All Money Is Not Created Equal

Chapter 20Conclusion

When I first thought about writing this book, my plan was to write it mostly, if not exclusively, from the perspective of Silicon Valley proper. That is where much of my experience with venture capital and venture debt has occurred over the past 20 years. But as I began working on the book in earnest I realized that a book of such a narrow focus was not going to be of the greatest service to the startup/founder community.

I would be giving short shrift to the many people who are creating opportunities elsewhere – via online communities and resources, by becoming a part of and helping to build vibrant ecosystems throughout the country, or starting out wherever they can. Also, I didn't want to perpetuate the idea that if you didn't come out of Stanford or Berkeley, you are at a huge disadvantage. That might have been the case 20 years ago, but it certainly isn't any longer.

If anyone questioned whether proximity to Silicon Valley had become less important, whether for founders, VCs, or workers, Covid certainly put those questions to rest. Covid has proven that teams can work remotely, which means companies likely feel more comfortable in hiring remote workers, which can be a boon to the bottom line.

I had started writing this book pre-Covid and then put it on hold as I was working on taking Runway Growth Finance Corp. public. My own perspective on the necessity of working in person changed during that process. As much as I like looking someone in the eye ...