Silicon Valley
“Silicon Forest” Attracts Talent from the Mother of all Tech Ecosystems
Portland’s affordability is major factor behind the growth experienced in the high tech sector, and resulting increased salaries are contributing back to the city’s wealth. And this benefits the U.S. Pacific Northwest as a whole. As an indication of the trend, the region’s talent pool grew 28 percent between 2010 and 2013, compared to 20.8 percent in Silicon Valley.
May 19, 2016Mind the Startup Leadership Team Gap, Investors Say
David Cohen, a co-founder and managing partner at Techstars Ventures, said in a 2007 blog post that he won’t rule out sole entrepreneurs, but holds them at a disadvantage. “Look for someone who compliments your skills,” Cohen said. “If you’re great at coding, find someone who’s great at selling or marketing.” Cohen’s investment instincts proved astute as Techstars became an early investor in Uber just two years later.
May 16, 2016The Downside of Jobs in the Startup Era
Jobs shed by startups in their fifth year equal 65 percent of that year's new hires. This number, which shows the difficulty many companies have transitioning out of their startup phase, doesn't account for jobs shed by startups that go bust. Nor does it count jobs lost as a result of startups disrupting a traditional industry.
April 27, 2016VOX: Non-compete Enforcement Hobbles Tech Ecosystems
Non-compete agreements are not just void in California. Employers can be held liable for refusing to hire someone for not agreeing to sign one. The unfettered job-hopping freedom that results has helped give rise to Intel, Tesla and YouTube.
April 19, 2016We’re Calling It: Startups Have Ended the Industrial Era
The world’s economic map is being redrawn. Industries dominant since the 19th century with support from government institutions and political alliances are now a drag on the global economy. Meanwhile, tech startups — disregarded by many of the bureaucracies and political offices that perpetuated the old industrial order — are creating growth.
March 31, 2016