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by 8bitpal 5315 days ago
I'm really interested in what compels entrepreneurs to leave a country or area that was formerly a hub for startups.

I posted before in the context of SOPA: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=3265961

What would it take for you to leave the place you are based now and try your luck somewhere else?
3 comments
polyfractal 5315 days ago
I can think of a number of reasons.

-If you make hard-goods, being closer to your manufacturing may be helpful

-Cheaper staffing/skilled labor in non-US countries

-Cheaper cost of living elsewhere

-More corporation-friendly tax regulations

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8bitpal 5315 days ago
Rationally those are compelling reasons for a business to leave.

But I think personal reasons play a huge role in this decision. A majority of the people tend to only leave when the situation becomes unbearable (or not even then).

What would it take for you to leave your home country/area?

I guess it's hard to say until it actually happens. One reason for me to leave would be an oppressive government, I guess.

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ark15 5314 days ago
I would add 'Visa issues' to that list that applies to people who are itching to start companies in the US after being here for 5+ years but cannot due to visa restrictions.
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danneu 5315 days ago
Along with the answer to your question that someone may provide you, perhaps also change, adventure, and rocking the boat? Mixing a little bit of life experience in with entrepreneurial endeavors? I'm only 23, but those reasons compel me.
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8bitpal 5315 days ago
Very true.

Would it compel to leave permanently though? I left my country of birth for the reasons you stated but I guess somewhere in the back of my head I see myself returning one day.

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danneu 5314 days ago
I don't think I could leave permanently. And I can't see myself rescinding my American passport. Very circumstantial extremes.

Even travel writer Paul Theroux, having spent most of his life abroad, said that nothing will ever replace home and its familiarity.

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frankus 5314 days ago
I'm not much of an entrepreneur, but I'm planning to move just across the border to Vancouver so I can live with the Canadian I've been dating for eight and a half years (it's not totally impossible for us to live together down here but it's just so much more of a hassle that it's not worth it).

Unfortunately when I last checked a few months ago no one was really looking to hire iOS developers up there.

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