Which I thought really cool, then I was disappointed when I read that Andreessen is an ex-boyfriend of Bianchini's. I can't help but feel that taints the coolness of it and reinforces a negative stereotype.
Strong disagree. I'd guess that most successful cofounding teams have a prior, personal relationship (platonic or otherwise). I know the fact that my cofounder and I have been close friends for > 20 years has been crucial to our success, and pg has cited the strength of the founders' friendship as a deciding factor for YC interviews.
So, the fact that Mr. Andressen and Ms. Bianchini have a prior relationship is unsurprising. To imply their romantic past conferred her this opportunity, in a way that a platonic friendship would not have, is dangerously close to calling her a whore.
(PS: I'm sorry to jump on you, and I empathize with your sentiment. But its one of those built in stereotypes that we need to actively fight within ourselves.)
If they were two professional equals starting a company as co-founders I wouldn't think anything negative about it.
It's the fact that Andreessen (arguably #1 guy in Silicon Valley) funded the company with his money and connections and then gave her the CEO job. He was in a position of power and conferred a benefit to a friend and former lover.
It's kind of like the guy that goes to work at his father's company as the CEO. Even if he warrants the appointment it's hard to feel the same level of respect (at least for me).
Trust me though, I do feel conflicted and guilty for thinking this. The problem is I can't tell which kind of cultural baggage I'm exhibiting: sexism or political correctness.
