Beyond Silicon Valley

We aren't alone. There is a growing pool of early-stage investors based outside the Valley who are looking way beyond the area for the next big ideas. Their presence is a boon to entrepreneurs who previously had to pitch ideas over long distances and in foreign languages. Not only do they share a language and a culture, but local entrepreneurs and VCs share a desire for their countrymen to flourish. As the new crop of global tech hubs grows, many more entrepreneurs will succeed, regardless of whether they receive a blessing from Sand Hill Road.

Zennström is the cofounder of Kazaa, Skype and Joost, and a cofounder and partner of Atomico, a risk-capital firm.

© 2007