GUEST MENTOR Andy White, general partner at VegasTechFund: For startups, what makes Las Vegas special is not the bright lights, gambling or endless entertainment opportunities on the Strip. It's the tremendous strength of the local community, and the opportunities available through it.

Most cities list local accelerator programs as a major selling point to attract startups to their area. These programs are valuable, offering office space, mentors, peer networks and funding sources to aspiring entrepreneurs, but they often...