I’m new here. Very new. I started at Technical.ly in January. I did a spot of random freelance for a week or so before sinking in. I’m now lead reporter in Delaware.
It’s a change. Previously, my work’s kept me in the fields of consumer tech, entertainment, video games and some light science. It’s all been away from home in cities like New York, San Francisco or Los Angeles. I grew up in Delaware. I live in Delaware. I worked from Delaware, but I didn’t really work in Delaware.
Until now.
I’ve been at this reporting thing in the tech and startup scene here in Delaware for just over a month now. I’ve learned about co-working spaces that I didn’t know existed. I’ve attended a few small dinners. I’ve grabbed drinks and coffee with a handful of sources. I’ve introduced myself.
I’m Joey, by the way. You can always reach me through the contacts in my byline with questions, tips and ideas. I’m here.
Right, so what have I learned about Delaware? I suppose the question, more appropriate, is what have I learned about Delaware that I sort of always knew?
Small state. Everyone knows everyone. Ambitious people practically trip over themselves to help other ambitious people. We’re centrally located. We have a relevance complex.
I can say that. I’m from here. Delawareans laugh along with the Wayne’s World jokes and ridiculous conspiracy theories, but we’re a little embarrassed. A touch. A smidge.
That scale and location are huge for startups. That helpful attitude is valuable for people looking to get ahead. The fact that you’re never a few steps too far from someone you’ve worked with before is enormous and unique. For this business? Delaware is awesome.
I’ve heard that sentiment echoed by people like CompassRed founder Patrick Callahan. He came back after years away, telling us that “there’s no better place to have a business.”
Zip Code Wilmington Head of School Melanie Augustin praised the business community. She told me that “everywhere you turn, people offer great advice or connect you to their contacts.”
The Mill cofounder Robert Herrera loves the experience of the entrepreneurs in Delaware. UD Horn Program‘s Vincent DeFelice told me “It’s the nature of people in Delaware to stick together… Folks seem to know one another, they want to help each other and that’s unique to our community.”
Everyone I talk to says the same thing. Delaware is great for entrepreneurship.
So, on to month two. What else should I learn about the Delaware tech scene?
Before you go...
Please consider supporting Technical.ly to keep our independent journalism strong. Unlike most business-focused media outlets, we don’t have a paywall. Instead, we count on your personal and organizational support.
Join our growing Slack community
Join 5,000 tech professionals and entrepreneurs in our community Slack today!