Microsoft’s startup story: A new look, with insights for today

The Code: Silicon Valley and the Remaking of America provides a detailed and nuanced account of Silicon Valley's rise, emphasizing the significant role of government support and funding alongside the contributions of pioneering entrepreneurs. Margaret O'Mara chronicles the region's history from the post-war period, through the Cold War and the space race, to the modern era of big tech. The book exposes the myth of Silicon Valley's self-reliance, instead revealing a complex interplay between public and private sectors. It also addresses issues such as gender imbalance, casual misogyny, and the broader social and political implications of Silicon Valley's growth. O'Mara's narrative includes insights from key figures, both famous and lesser-known, and explores the financial, political, and cultural dynamics that have shaped the Valley[1][3][5].