Silicon Valley has a solution for everything, but who do its ideas really serve? Every Thursday, Paris Marx is joined by a new guest to critically examine the tech industry, its thought leaders, and the worldview it spreads. They challenge the notion that tech alone can drive our world forward by showing that separating tech from politics has consequences for us all, especially the most vulnerable. But if tech won't save us, what will? This podcast isn't simply about tearing tech down; it also presents radical ideas for tech designed for human flourishing instead of surveillance, acquisitions, or to boost stock prices. A better world is possible, and so is better technology.

Everyone Hates VCs After the SVB Collapse w/ Jacob Silverman

March 23, 2023 1:00:08 43.34 MB Downloads: 0

Paris Marx is joined by Jacob Silverman to discuss the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, how it’s part of a larger crisis in the tech sector, and why it’s turning people against the industry’s venture capitalists.

Jacob Silverman is a journalist and the host of The Naked Emperor, a new CBC podcast. Follow Jacob on Twitter at @SilvermanJacob.

Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Follow the podcast (@techwontsaveus) and host Paris Marx (@parismarx) on Twitter, and support the show on Patreon.

The podcast is produced by Eric Wickham and part of the Harbinger Media Network.

Also mentioned in this episode:

  • Jacob wrote about the lessons from the Silicon Valley Bank collapse in the Globe and Mail.
  • Paris wrote about how the SVB collapse should be a radicalizing moment against venture capitalists.
  • A video circulated about Jason Calacanis bragging about SVB offering him favorable banking services.
  • A screenshot shows a founder complaining about Chase closing his bank account because his company doesn’t have a physical office, saying SVB never required one.
  • Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund told its portfolio companies to pull their money out of SVB before its collapse.
  • SVB’s President pushed for Congress to reduce regulations and oversight on banks like SVB as it grew.
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