israel's work culture is more relaxed than the valley's, because people work their asses off here, too, but I think there's definitely a more "chilled" attitude here. As an example, most people go to the army for at least 2-3 years, then take 6-12 months off to explore the world before getting their bachelor's degree (which takes 4-5 years). How many people in the valley have this kind of lax attitude? In fact, most of the valley's prized examples can't even wait to finish their freshman year of college... see the difference?
I also think the fact that most people are a little older and have a little more perspective (having served a minimum of 3 years defending their country) changes the dynamic. Just my opinions.
Both of those are true, but part of learning how to make your own choices is learning how to ignore the choices of those around you and adapt to (but not be defined by!) the circumstances you find yourself in.
But adapting to circumstances includes adapting working hours. If companies expect 80 hours a week, you will be fired or have too low salary no matter how great your output is. Then you have to move if you do not want to work those 80 and be employed/work on interesting projects.
Then let yourself be fired as that situation comes up. Or better yet, proactively talk with your manager saying "I can't give you 80 hour weeks. Here's what I can give you, and here's what I bring to the table. Is that acceptable?"
I live in Silicon Valley, and I work for a company that's somewhat famous for getting its employees to stay on campus all the time. I usually work 6-8 hour days, and occasionally put in some time on the weekends but usually go have a life instead. I'm leading a very high-priority company project, and I get paid...generously. I don't expect my team members to work any particular hours; hell, I'm terrible at keeping set hours myself. I do expect them (and myself) to make solid progress toward the goal every day, to seek out information and make smart decisions, and to focus their efforts on areas that other people are not already covering.
There's often a lot of leeway between what people say they want and what they actually want. Discovering that leeway is the art of negotiation, which is a useful skill in its own right. If the culture says it wants 80 hour weeks, it does not necessarily mean your employer wants 80 hour weeks. Most likely it wants rapid, dependable progress toward a goal, which is usually better obtained with solid 40-50 hour weeks.
I live in Silicon Valley, and I work for a company that's somewhat famous for getting its employees to stay on campus all the time. I usually work 6-8 hour days, and occasionally put in some time on the weekends but usually go have a life instead. I'm leading a very high-priority company project, and I get paid...generously. I don't expect my team members to work any particular hours; hell, I'm terrible at keeping set hours myself. I do expect them (and myself) to make solid progress toward the goal every day, to seek out information and make smart decisions, and to focus their efforts on areas that other people are not already covering.
There's often a lot of leeway between what people say they want and what they actually want. Discovering that leeway is the art of negotiation, which is a useful skill in its own right. If the culture says it wants 80 hour weeks, it does not necessarily mean your employer wants 80 hour weeks. Most likely it wants rapid, dependable progress toward a goal, which is usually better obtained with solid 40-50 hour weeks.
I should also mention that the editors of the article cut what I felt was an important part - how I fell in love with the country, found that my social and family life was better here (In Israel), and how it was all about personal reasons for me - not professional...
I wish they'd left that bit in, but what can I do? ;)
I wish they'd left that bit in, but what can I do? ;)
Moving to another country is a great experience, but to your point, it can help perpetuate our illusions rather than remove them.
I agree but the truth/lies argument is too black and white for me. It sounds like somebody is having a dark day.
I don't think it's a good idea to overthink and start philosophizing about entrepreneurship in general.It does more harm than good.
I don't think it's a good idea to overthink and start philosophizing about entrepreneurship in general.It does more harm than good.
Israel has potential but the state will do everything it can to keep non-jews from coming or working there. Yes, if you are highly skilled you can get up to 5 years of working visas but after that you will get kicked out, with no exceptions. I know this because it happened to me.
You will never have the option to get any sort of permanent residency in Israel (unless you are jewish). The game is rigged so that to get permanent residency you have to have lived for at least 10 years on any non-tourist visa. So in theory you could study there for 5 years, then work there and max out your 5 years working visa options... but they will make certain to kick you out just before. I have had friends that could not complete their phd's because if they were to be given another years student visa they could then apply for permanent residency.
Also, btw, unlike many other countries your work visa in Israel will be tied to one company. To work at any other company you will have to apply for another visa. This does not sound like much but it makes it difficult to move between companies.
You will never have the option to get any sort of permanent residency in Israel (unless you are jewish). The game is rigged so that to get permanent residency you have to have lived for at least 10 years on any non-tourist visa. So in theory you could study there for 5 years, then work there and max out your 5 years working visa options... but they will make certain to kick you out just before. I have had friends that could not complete their phd's because if they were to be given another years student visa they could then apply for permanent residency.
Also, btw, unlike many other countries your work visa in Israel will be tied to one company. To work at any other company you will have to apply for another visa. This does not sound like much but it makes it difficult to move between companies.
> unlike many other countries your work visa in Israel will be tied to one company.
To be fair, this is true of the US too - in fact it's even tied to a particular location. To work at a different location within the same company requires a visa amendment (basically reapplication): http://www.murthy.com/2012/09/07/h1b-amendment-requirement-f...
To be fair, this is true of the US too - in fact it's even tied to a particular location. To work at a different location within the same company requires a visa amendment (basically reapplication): http://www.murthy.com/2012/09/07/h1b-amendment-requirement-f...
It is hard to immigrate to Israel, that's the consequence of a democracy that must for survival's sake remain Jewish in majority.
There's an easy solution, though. Marry an Israeli. He or she doesn't have to be Jewish, either. There are millions of Muslim, Christian, Bahai, and even Buddhist Israeli passport holders.
There's an easy solution, though. Marry an Israeli. He or she doesn't have to be Jewish, either. There are millions of Muslim, Christian, Bahai, and even Buddhist Israeli passport holders.
I though something similar about Israel. It seems a great country when you are jewish, but when you are not, it seems that the silicon valley will be more open-minded.
I'm not sure Singapore and Israel are the best choices when it comes to escape the bubble and focus on what's really important.
I love Israel, have spent a lot of time there (not working), but my understanding is that it's tough for a gentile and WASP like me to get a resident visa.
It's 99% impossible for you to get a resident visa.
Actually, everyone should know this... what you can get in Israel is a highly skilled work visa but this is limited to max 5 years, in any size of blocks for the course of your entire life. Meaning you can work for 5 years and then they will just kick you out. (I know from first hand experience).
Actually, everyone should know this... what you can get in Israel is a highly skilled work visa but this is limited to max 5 years, in any size of blocks for the course of your entire life. Meaning you can work for 5 years and then they will just kick you out. (I know from first hand experience).
I feel like this post opens more questions than it tries to answer:
* Ultimately, why he didn't like SV?
* Was there a specific reason for choosing Tel Aviv, over say Berlin or Sydney? (Girlfriend? Is he an Israeli citizen?)
Some quotes are correct only if you frame them, for example: if you’ re passionate enough about your project, you can make it happen anywhere - Care to try in Greece, Nigeria, Syria?
Also, I didn't understand too much about his profile: In the beginning seems like he was a very successful entrepreneur who turned into a VC, insinuating that he made lots of money (== success). Then it gives me the impression that he didn't had a great run.
Anyway, wish him all the best.
* Ultimately, why he didn't like SV?
* Was there a specific reason for choosing Tel Aviv, over say Berlin or Sydney? (Girlfriend? Is he an Israeli citizen?)
Some quotes are correct only if you frame them, for example: if you’ re passionate enough about your project, you can make it happen anywhere - Care to try in Greece, Nigeria, Syria?
Also, I didn't understand too much about his profile: In the beginning seems like he was a very successful entrepreneur who turned into a VC, insinuating that he made lots of money (== success). Then it gives me the impression that he didn't had a great run.
Anyway, wish him all the best.
Some quotes are correct only if you frame them, for example: if you’ re passionate enough about your project, you can make it happen anywhere - Care to try in Greece, Nigeria, Syria?
I know there's a war in Syria at the moment. But what's going on in Greece and Nigeria?
I know there's a war in Syria at the moment. But what's going on in Greece and Nigeria?
Sorry about that, the editors cut a lot of explanation because the article was too long. There's more info about me at http://jle.vi if you're interested.
Singapore and Israel are indeed interesting and good places to place your startup. Lots of talent, money, great atmosphere. Israel has the highest amount of PhDs per capita within the relevant areas. Singapore have very beneficial tax regulation and a highly educated population.
My heart belongs to NY though :)
My heart belongs to NY though :)
I don't normally do this but...the SR-71 was not a fighter jet. It was a strategic reconnaissance aircraft.
Lockheed actually developed a fighter version of it, the YF-12:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_YF-12
It never got beyond the prototype stage, though.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_YF-12
It never got beyond the prototype stage, though.
Thanks for the correction. I didn't know that, I just knew that it came out of the famed Skunkworks :)
It makes for a nice story, though, doesn't it?
Great post. I always felt that in SV and SF startups promote an unhealthy lifestyle, and I don't want to go there because of that. I want to be a successful entrepreneur, but I don't want to sacrifice everything in order to make millions or billions of dollars and magazine covers.
Life is not just money and fame.
Life is not just money and fame.
How did you like the INSEAD Singapore experience? What did you intend to gain from it (coming from an entrepreneurial background and returning to it once you completed) and did you succeed in doing so?
INSEAD Singapore was a total blast. Really really fun. But in retrospect, I think I enjoyed the French campus more. Maybe it was because I went towards the end, when there wasn't as much school work and I already had built up relationships, but I felt that my quality of life was better in France (ironically). My friends and I lived in a tiny 250 year old town and drove through the forrest to class every day, our class parties were in huge Chateaus in rural France... it was just brilliant.
If you're considering going to INSEAD, I say GO FOR IT - best year of my life thus far - but make sure you spend at least 4 months on each campus, that's the best way to do it.
If you're considering going to INSEAD, I say GO FOR IT - best year of my life thus far - but make sure you spend at least 4 months on each campus, that's the best way to do it.
I realized I didn't really answer your question.
I went to learn how to turn small companies into big companies, to learn business fundamentals like finance and accounting that are so often overlooked, and to get some of the managerial skills I felt I missed out on by being an entrepreneur. When your name is on the door, you tend to think that people will just follow and listen to you, but it doesn't work that way.
I think I accomplished what I set out to, and then some. I gained a solid foundation in all the core business subjects, expanded my understanding, picked up some useful new skills, and built an incredible global network. I also had a total blast and traveled to 23 countries. Not a bad use of 1 year of your life, in my opinion.
I went to learn how to turn small companies into big companies, to learn business fundamentals like finance and accounting that are so often overlooked, and to get some of the managerial skills I felt I missed out on by being an entrepreneur. When your name is on the door, you tend to think that people will just follow and listen to you, but it doesn't work that way.
I think I accomplished what I set out to, and then some. I gained a solid foundation in all the core business subjects, expanded my understanding, picked up some useful new skills, and built an incredible global network. I also had a total blast and traveled to 23 countries. Not a bad use of 1 year of your life, in my opinion.
Do you want to be a big fish in a big pond or a big fish in a small pond?
The whole point of the article was really to illustrate that I just wanted to be a happy fish, whether or not I'm big or small.
Why do people still design pages unreadable on mobile? This sounded interesting but it's unreadable.
Is Israel generally considered (Silicon Valley)--? I always thought it was NYC.
According to the Startup Genome reports, it's considered #2 startup scene (NYC is #3)
But at the end of the day it's still Silicon Valley #1 by a long shot... and then everyone else duking it out for #2. I don't see a reason to believe the status quo is going to change overnight. Culture tends to shift slowly, and culture is one of the best things SV has going for it.
Culture won't pay for rent. Silicon valley is no longer affordable for actual early stage startups. Even if you can somehow figure out rent, you have to compete with the existing tech giants in the area that can easily pay $150k+ for your engineers.
I suspect that this is not sustainable.
I suspect that this is not sustainable.
It's not the large tech companies that poach employees from small startups, it's other startups. Small startups pose more of a threat to the large, established companies. Some tech giants successfully obtain people by dumping several money trucks on certain sorts of tech talent, precisely because it is so hard to keep them from starting or joining some small venture, which will provide them with autonomy, large impact, and a chance to become fabulously wealthy. The rather cartoonish notions of startup glory also appeal to many.
There's a reason that every company in tech is trying to b.s. people that they either are _really_ a startup (when they are not), or that they are _like_ a startup (yeah, right).
There's a reason that every company in tech is trying to b.s. people that they either are _really_ a startup (when they are not), or that they are _like_ a startup (yeah, right).
Good engineers are still a gigantic bargain at $150k.
In reality, those good engineers want $150k and extremely high levels of autonomy OR $500k without caring so much about autonomy (hedge funds). A startup obviously can't afford the latter of those two options. You just need to found a company where the great engineer's desire for accomplishment and autonomy will be an asset rather than a liability. Unfortunately, VCs seem pretty invested in the idea that engineers are second-class citizens, so that's not likely to happen in their world.
Silicon Valley's rent problem is atrocious, but the big companies offering $150k are actually making it better. Why? Because when the big-company or government deal is fairly good, only startups with genuinely good ideas can attract engineers.
What's going on right now is that 99% of these startups aren't true tech companies, but bullshit marketing gambits that happen to involve technology. Those are the ones designed to mine the mediocrity of commodity JavaDrones. But if you go into the startup scene not knowing the warning signs, you'll probably end up working for one of those.
In reality, those good engineers want $150k and extremely high levels of autonomy OR $500k without caring so much about autonomy (hedge funds). A startup obviously can't afford the latter of those two options. You just need to found a company where the great engineer's desire for accomplishment and autonomy will be an asset rather than a liability. Unfortunately, VCs seem pretty invested in the idea that engineers are second-class citizens, so that's not likely to happen in their world.
Silicon Valley's rent problem is atrocious, but the big companies offering $150k are actually making it better. Why? Because when the big-company or government deal is fairly good, only startups with genuinely good ideas can attract engineers.
What's going on right now is that 99% of these startups aren't true tech companies, but bullshit marketing gambits that happen to involve technology. Those are the ones designed to mine the mediocrity of commodity JavaDrones. But if you go into the startup scene not knowing the warning signs, you'll probably end up working for one of those.
Not sustainable for the small startups, that is.
bubble
Israel used to be #2, next to Silicon Valley, in VC fund per capita... but that was 5 years ago. It's now 3 or 4. I'm speaking from memory of some recent gartner reports on VC funding globally.
VC money has dropped as the predominance of super-angels has arisen. Read: Series A Crunch.
Israel still has a strong hold on spot #2 in terms of talented workforce, number of exits, number of companies started, overall access to capital, etc etc. Many VC firms have offices only in Silicon Valley and Tel Aviv, with no mention of New York. Pretty cool!
Israel still has a strong hold on spot #2 in terms of talented workforce, number of exits, number of companies started, overall access to capital, etc etc. Many VC firms have offices only in Silicon Valley and Tel Aviv, with no mention of New York. Pretty cool!
Bravo!
Working long hours is not a function of where you live. It's a choice.
I checked out the website for the company OP mentioned selling. The about page is not filled in with content, leading me to a conclusion that it's not really a fully thought through idea, let alone a company.
There's a moment in everyone's life when they either decide to start telling themselves the truth, i.e., I am not a hockey player (Guy Kawasaki reference from the linked article), or they continue to live a life of lies.
Perhaps moving to a new place will convince someone they need to be honest and make the right choices for themselves, but I suspect a dramatic move is not necessary to begin telling oneself the truth.