The Silicon Valley startup life from a European point of view
By: Emanuele Pucci
Tags: Startup, Silicon Valley, Experience, Bay Area

The Silicon Valley startup life from a European point of view

Almost two months and only an article: I guess it helps you figure out how full days are here in the Bay Area. I did my best to meet as many people as possible. With events behind every corner, it’s very easy to lose track of the time.

It’s not easy to recap the entirety of those days in an article: San Francisco and the Silicon Valley actually have different rules than the rest of the world. Everyone here seems to be working at Facebook, Google, Amazon or another of these big tech giants. They are the engine of the local economy.

The place to be

Yes. If you’re working in tech, this is definitely a place you should at least visit.

“I’m running a startup.” “Aw, so you’re working with computers. Can you help me fix mine?”

Have you ever found yourself in a conversation like the one above? I have: as soon as you start explain what you’re doing, the other person realises you work with tech and lose the interest, or stops you with a “Sorry, I don’t understand any of these things”. Forget it. In Silicon Valley everyone is more or less connected to tech. You can talk about what you’re doing, and people will listen to you and get back with feedback. It feels like home.

More than one time I’ve been speaking with Uber drivers who are trying to launch their own startup; everyone is trying to achieve something, and everyone is keen on listening other ideas and be inspired. And the possibilities to get feedback and validate your idea skyrocket.

During this month, I’ve been able to talk to a pool of different subjects with a huge expertise: executives, investors, startuppers… the value of a conversation with them is priceless. It really helps you take a step back and rethink your approach. As part of Plug and Play Tech Center we get a preferential access to a network of professionals and mentors with different expertise and backgrounds. A conversation with them gives you different perspective of the same problem you’re trying to work out. And it’s really useful. I’m working on Awhy’s proposition and strategy and every conversation gives me completely new thoughts and hints.

The power of your roots

The Silicon Valley is a multicultural patchwork: it doesn’t matter where you’re from, you can be sure you’ll find many people with your same origins. Try to get in contact with them: we have done and we are still doing it, with very good results. It’s easier to create the first feeling, and you’ll find a very supportive and collaborative attitude. The most of them understand your situation, because they have been there too.

Even more important, people from the same country of yours can tell you the differences between your place’s and the Silicon Valley’s dynamics, and how to play the game here.

The General Consulate of your country can help you as well: just a few days ago it helps us with the organisation of a networking & pitching event, offering also its offices as a place for the event itself.

Beyond your comfort zone

If I had to condense these months in a sentence, I would definitely choose the one here above. The Silicon Valley really helps you get out of your comfort zone: in part because of the fast rhythm of life, in part because of the huge amount of connection you can find, in part because of the curiosity and people’s attitude.

You just find yourself thrown into a learning loop. You understand how important is to push yourself beyond what you actually know and keep learning day after day. Even more important, you understand that you can learn from anyone and from any situation: a coffee, a beer, a Uber ride. You will not underestimate any conversation from now on.

Last but not least, you learn how make the most of the criticisms received without getting offended, how to work them out to actually improve your product and your person. And all along this process you keep growing.