What if the next wave of world-changing innovation doesn’t come from Silicon Valley?

In this episode of The Covert Code Podcast, I sit down with David Blivin, founder and managing director of Cottonwood Technology Funds and author of Crossing the Cactus, to unpack why great ideas don’t need Silicon Valley to succeed—and what it actually takes to commercialize innovation in under-resourced regions.

David Blivin shares how venture capital shifted from hard tech to software (because it’s faster and cheaper to scale), why “things still matter” in the age of AI, and why the real challenge isn’t ideas—it’s money and management. We dive into what states and communities can do to build sustainable tech ecosystems, how to keep startups from relocating once they scale, and why the “people strategy” is the missing piece in most economic development plans.

If you’re a founder, investor, policy leader, or someone building beyond the usual tech hubs, this conversation with David Blivin is a practical roadmap for turning innovation into real companies and real jobs.

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✨ CONNECT WITH DAVID BLIVIN

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dblivin

Cottonwood Technology Fund: cottonwood.vc/

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📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT:

Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM, and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency. Through The Covert Code Podcast, Anna brings together industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to share insights on business growth, leadership, and the strategies that drive success in today's evolving marketplace.

ANNA'S WEBSITES:

The Covert Code: https://thecovertcode.com/

Anna Covert: https://annacovert.com/

Covert Communication: https://covertcommunication.com/

Reactium: https://reactium.io/

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