Do startups still need Silicon Valley? Founders and funders debate at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025.

The article discusses the ongoing debate around the importance of Silicon Valley for startups. At the TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 conference, three industry experts - Anh-Tho Chuong (Lago), David Hall (Revolution), and Tawni Nazario-Cranz (SignalFire) - discussed whether founders still need to be based in Silicon Valley to succeed. The panelists shared differing perspectives on the matter. Some argued that Silicon Valley's ecosystem, access to talent, and investor network still provide a significant advantage for startups. Others suggested that remote work and the dispersal of tech hubs have made location less crucial, allowing founders to build successful companies from anywhere. The debate highlights the evolving landscape of the startup world, as founders and funders grapple with the changing role of Silicon Valley in driving innovation and company growth. The article does not provide a definitive conclusion, reflecting the ongoing discussion around this topic within the tech community.