I had used DEC and DG as examples of tech companies starting in small towns, he was pointing out that while they may have been in small towns they were still in

I had used DEC and DG as examples of tech companies starting in small towns, he was pointing out that while they may have been in small towns they were still in a "tech corridor" right outside Boston. Which is a reasonable point to make! I guess he means "in fairness to" the modern silicon valley trends I'm criticizing.