"Over the last half a century in Silicon Valley, the short life cycle of startups reinforced the idea that - the long term relationships that lasted was with a network of people - much larger than those in your current company."

—

Steve Blank - The Pay It Forward Culture

I’m a relatively new entrant into the startup community in New York and I’ve been incredibly impressed by the willingness of others to offer advice and counsel as I try to find my way and “add value” (yeah, I just used a cheesy MBA buzzword). 

New York is far more dense than the valley, and getting together to chat, share stories and experiences is easier than almost anywhere else on earth.  It’s a city that often gets a bad rap for being “competitive” and “cutthroat.” While this may be true in other verticals (I’m looking at you, finance!), I’d say that people in NYC’s startup scene (and in many of the larger companies that have been a part of New York’s lifeblood for decades) are more humble, eager to learn, and eager to support one another than anywhere else.  

Thanks to all of those that have “paid it forward” and helped me get to where I am - you know who you are.  Can’t wait to return the favor in the future.  Here’s to building a culture of “pay-it-forward” in NYC for years to come.

Tags: entrepreneurship pay it forward culture technology New York City