San Francisco Versus New York: BBC Explores The Technology Industries In Two Cities (VIDEO)

TO THE DEATH: San Francisco Versus New York

It's a battle as old as time. David Chang versus Alice Waters. Brooklyn Bridge versus Golden Gate. Bruce Wayne versus Gavin.

It's New York versus San Francisco, and now it looks like the tech community is tapping into the ring as well.

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Part of BBC's series Living Online, "Tech War: New York Vs San Francisco" explores the growing tech industry in New York City, which is quickly catching up with San Francisco and Silicon Valley. The video highlights Paul Stamatiou, the San Francisco-based founder of picplum, and Joseph Cohen, the New York-based founder of Coursekit, as they debate the advantages of their respective technology hegemon.

"Everyone out here is in some form of technology," said Stamatiou about the Bay Area. "Startups are the norm. So many people actually want to help you -- everyone wants to pay it forward. They want to give you advice, give you funding, office space, whatever." Stamtiou points to the tech saturation of the Bay Area, calling it a breeding ground for startup success. "While New York has a vibrant tech community, it seems like it's just a part of New York. Whereas in Silicon Valley, technology is Silicon Valley."

But Cohen argues that the diversity of New York is exactly what fosters such an innovative startup community.

"You go to San Francisco and you're hanging out in the hip coffee shop -- everyone's talking about startups," said Cohen. "But that's not how you get inspiration, that's not how you come up creative ideas. The beauty of New York is that you have people in every area. You have people in fashion, you have people in education, and all the best of each of those classes." He argued. "You come up with businesses that work for the mainstream by being surrounded by people that aren't the same as you."

Clearly there's no definite answer (cough, cough...San Francisco...cough), but we're looking forward the the fight.

Watch BBC'S video Tech War: New York Vs San Francisco below, and leave your argument in the comments section:

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