The topic of the “Seattle Freeze” was brought up during the WTIA’s FullConTech conference, highlighting a social dynamic in Seattle that some believe makes it difficult for founders to get started or attract investors. The passive-aggressiveness and tendency towards pessimism in the Seattle culture were cited as barriers to creating innovative startups. The reaction to these comments on LinkedIn sparked a debate about the importance of focusing on building groundbreaking startups rather than dwelling on the challenges of the Seattle startup ecosystem.
Entrepreneur Aviel Ginzberg and investor Kirby Winfield both expressed their frustration with the focus on the “Seattle Freeze” mentality and called for action rather than complaining. Erik Benson of Voyager Capital also weighed in, noting that in his 25+ years of venture experience in Seattle, he had never experienced the so-called freeze. Despite the challenges that may exist in Seattle for startups, some believe that hard work and perseverance can overcome these obstacles and level the playing field for entrepreneurs in the city.
The debate about the “Seattle Freeze” continued on GeekWire’s Slack channel, with discussions revolving around Seattle’s perceived inferiority complex compared to Silicon Valley. Some emphasized the potential for success in Seattle, pointing to a history of groundbreaking companies that have originated in the city. GeekWire co-founder John Cook expressed frustration with the constant comparison of Seattle’s startup ecosystem to San Francisco, highlighting the hardworking founders in Seattle who may not receive as much attention but are making significant contributions to the tech scene.
The ease of raising money and building a startup in San Francisco was contrasted with the challenges faced by founders in Seattle. Avi Schiffmann, a Seattle native, spoke about the advantages of working in San Francisco, where there is easy access to capital, talented employees, and a supportive ecosystem for startups. Despite these differences, some believe that Seattle’s unique challenges can foster innovation and resilience in its startup community, leading to the creation of successful companies that tackle complex problems.
Overall, the debate about the “Seattle Freeze” sheds light on the unique social dynamics and challenges faced by founders in the city’s startup ecosystem. While some acknowledge the difficulties posed by the freeze mentality, others emphasize the importance of focusing on building groundbreaking startups and persevering through challenges. Ultimately, the success of Seattle’s startup scene may depend on a combination of factors, including a supportive ecosystem, access to capital, and a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
