[tlb]

If you're planning to run a successful tech company, you'll need to spend time talking to customers, partners, suppliers and investors. A large fraction will be in SV. You should really learn to be comfortable in any of the major tech cities.

[mindcrime]

True, but still, it's hardly required to be in SV in order to found a successful technology company. And the Triangle area is actually quite a burgeoning startup hub these days... although the word hasn't gotten out quite everywhere yet. :-)