I've only ever been there a couple of times, both times to the San Jose area for work. Most of the vibe I got was that it is mostly families and suburb, amidst a myriad of massive corporate campuses. Is this area mostly full of more mature, established companies?
Where can I find a big concentration of like-minded people and early stage startups? As for me I'm a software engineer professionally and I got excited about startups and the bay area after discovering some podcasts involving startup founders or VCs, or general business/interview discussions during the height of the pandemic. I'd definitely like to try this as the next challenge, more than continue to work at a big company.
Most capable ppl with startup ambitions already have their connections.
You are far better just soliciting for partners on HN or other startup sites of which there are plenty with plenty also looking to partners.
Hate to sound cynical and/or degrading but moat I've met through meetups and alike groups are all wannabes.
However like anywhere else, there are still plenty like myself who wants to get started on that endeavor too.
I've worked for all the FANNG+M and find all capable ppl have their contacts they trust
The only time you maybe be successful is if you are already funded.
But there is one advantage of doing all that in the Valley; funding is easy. Almost every serious meetups have someone in VC world scouting.
Oh also lawyers who have been there done that to setup you up with term sheets and sound contracts that's been proven.
Reddit is also someone you can maybe find someone.
btw the "it" place(s) to be is Palo Alto and SF.
It as mentioned before breaking in and getting noticed is impossible unless you already got in roads with connected ppl.
Ol adage: It's WHO you know not WHAT you know.
SF tends to skew towards smaller tech companies, alongside remote and other cities.
Of course these are just generalizations.