She Built a Microcomputer Empire From Her Suburban Home
Apr 12, 2024
auto_awesome
Lore Harp McGovern, a trailblazing woman in computing, founded a multimillion-dollar computer company from scratch. The podcast covers her journey, challenges with gender bias, strategic decisions in a competitive market, and her pioneering contributions to the tech industry.
Lore Harp McGovern's pioneering role in the computer age as a founding mother of the industry.
Vectographic's differentiation through quality products, professional practices, and resilience in the face of competitive pressures.
Deep dives
Origin Story of Laurie Harp McGovern
Laurie Harp McGovern, an immigrant from Germany and founder of Vectographic, was influenced greatly by her grandfather's belief in education regardless of gender. Growing up in Germany during World War II, Laurie's determination to explore the world was nurtured early on. Observing societal expectations and limited opportunities, Laurie seized a chance to travel to the US, eventually meeting Bob Harb and settling in California.
Entrepreneurial Beginnings with Carol Eli
Laurie Harp and Carol Eli, living as housewives in Westlake Village, sought a business venture beyond traditional norms. Their entry into the microcomputer industry with memory boards marked the start of Vectographic. By providing quality products and professional business practices, they differentiated themselves in a market saturated with amateurs, leading to rapid growth and incorporation in 1976.
Growth and Evolution of Vectographic
Vectographic's progression from memory boards to the Vecta 1 microcomputer catered to a demand for pre-built, reliable business machines. With a focus on quality packaging and design, Vectographic stood out in the industry. Expanding product lines with the Vecta 2 solidified their position as a leading manufacturer for business-focused microcomputers, achieving significant sales and recognition.
Innovations, Challenges, and Leadership Legacy
Despite initial success, competitive pressures, especially from IBM's entry into the market, posed challenges for Vectographic. Decisions around technology and market positioning, including the pivot to Microsoft DOS, influenced the company's trajectory. Laurie Harp McGovern's leadership, commitment to employee welfare, and visionary strategies were foundational to Vectographic's resilience. Her legacy extends beyond the company's eventual bankruptcy, emphasizing her pioneering contributions to the tech industry.
Lore Harp McGovern was one of the most influential women in the history of computing, but her story, and her company, haven’t been given their due. Harp McGovern spurned the life of a housewife and built a multimillion-dollar personal computer company, called Vector Graphic, from scratch.
In this essay, published first on Every and now adapted for audio, writer Gareth Edwards tells the story of Harp McGovern, who took Silicon Valley by storm in the 1970s, and makes a convincing case for why she should be remembered as a founding mother of the computer age t
If you found this essay interesting, please like, subscribe, comment, and share. If you want more from Every on cutting-edge technology, check out our weekly podcast series, How Do You Use ChatGPT?, where host Dan Shipper interviews luminaries and experts like Tyler Cowen, David Perell, and Sahil Lavingia.