This Week in Startups Elizabeth Holmes is guilty, Amazon wins over socialists, Biden sanctions China | E1352
Jan 5, 2022
The guilty verdict for Elizabeth Holmes raises questions about fraud versus ambition in startups. Surprisingly, even socialists are acknowledging Amazon as a top employer. The discussion then shifts to President Biden's new sanctions against China, exploring the potential impacts on U.S.-China economic ties. The complexities of female leadership in tech are also examined, highlighting the gender biases that shape media portrayals and expectations. Humor, ethics, and workplace culture add depth to the intriguing dialogue.
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Early Theranos Doubts
- Some VCs laughed Elizabeth Holmes out of the room when she refused to show them her technology.
- They knew early on that Theranos was potentially a fraud.
Nuanced Verdict
- Holmes's conviction for defrauding investors, but not intending to, suggests a nuanced verdict.
- It acknowledges the possibility of delusion and unintentional fraud in startups.
Honesty with Investors
- Be transparent with investors about your metrics, separating paying customers from free trials.
- Avoid misleading or massaging data; honesty builds trust and avoids future issues.
