Venture Capital
Latino Founders Have a Hard Time Raising Money From VCs
Despite diversity pledges, funding to Latino-founded startups in the US still lags—accounting for only 2 percent of venture investments last year.
VCs Lavished Startups With Cash in 2021. Now Comes the Hard Part
“Is it a casino or the future of tech? Everyone’s trying to figure that out.”
How Y Combinator Changed the World
As if launching Airbnb, Stripe, and Dropbox weren’t enough, the famous accelerator has had an outsize—and mixed—impact on all of us.
Welcome to Miami, Where All Your Memes Come True!
The city is trying to lure in Silicon Valley types, hyping the promise of sun, sand, and seed rounds. Does it want Silicon Valley’s problems too?
Big Tech's Psychedelics Grift
There's no need for expensive clinics with woo accoutrements—real transformation means access for all.
Earth’s Unicorn Population Is Exploding
It’s not a fantasy: VC valuations and spending on startups in 2021 are off the charts, and the year isn’t over yet.
In a Banner Year for VC, Women Still Struggle to Get Funding
“Reading these headlines about record rounds, you have to ask, who is having this experience?” one founder says. “Certainly not the women I know.”
Eric Schmidt Is Funding ‘Super Evolution’
Plus: Google’s evil perception, selfies from space, and lightning striking way more than twice.
Looking for a New Job in Tech? It’s Your Lucky Day
Flexible WFH policies, signing bonuses, fancy cookies—employers are turning on the charm to attract engineers and developers to their firms.
Why WeWork Didn't Work
We talk to the authors of a new book about the notorious coworking startup and its charismatic cofounder, Adam Neumann.
Reagan-Era Gen X Dogma Has No Place in Silicon Valley
The Gen X investors and CEOs who run the industry are stuck on the idea that private money will protect them from a promised hellscape.
Andreessen Horowitz Goes Ham on Crypto with a New $2.2B Fund
After its wildly successful Coinbase exit, the VC firm signals its commitment to cryptocurrencies with a third fund.
A New Wave of Dating Apps Takes Cues From TikTok and Gen Z
Online dating exploded in popularity during the pandemic, and the number of new startups has grown. But will they last?
VC Pledged to 'Do Better' on Diversity. It's Barely Changed
The Black Lives Matter protests drew sympathetic public statements from investors in 2020. One year later, signs of progress are harder to find.
Meet Your Next Angel Investor. They're 19
It’s never been easier to invest in startups, and Gen Z is taking full advantage.
Is Silicon Valley Dead? Not According to Venture Dollars
In a record quarter for VC funding, California still takes the cake—further evidence that reports of the region’s demise are greatly exaggerated.
Miami’s Mayor Woos Techies. What Does He Need to Succeed?
If anywhere could use innovation, it’s Miami—one of the country’s most unequal, environmentally vulnerable cities.
Yet Another Year of Venture Capital Being Really White
After a year of protests against racial inequality and industry vows to do better, Black founders are still getting left out of Silicon Valley’s financial engine.
VCs Are Pouring Money Into the Wrong Education Startups
The pandemic has proven the need for new technologies that can radically change online learning models. But investors are more interested in existing platforms.
Inside the Turmoil Over ‘Black Lives Matter’ at Coinbase
The CEO of the cryptocurrency pioneer declared political discussions out of bounds—then gave employees a week to agree or leave.
Arlan Hamilton and Katie Rae Say Tech Can Do Well—and Do Good
At the WIRED25 event, the two investors say traditional venture capital misses opportunities because it is a monoculture.
These Black Founders Succeeded In Spite of Silicon Valley
Spurned by traditional venture capital firms, three businesspeople turned to other funders, government contracts, and their own savings to launch companies.
Black Investors Call on VCs to Fix Hiring and Funding
Mentoring and networking advice aren’t enough to solve the industry’s dismal diversity numbers, say business leaders: Firms need to “Make the hire. Send the wire.”
Venture-Backed Startups Debate the Ethics of Taking US Loans
Some investors are urging their portfolio companies to leave government assistance for restaurants and hairdressers.