Aug 16, 2026
The Bay Area’s fast-paced startup environment contrasts sharply with a growing economic divide between the US and Europe, as illustrated by two British expatriates’ experiences.
Joshua March, a serial entrepreneur, moved to America over a decade ago, believing it was the best place to build large companies. Last year, he emailed Gary Tan, CEO of Y Combinator (YC), and secured an interview within days. March raised $1 million from angel investors before joining YC, then completed a $10 million seed round just before demo day, ten weeks later. He notes that US investors are more ambitious and aggressive than their European counterparts, and that Silicon Valley’s grind culture drives people to work harder, often seven days a week.
In contrast, Victoria Pearce and her husband relocated from California to Sussex in 2021, seeking relief…
