Bitwise Industries may be gone, but Fresno’s tech community remains ‘Valley Strong’ | Opinion

On Memorial Day 2023, at 9:15pm, I was huddled on the couch, locked in a battle with a 103-degree fever. My 2-year-old son, also struck by the same illness, lay next to me while my 9-month pregnant wife did her best to tend to us both.

Suddenly, my phone started buzzing with colleagues urging me to check my work email.

A jolt of adrenaline got me to my computer and there it was: an email that marked the beginning of a whirlwind journey. It was a furlough notice from Bitwise Industries for myself and the entire staff, nearly 900 colleagues across the United States.

Several days later it became official — we were laid off.

The days following the furlough have been a swirling vortex of emotions — fear, anger, anxiety, astonishment — and hope. Amidst the pain and actions that incited anger, I find myself constantly amazed by humanity’s capacity for good.

People from every corner of life are stepping up — strangers, colleagues past and present, students from years gone by, friends and family alike — are all showing up when it matters the most. Community members are rallying alongside government officials advocating for each other’s welfare. Because our community is resilient and “Valley Strong.”

Our community is not a single organization or entity - its strength is unmatched and its spirit indefatigable. The technology industry in the Valley and Fresno is not — and never was — solely about a single company.

Over the last eight years I have been privy to witness this strength manifest in various ways such as:

▪ The acquisition of Drip

▪ The growth of companies like Quiq Labs, Moore than SEO, Kotman, Xobee Networks, the Sargent, Unwired, and Imago

▪ Advancements in CTE education at Fresno Unified and Fowler Unified

▪ Establishment of innovative learning environments like Patino School of Entrepreneurship

▪ The launching of hacker spaces like Root Access & Ideaworks

▪ The expansion of Bay Valley Tech

▪ The flourishing growth of freelancing agencies

▪ Pitch competitions fostering future entrepreneurs

▪ Infusions of seed funding giving birth to technology investment funds

▪ Successful training programs leading hundreds into employment

▪ Mobilizations during Covid lockdowns with initiatives like Take Care

Our technological community is resilient; it’s robust; it’s strong. We are “Valley Strong!”

To all former tenants, ex-colleagues, students who walked through our doors — you are resilient! You are strong! Because this community and region is Valley Strong. #valleystong and #openforwork.

This story was originally published June 27, 2023 at 5:30 AM.