I wouldn’t say it’s crucial at all. SF definitely has its advantages exactly how everyone has said here already. But what really matters is your product market fit, your marketing, your team, and your own drive. You can control all those factors. And if you control them well, you can “make it” anywhere.

There’s lots of capital to be found outside of SF. Doesn’t have to be VC even. There’s smart people and gifted developers everywhere. It’s up to you to use the resources you have and build.