Heartland startups finally strike back

A year ago the Midwest seemed on the cusp of a renaissance. Small towns and cities from Pittsburgh to Omaha had perfected the YC model of accelerator creation and low-cost/high-impact funding. The ecosystems have cropped up everywhere there is a coffee shop or an artisanal sandwich truck and the idea of "doing a startup" vs. going to work for some corporate behemoth is a well-worn path for many students. Even as the startup era dies in the Valley it is exploding in the heartland.

That’s right: as SV wanes, the Midwest waxes. Jon Evans makes the point best in his post this weekend although I think he’s missing what’s happening on the periphery:

Posted yesterday by John Biggs (@johnbiggs)

Heartland startups finally strike back