US financial meltdown tests patience of tech startup investors

September 29th, 2008 National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) logo

The US financial sector meltdown is a mixed blessing for technology startups, making them seem solid in a shaky market but threatening long waits for investors accustomed to quick returns. Coffers of venture capitalists are brimming with cash but those managing investments are increasingly wary of which startups they back, according to US National Venture Capital Association president Mark Heeson.

The US financial sector meltdown is a mixed blessing for technology startups, making them seem solid bets in a shaky market but threatening long waits for investors accustomed to quick returns.



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  • Slamshift - Sep 29, 2008
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    So, as myopic as I am, what I take away from this is that ultimately potential technological advancement for the masses isn't to be determined by its own merits but by its marketability. Swell.
    Combine that with politics, religion, and corporate specificity of funding integrating themselves into public institutions of research....and the term "pure science" is nothing more than a quaint anachronism receding quickly in the rearview.
    I know I am being simplistic and more than a little optimistic...but what about Science (with a big "S") for Science sake?
    Is it absolutely necessary to apply a dollar value or religio-political ideal to Science and the elements that result from it? Actually, this is kind of a loaded question by myself, but I am keen to hear comments anyhow.
    I'll get off my soapbox so someone can set me straight.
  • Zig158 - Oct 09, 2008
    • Rank: not rated yet
    Sounds about right, it works that way in good times and bad.

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