As the global startup community converges in San Francisco for TechCrunch Disrupt 2025—set for October 27–29 at Moscone West—a pressing question emerges: Does launching a company in Silicon Valley still provide founders with a significant advantage? With over 10,000 startup and venture capital leaders expected at this landmark event, discussions about location, access, and opportunity are more relevant than ever.
On the Builders Stage, Anh-Tho Chuong (Lago), David Hall (Revolution), and Tawni Nazario-Cranz (SignalFire) will host an essential session for anyone aiming to scale effectively in the modern startup environment.
Why this topic is crucial right now
With distributed teams, regional innovation centers, and international fundraising now commonplace, more founders are questioning whether their physical location still gives them a competitive edge. Does being based in the Bay Area still provide unique opportunities, or has the landscape finally evened out?
This discussion unites experienced founders and investors who have built and supported startups nationwide—and globally. They’ll explore what access means in 2025, how remote work has changed since the pandemic, and where genuine opportunities exist for new entrepreneurs.
Meet the Builders Stage speakers for this session
- Anh-Tho Chuong is transforming open source billing through Lago, a YC-supported platform trusted by AI innovators like Mistral and Together. With experience scaling Qonto and early roles at Weebly and McKinsey, she brings a global perspective on growth.
- David Hall has spent the past ten years demonstrating that groundbreaking startups can emerge from anywhere. As managing partner at Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, he’s built a diverse portfolio by supporting ambitious founders outside the traditional coastal hubs.
- Tawni Nazario-Cranz, a partner at SignalFire and former CHRO at Waymo, offers a people-centric approach to scaling companies. She has guided organizations through rapid expansion and developed talent strategies that extend well beyond Silicon Valley.
The advantage debate: Bay Area versus everywhere else
No matter if you’re building your company in a major metropolis, a rural town, or somewhere in between, this session will provide new insights into the true sources of startup success. Discover what factors remain important, what has changed, and how to grow your network—regardless of your location.
Join this discussion live on the Builders Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place October 27–29 at Moscone West in San Francisco.
Image Credits:Kimberly White / Getty Images
