[everdev]

I did web design sales from Silicon Valley but used a remote team (US-based) to develop the projects. Everyone was happy. Clients got a great project, I had great margins and the team got paid at or above going rates in their local area.

I would never try to build an in person team in the bay area unless you need the absolute 1% of engineers on your team.

[jen20]

If you need the “absolute 1%” of engineers on your team, you go to them where they are, by having a remote-first team and hiring remotely.

[everdev]

IMO, most are already working in the Bay Area at the big companies or unicorns. If you know how to find that ultra top tier talent remotely I'd love to hear what's worked for you.

[jen20]

Frankly just being remote is sufficient - HashiCorp (for example) was almost entirely remote for engineering for a long time (and may still be, I haven't kept track).

Some people ended up in the Bay Area, many people appreciated being able to live and work elsewhere. Not least, Europe.