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Living in Cincinnati and working closely with some of the groups from the Brandery, I have to disagree. However, I will say that the experience you likely had

Living in Cincinnati and working closely with some of the groups from the Brandery, I have to disagree. However, I will say that the experience you likely had 5 years ago would definitely be reflected in what you've said here. The fact is, though, that things have changed monumentally in the past couple of years, and the startup scene is almost unrecognizable. While you're right, it's definitely not Silicon Valley in terms of the kind of network that exists, you're comparing apples and oranges. The startup scene is vibrant. There are tech meetups with hundreds of monthly attendees. There are active groups for all stages of business, from ideas over beers to celebrating series A to burning through buyouts on starting new ideas. I think you should be less frustrated at your eventual return to the Cincy area to hopeful and even excited. There are great opportunities here for all types of startups, and it's still small-ish enough that you get that midwest, hometown, half your network has a startup in some stage, feeling that you will never get in a large market. That is, until we become a large market.

jmathai 14y ago
Out of genuine curiosity, could you explain what makes the startup scene vibrant? It might shed some light.
- johndavidback 14y ago
  That's a great question, and one I never really thought to think through all the way. It's one of those words you throw around without really thinking about. Kind of cliche. But, it has made me think about it a little bit and I guess I do have an answer. I think it's that critical mass of having a large enough group of people and the support network to allow startups to actually make it from conception to profit. So, for example, we have a handful of startup accelerators, CincyTech and the Brandery, to name the big players. There is also Cintrifuse, which is run out of P&G now (not affiliated business-wise, mind you). There are also a lot of heavyweight dev and design minds in the city (due to big marketers) who host and speak at events. There are also investment firms bringing money into the city, and the state of Ohio has also invested a couple of hundred million dollars in seed ventures around the state. So, as far as 'vibrant' as a descriptor, I guess I would say that the combination of these things creating a feeling of excitement and possibility is why I would use the word. Does that help? I feel like I just rambled.

jmathai 14y ago

Out of genuine curiosity, could you explain what makes the startup scene vibrant? It might shed some light.

johndavidback 14y ago
That's a great question, and one I never really thought to think through all the way. It's one of those words you throw around without really thinking about. Kind of cliche. But, it has made me think about it a little bit and I guess I do have an answer. I think it's that critical mass of having a large enough group of people and the support network to allow startups to actually make it from conception to profit. So, for example, we have a handful of startup accelerators, CincyTech and the Brandery, to name the big players. There is also Cintrifuse, which is run out of P&G now (not affiliated business-wise, mind you). There are also a lot of heavyweight dev and design minds in the city (due to big marketers) who host and speak at events. There are also investment firms bringing money into the city, and the state of Ohio has also invested a couple of hundred million dollars in seed ventures around the state. So, as far as 'vibrant' as a descriptor, I guess I would say that the combination of these things creating a feeling of excitement and possibility is why I would use the word. Does that help? I feel like I just rambled.