[NonStopper]

As a relatively naive observer of the world of startups I find myself questioning the very premise of the response from Mr. Seibel. Especially in a environment where travel is difficult, security is inhibiting, and the physical environment is challenging.

Geographic concentrations (Valley making - sic!) would appear to serve at least two significant dimensions: first, closer to funding sources at all levels (Y Combinator, etc., venture capital) and second, access to skilled engineers and organizational talent (and mentors). One optimizes for the investors and the other supports the entrepreneurs. Compared to Dubai, Amman, Beirut or Cairo, Gaza is probably unique in its limitations but simultaneously rich because of the intensity the constraints result in. The question back to Michael might be what obstacles distributed centers present to the Y Combinator model. The intensity of competition for eyeballs and finances could as easily get in the way of strong work at ground level, IMHO.

Just some thoughts from an observer who was in IT and what we called Computer Operations 30 years ago.