I actually would look at it a different way. In one sense, if you don't "make cool things" then it doesn't really matter where you live. That is the bare minimu

I actually would look at it a different way. In one sense, if you don't "make cool things" then it doesn't really matter where you live. That is the bare minimum for building a network. It's my opinion that you would have MUCH, MUCH more success in Silicon Valley building a network of quality developers. It takes much more than cool projects for people to want to work with you, recommend you, or invest in your company. Culture fit is consistently expressed for a reason, it may even be more important than cool projects (assuming you have some programming background) for some companies. Everywhere you go you meet someone building something, compare that to reading HN from a far and hoping someone is paying attention (and impressed) at a Meetup. My 2 cents: Yes you are missing out with your in person network living in other locations.