He's pointing out a challenge for entrepreneurs, not griping. He's lived in California, Boston and New York, and he chose this area for a reason — "Maryland-D.C. is the mecca of security."

So far, the bet's paid off. ZeroFOX, which focuses on cybersecurity threats from social media, has raised $13 million from both local and out-of-state investors. Among them is Sourcefire's former chief financial officer. That's allowed the company to expand from its original two people to nearly 50.

image: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net