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William Lazonick on How The Stock Market Killed Tech

26 snips
Nov 13, 2024
In this discussion, William Lazonick, a noted professor emeritus of economics and co-founder of the Academic-Industry Research Network, dives deep into the pitfalls of shareholder capitalism. He explains how stock buybacks stifle tech innovation, replacing genuine progress with value extraction. Lazonick critiques corporate strategies, particularly in firms like Apple, and advocates for legislative reforms to prioritize sustainable practices. He emphasizes the urgent need for grassroots movements to empower workers and tackle economic inequality in the face of stagnation.
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INSIGHT

Profitability vs. Innovation

  • The tech industry, despite record profits, feels further from true innovation than ever.
  • This shift is attributed to a move towards value extraction.
INSIGHT

Going Public Requirements

  • Going public used to require a company to be profitable and have diverse shareholders.
  • NASDAQ and venture capital changed this, enabling funding for startups that previously couldn't access it.
ANECDOTE

Venture Capital's Origins

  • Don Valentine, with a background in semiconductors, exemplified early venture capitalists who understood their investments.
  • The success of Apple and Genentech's IPOs in 1980 fueled interest in venture capital.
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