Honestly, me too. I grew up in the Valley and used to live in Burbank and commuted to Hollywood and (of course) Santa Monica — which is, yeah, a harsh drive. It would be awesome if Disney could effectively bring technology startups somewhere beside the Westside.
However, I have to think that Techstars, of anyone, has the data to back up the arguments in favor of accelerators being located near a region's startup ground zero.
Even if Disney was insistent, what would the first advice be from every advisor? Put the central location on the Westside or you're a B player.
And I don't think Disney would necessarily be insistent. For example, Grantland's offices are off on their own in downtown LA. Especially since they can just do a deal with one of the many tech office spaces that operate on the Westside.
Still, perhaps there can be a compromise, like two demo days (one in the studio area, one on the Westside). But I've seen the Westside win too many times to hold out much hope...
However, I have to think that Techstars, of anyone, has the data to back up the arguments in favor of accelerators being located near a region's startup ground zero.
Even if Disney was insistent, what would the first advice be from every advisor? Put the central location on the Westside or you're a B player.
And I don't think Disney would necessarily be insistent. For example, Grantland's offices are off on their own in downtown LA. Especially since they can just do a deal with one of the many tech office spaces that operate on the Westside.
Still, perhaps there can be a compromise, like two demo days (one in the studio area, one on the Westside). But I've seen the Westside win too many times to hold out much hope...