Zayd Ali serves as CEO of Valley, doing something no company has done before: recreating the entire infrastructure behind how startups grow.

Silicon Valley used to be the go-to place for startups, investors, and tech talent, but now these communities have spread out across the globe. This has made it easier for entrepreneurs to access opportunities and resources, but it has also led to a disconnection between different startup ecosystems. Valley is addressing this issue by building a digital infrastructure that will connect these silos and allow anyone with an internet connection to tap into Silicon Valley-like resources, regardless of their location. This platform aims to bridge the gap between startup communities, capital, and talent and create a more inclusive and welcoming ecosystem for entrepreneurs worldwide.

Zayd explains, 

“I saw that there were people capable of building companies everywhere… but taking the next step to building a venture-backed company requires a lot more than just relying on yourself. You need to attract talent and capital. But the majority of builders aren’t in areas or don’t have the networks which allow them to be discovered by those who can help them in this company-building journey… the natural progression is that Silicon Valley [should move] to everywhere – every city has people capable of building incredible companies. In order to allow for the natural expansion of Silicon Valley, you need the infrastructure to allow it to exist. So my co-founder and I embarked on the journey of building a digital Silicon Valley – Valley. We began building and raised our first round of venture from the investors in Uber, Robinhood, Calm – Jason Calacanis, and Antler – the largest pre-seed fund in the world.” 

Zayd began his studies at Tulane University after selling his first firm, which specialized in client acquisition for financial advisors, for seven figures at age 19. 

“Like any other 19-year-old male,” he explains, “I attended college.” “I quickly recognized that it was not for me because it was dull. I needed more – I needed to continue moving forward, so after a semester I quit out and enrolled at Valley College (at that point it was called FISH). FISH was born out of a personal dilemma. I realized that there were business-minded people everywhere, including myself.” 

It is a self-fulfilling prophecy that entrepreneurs can start and grow successful businesses anyplace if they have the ability to develop networks. The globalization of Silicon Valley is the logical conclusion of the expansion described previously. The flow of venture capital between the two coasts has increased by 600% over the past five years. 

“Ten years ago, there were 36 cities with more than one unicorn [a startup valued at $1 billion or more]. At present, there are over 170. A quarter-trillion dollars in dry powder is available for venture capital investments. Discovering venues for startup aptitude and company-building expertise that have been missed by others is how asymmetric returns are discovered. This indicates that the new Silicon Valley must compete on a global basis. Long gone are the days when founders had to graduate from Stanford, go down the street to Y Combinator, and get backed by Andreesen or Accel. This trifecta is still a potent one, but it is no longer a must for a successful outcome or an imperative. It is essential for the growth and profitability of the space to have a social layer that replicates the original Silicon Valley communities. We need connectivity, we need simple access, and we need to find folks who can’t go to Tier 1 U.S. cities yet are advancing at an unfathomable rate… and we must give them power. This is what Silicon Valley [should be] all about. “Discovering the uncharted” 

Five years from now, where will Valley be? 

“Our platform will encompass the whole early-stage funding sector. On Valley, you will find, engage, discuss, vote, and invest in early-stage startups from around the world.” 

In addition to being featured on CNN Business, NBC, ABC, FOX, and Marketwatch, Zayd Ali is the President and Chief Operating Officer of a variety of charity organizations and the recipient of the Prudential Spirit of Community Award and the Points of Light Award.