In a world obsessed with Silicon Valley-style disruption, what happens to businesses operating outside the bubble? This session explores how entrepreneurs can build and scale companies in non-traditional markets—without relying on venture capital, hyper-growth expectations, or tech-first ideologies.

We’ll dive into stories from founders who chose to grow deliberately and sustainably in overlooked cities, towns, and regions. How did they access talent? What role did local communities play? How did they attract attention and customers without the coastal buzz?

Key topics include navigating regional ecosystems, building strategic partnerships with local institutions, and finding capital outside the typical tech circles. You’ll also learn how to turn geographic disadvantages into unique positioning and brand power.

Whether you’re operating a retail chain in the Midwest or launching a consultancy in a small European town, this talk will give you tools, ideas, and a mindset shift to scale your business on your own terms, without chasing unicorn dreams.