The ease by which the Investor Class can be duped by smooth-talking, charismatic phonies is Silicon Valley's Achilles Heel. They see someone who "fits the image of what they want to invest in" and that's it. From there on, it's "I Want To Believe" and they're willing to set aside technical warning signs and all detractors.
It's sad. For every Theranos out there, there are probably 100 feasible, solid business ideas that are technically sound that get passed up because the founders don't wear black turtlenecks and didn't drop out of Stanford or whatever.
If I could go back in time and reset my Character, I'd put all my skill points into "Charisma" and cruise through life as a billionaire, fooling everyone.
It's sad. For every Theranos out there, there are probably 100 feasible, solid business ideas that are technically sound that get passed up because the founders don't wear black turtlenecks and didn't drop out of Stanford or whatever.
If I could go back in time and reset my Character, I'd put all my skill points into "Charisma" and cruise through life as a billionaire, fooling everyone.