Why Startups Condense in America
A very good article about the requisites necessary to create a start-up friendly environment, and the challenges of other countries in doing so.
http://www.paulgraham.com/america.html
I had thought about doing some software startups in Costa Rica. By far the largest problem is the need to import programming talent. I thought this could be overcome (what a better place for a working sabbatical than Costa Rica) but I've since changed my opinion.
One new trend that is not mentioned is the emergence of transnational startups. For example, a programming office in Vancouver, marketing office in New York, call center in Costa Rica, and a brass plate incorporation in Panama, BVI or Gibraltar.
I've thought seriously about setting up an offshore Venture Capital/Incubator that specializes in early seed capital, and services related to company formation and front office. Let the core "brain" office form in San Francisco, Seattle, or where it will, but allow them at the same time to take advantage of the features other countries do offer.
http://www.paulgraham.com/america.html
I had thought about doing some software startups in Costa Rica. By far the largest problem is the need to import programming talent. I thought this could be overcome (what a better place for a working sabbatical than Costa Rica) but I've since changed my opinion.
One new trend that is not mentioned is the emergence of transnational startups. For example, a programming office in Vancouver, marketing office in New York, call center in Costa Rica, and a brass plate incorporation in Panama, BVI or Gibraltar.
I've thought seriously about setting up an offshore Venture Capital/Incubator that specializes in early seed capital, and services related to company formation and front office. Let the core "brain" office form in San Francisco, Seattle, or where it will, but allow them at the same time to take advantage of the features other countries do offer.