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# Why I’m Starting Compile LA
- URL: https://www.compile.la/why-im-starting-compile-la/
- Published: 2026-09-25T06:40:17.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-28T22:23:25.000Z
- Author: Darren Alfonso

I moved to Los Angeles County (Hermosa Beach) on November 11, 2015\. I’ve founded companies here, attended TechWeek, attended meetups, worked in Santa Monica, worked from home, worked from coworking spaces. I’ve lived in two apartments in Hermosa and finally bought a townhome in North Redondo Beach. I love LA.

That whole time, I’ve been searching for a site or podcast that covers innovation in Los Angeles. Something that is a living, breathing thing. Something that authentically reps LA and hypes up the people building cool stuff here. GeekWire : Seattle :: ?? : LA.

In 2020, I was so excited for the launch of [dot.LA](https://dot.la/a-note-from-our-co-founder-its-las-time-to-shine-2644911204.html?ref=compile.la). It was everything I’d been wanting. They touted: “We are a news and events company with a mission of shining a light on the innovation in the L.A. startup and tech community.”, “We're inspired by GeekWire in Seattle and TechCrunch in the Bay Area”, “dot.LA's reporting team will tell the stories of great L.A. startups and tech companies.”. And then three years later [they basically shut down](https://www.thewrap.com/dot-la-sacks-entire-editorial-staff-ceo-sam-adams/?ref=compile.la). The current dot.LA is a newsletter that's usually just a list of funding announcements and exits.

And this brings us to today. After losing my job as a Software Engineering Manager in July 2025, I took some time off to prep for the birth of my first son, Cole, and care for him once he arrived. During my time off, I’ve explored assistive technology and opportunities to work with individuals with developmental disabilities. I’ve interviewed for EM roles and brushed up on coding with AI. Now, with no journalism training whatsoever, I’m starting Compile LA.

It's my humble, time-bound attempt at starting a site that spotlights the people building companies and products in Los Angeles in 2026 and 2027\. 

*I hope Compile LA grows into more than that. I’d love to have a podcast. I’d love to be running it until 2070, but I want to stay grounded.*

I’m also thinking of diving into the current state of the LA tech ecosystem, LA office tours, a “What If” series that explores an alternate history of LA tech, and other random ideas. 

What do you want to read about? [Let me know](mailto:darren@compile.la). Stay tuned and subscribe for stories about the founders, engineers, and companies making hardware and software in Los Angeles.