Let’s get something straight. Not all entrepreneurs wear skinny jeans and a hoodie. And now there’s data to support it. Last month, The Atlantic published an article, “The Myth of the Millennial Entrepreneur,” which suggested that contrary to popular belief this generation is one of the least entrepreneurial in history. Backed up by statistics showing record low rates of business ownership for the under-30 crowd, it appears that parts of the millennial phenomenon may be more of an idea than reality.

 

Fremont is home to the highest number of startups per capita in the country, though few people believe it when we tell them. Why? Because our entrepreneurs fit a different profile than the millennial stereotype. As we dig deeper into our startup community, we realize that our founders are mostly mid-career professionals with a full-time job in tech, but who are working hard at nights and on weekends to capture their own piece of the Silicon Valley dream. They call Fremont home because of the lifestyle, schools, and amenities it offers for their families. And while we by no means dispute the influence and importance of millennials, we think it’s a healthy reminder that the generations preceding them may still have a thing or two up their sleeves.