Remote work has become a hot topic in the business world, especially since the onset of the global pandemic. However, not everyone sees its potential in the same light.

During my recent trip to San Francisco, I encountered a surprising trend among many Silicon Valley investors. Despite the global shift towards flexible work arrangements, many of these influential figures have become increasingly sceptical of remote work. One investor's comment stuck with me: "I only invest in companies where I can go by bicycle."

This isn't just a preference for local businesses; it's a fundamental mistrust of remote work models. Such a narrow view in our interconnected world is not just limiting – it's potentially leaving massive opportunities unexplored.

This scepticism isn't confined to casual remarks. It's driving some truly extreme behaviours in the investment world. I heard about a hedge fund employing a strategy that sounds like it's straight out of a comedy sketch. They're sending people to parks on weekdays to interview sunbathers, asking which companies they work for. If they find a high number of employees from a particular company lounging in the park during work hours, they short that company's stock.

It sounds absurd, but it's a real strategy being implemented. This extreme reaction is a clear symptom of a larger misunderstanding about remote work, its implementation, and its potential benefits when done right.

We believe this happens due to a wrong understanding of remote work advantages. Let me tell you a story that might change your perspective.

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The Remote Work Advantage

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In one of my last companies, Webtrekk, a digital analytics company, we had a team of around 50 developers. In our (very big) software, we always had around 300 open issues. Some minor, some major, some easy to fix, and some really hard. In a bigger development team, you never get to zero bugs, but 300 issues was a lot. We tried hard. We were managing customer service requests vs open bugs vs new developments, and it was really cumbersome for all people involved.

Then Covid hit. You will not believe what happened 6 weeks later: 300 open issues were down to 35. 

How? Well, developers come with a special kind of personality. Often introverted and not very communicative. They need to concentrate and focus on some of their development challenges. If a sales person enters their office to ask for some minor thing, they might lose their train of thought and start all over again. We believe development works very well in remote circumstances.

So why do we believe in remote work and especially remote entrepreneurship? Because we run a remote company. And I have this thesis: Healthy companies can work remotely.

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Building a Global, Boundaryless Startup Community

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In a healthy grown company:

- Everybody knows what their goals are

- Responsibilities are clear

- Vision and mission are clear

- Values like trust, support, honesty, openness, dedication are upheld

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And why remote start-ups? Because theoretically, there is always this one person that fits best for your venture. And do you really believe this one person sits in the same town as yourself?

There are a lot of companies working fully remote. GitLab, Automattic, Zapier, to name a few. They're not just surviving; they're thriving.

At soonami, we're passionate about using technology to support Web3 and AI-enabled ventures. We dream of this world without borders, and we think Web3 and AI are perfect for that. These technologies don't care where you're coming from or where you're based - they're accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

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Embracing the Future of Remote Entrepreneurship

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In a world that sometimes feels like it's putting up more walls, we've now got technologies that are tearing them down. And that's exactly what we need right now. We can't afford to let great ideas get stuck behind geographical barriers.

Think about it - why should a brilliant developer in Nairobi have fewer opportunities than someone in Silicon Valley? Or a creative thinker in Buenos Aires be cut off from resources available in London?

We're working to level that playing field. It's about creating a truly global startup community where your location doesn't determine your potential.

Is it ambitious? Absolutely. But hey, if we're not aiming high, what's the point? We believe this is the future of entrepreneurship - diverse, inclusive, and boundaryless.

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The Next Big Thing Could Come from Anywhere

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The future of remote entrepreneurship is bright. It offers unprecedented access to global talent, reduces overhead costs, and allows for a more diverse and inclusive workforce. But it's not without challenges. Building a strong company culture, maintaining effective communication, and ensuring work-life balance are all areas that need careful attention in a remote setting.

But here's the thing: these challenges are not insurmountable. They're opportunities for innovation and growth. With the right tools, processes, and most importantly, the right mindset, companies can thrive in a remote environment.

So, to the investors who only back companies they can reach by bicycle, I say this: you're limiting your potential. The next big thing might be brewing in a garage in Bangalore, a coffee shop in Buenos Aires, or a co-working space in Nairobi.

Healthy companies can work remotely. It's time we embrace this reality and tap into the global pool of talent and ideas. The future of work is not bound by geography - it's boundless, it's exciting, and it's already here.

Are you ready to be part of it?

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