"In real estate, location is everything. The same holds true for your business." - Barbara Corcoran

While we all got through the remote phase of working, I strongly believe that you need to be in the right place to build your business.

When I founded VAUNT in Romania, I had big dreams and even bigger ambitions. But as a startup founder, I quickly realized that where you build your business can be as crucial as the idea itself. This led me to move from Romania to New York.

During NY Tech Week (which was an absolute blast), Dylan Reider, Partner at Crew Capital, nailed it when he said, “You need to be in the right place to build your business.” I couldn’t agree more. Before settling in New York, we also checked out San Francisco and LA to see what fit our business best. I recommend every founder find the right location.

Relocating for your business requires a lot of effort, both financially and personally, but it's something to be open about when building a business.

Where and how a startup operates can make or break its success. New York is a global hub of innovation, filled with diverse talent, plenty of investors, and endless networking opportunities. Being surrounded by people doing similar or bigger things and having access to those who have done it before can give a startup the push it needs to reach its full potential. When I first arrived in NY, I felt inspired – and many of my startup friends are building in NY, SF, or LA.

Building a network of contacts is vital for any business. In New York, there are countless opportunities to meet other entrepreneurs, potential partners, and mentors. Events, conferences, and meetups happen regularly, providing chances to connect with people who can offer valuable advice and support. These connections can open doors to new opportunities and help navigate the challenges of growing a business. At the end of the day, I get inspired to do more, learn better, and have access to people who are a bit farther along than me.

You'll hear many people say NY is the best city to build a startup; some say SF, others LA. But I believe everyone needs their own place to grow personally and professionally.

I remember hearing Tim Ferris say in a podcast that if you’re in your 20s or early 30s, you should move to a very busy city to develop yourself as a person, and I couldn’t agree more. Assuming you’re reading this as a founder, moving away from your country and trying a different place can deeply enrich your experience if you know what you’re looking for.

So if you’re in NYC, feel free to drop a message and let’s connect!