In an effort to strengthen the regional identity and global recognition of their entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Hampton Roads community is embracing the moniker “Silicon Anchor”. This name plays off the region’s key economic sectors—military, shipping, and tourism—all of which are intrinsically linked to water. The term also draws inspiration from the world-renowned “Silicon Valley”, aligning the area with a long-standing symbol of technological innovation. By adopting the Silicon Anchor Hampton Roads name, the community aims to foster a united, robust network of startups, founders, and investors that can collectively enhance the region’s entrepreneurial footprint on a larger scale.
Introduction
By: Tim Ryan
It’s not news that we have had a growing and thriving startup community for several years. Even longer, our region has struggled to come up with a name to market ourselves by. We’ve all heard the narrative time and time again. Where is Hampton Roads? What does Hampton Roads even mean? The locals understand the naming convention, yet, the rest of the world doesn’t seem to have a clue. As the world becomes “smaller” and more competitive, we need to become more coordinated to even be in contention to expand our entrepreneurial footprint.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: We are not trying to introduce a new brand or solve the region’s branding identity.
First Take
First take: Let’s focus on what we are known for. Three primary segments fuel our region’s economy:
- Military
- Shipping industry
- Tourism
What do all three of these have in common? WATER.
Second Take
Second take: We’ve all heard of Silicon Valley. What started in the early 1900s stemming from a Navy research and technology site, Stanford University, then further developed the talent needed to grow the area into what it has become today.
Several technology regions use “Silicon” in their name today.
Third Take
Third take: Our startups, founders, and entrepreneurial community are more robust together rather than trying to compete alone. A community is needed to put ourselves on the map. Founders, service providers, investors, consumers, media, and the act of attracting and retaining talent will benefit from dropping their anchors as part of something bigger than themselves.
By taking the existing and accepted “Silicon” and adding something symbolic to water and our region, “Anchor.” We welcome you to Silicon Anchor.
This is an open invitation to you all. Everyone is included, and we encourage you to embrace being part of the Silicon Anchor region. The future of our region depends on you.
Question & Answer
What is the significance of the term “Silicon Anchor” for the Hampton Roads community?
The term “Silicon Anchor” is significant for the Hampton Roads community as it aims to strengthen the regional identity and global recognition of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. It plays off the region’s key economic sectors—military, shipping, and tourism—all linked to water, and aligns the area with the symbol of technological innovation from “Silicon Valley”.
What are the three primary segments that fuel the economy of the Hampton Roads region?
The three primary segments that fuel the economy of the Hampton Roads region are the military, shipping industry, and tourism, all of which are intrinsically linked to water.
Why is it important for the Hampton Roads community to foster a united network of startups, founders, and investors?
It is important for the Hampton Roads community to foster a united network of startups, founders, and investors to collectively enhance the region’s entrepreneurial footprint on a larger scale. By working together, they can create a robust ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders involved.
