Whether they know it or not Slashdot inspired a lot of Michigan startup founders. They proved that you didn't have to be in Silicon Valley to found a notable company.

I well remember after reading Slashdot for a few months and then finding out that they were in West Michigan and being absolutely floored.

Fun fact one of Rob's friends who helped found the company is now a professor at Michigan State University:

https://msu.edu/~kdemaagd/bio.html