Although I can agree to the fact that most "startups" (or better say, run-of-the-mill tech firms) here will see programming as just another manufacturing proces

Although I can agree to the fact that most "startups" (or better say, run-of-the-mill tech firms) here will see programming as just another manufacturing process and won't respect what a good programmer can bring to the table but there still are startups who are awesome and struggling to find good developers. If you wish, you can contact me, email is in my profile.