Whats the market for software and internet companies in PA?
DA: I think there’s been a resurgence the last couple years here with Founder Factory and DreamIt. Ben Franklin has been involved for a few decades. I think there’s always been an investment in the area trying to figure out industries and companies of tomorrow. What I see in things like Founder Factory and Philly Start-Up Leaders is the community is much tighter and more networked than I’ve seen it historically. Some of that is a function of the social tools available now. The biggest difference from back in the 1980s and ’90s is everyone knows each other. Having that stronger network gives you stronger ideas. It’s easier to start a company than ever before. You’re seeing a young generation that grew up in an entrepreneurial world and it’s a natural thing to start up a company. Start-up costs are also much lower. You’re seeing companies being started for $50,000 that 10 years ago would have been $500,000 and 20 years ago would have been $2 million. It’s a much more dynamic environment.
