Instead of relying on traditional Silicon Valley-centric models for success, the new innovation economy must prioritize building a social layer that connects and supports founders from around the world. This includes providing easy access to resources and networks, as well as discovering and supporting those who may not have the same level of visibility or resources as those in Tier 1 cities. By fostering connectivity and inclusivity, we can create a more welcoming and supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs to thrive in, regardless of their location. This is the essence of Silicon Valley – finding and supporting those who are making a difference, and helping them to achieve their full potential.

Developing a successful startup firm used to require you to be in a specific location, despite the fact that it was already nearly impossible in general. 

For most, this was Silicon Valley, where financiers, private equity firms, and the kind of expertise that could help you launch a startup could be found. If you weren’t already in Silicon Valley, you probably wanted to be. 

Entrepreneurs from rural places found it difficult to relocate to Silicon Valley in order to raise capital and establish contacts with investors, let alone secure the expertise needed to grow their businesses. 

A high cost of living and a highly competitive environment hampered the development of a number of innovative businesses. 

Zayd Ali is the current CEO of Valley, a startup that is changing the way entrepreneurs network and grow their businesses. Silicon Valley’s importance is dwindling as nomadic living, foreign IT talent, and remote work become more prevalent. Previously limited to this location, startup ecosystems, capital, and talent have spread around the world. While this has increased access to opportunities, made the ecosystem more welcoming, and made it easier to invest in or expand a business, it has also resulted in the ecosystem becoming more detached than before. Silicon Valley is building the digital infrastructure that will allow anyone with an internet connection to access the region’s resources. 

Zayd elaborates, 

“I noticed that there were capable business builders around… Taking the next step toward establishing a venture-backed company, on the other hand, entails much more than relying solely on oneself. You must attract talent as well as funds. However, the majority of builders are not located in locations or have networks that allow them to be recognized by those who can assist them in their company-building journey… Every city has people capable of creating fantastic businesses, so it is only natural that Silicon Valley [should move] everywhere. The necessary infrastructure must exist for Silicon Valley’s natural expansion. As a result, my co-founder and I embarked on the quest to build a digital Silicon Valley – Valley. Our initial round of venture funding was funded by investors in Uber, Robinhood, Calm – Jason Calacanis – and Antler – the largest pre-seed fund. 

Zayd has labored alongside other founders to build solid companies, so he has experience. Zayd’s personal startup experiences inspired the motivation to build Valley. Providing evidence that solving one’s own problem frequently leads to a lucrative business.

Zayd enrolled at Tulane University after selling his first company, which specialized in customer acquisition for financial advisors, for seven figures when he was 19 years old. “I then went to college like any other 19-year-old,” he recalls. “I quickly realized it wasn’t for me; it was boring. I needed more – I needed to keep moving forward – so after one semester, I dropped out and enrolled at Valley College (at that point it was called FISH). FISH was born out of my own predicament. I realized that anyone, including myself, could start a business anywhere.” While Valley is being built, Zayd is a student at Columbia University in New York. 

Globalization is the logical result of Silicon Valley’s previously mentioned expansion. The flow of venture capital between the coasts has increased by 600% in the last five years. It makes sense that today’s startups have expanded widely.

“Ten years ago, 36 cities had more than one unicorn [a company worth at least $1 billion]. There are currently more than 170. Venture capital has a dry powder of $250 billion dollars. Asymmetric profits are discovered by identifying previously overlooked areas for startup potential and company-building prowess. As a result, the new Silicon Valley must compete on a global scale. Founders are no longer required to graduate from Stanford, move to Y Combinator, and then receive funding from Andreesen or Accel. This trifecta is still effective, but it is no longer a requirement for success or an essential component. A social layer that replicates the communities developed in Silicon Valley version one is critical to the place’s growth and profitability. We need connectivity, easy access, and the discovery of people who can’t fly to Tier 1 US cities but are progressing at an incredible rate… and we need to enable them. This is ostensibly Silicon Valley’s raison d’être.” Exploring the unknown.” 

“Our platform will have access to the entire early-stage investing market. With Valley, you can find, engage with, discuss, vote on, and invest in startups from all over the world.” 

CNN Business, NBC, ABC, FOX, and Marketwatch have all featured Zayd Ali, who also serves as President and Chief Operating Officer for several nonprofit organizations and has received the Prudential Spirit of Community Award and the Points of Light Award.