At the Dow Jones PEA Conference a couple weeks ago, Jim Breyer gave an interview in which he questioned the short-term optimism that has swept up many observers of the current economic recovery. But Jim also noted that, over the longer term, pent up demand will lead to a surge in IT infrastructure spending, as corporate IT budgets loosen again. Jim felt that this surge, starting perhaps as soon as next year, will be particularly good for those mid-stage venture-backed companies positioned to take advantage of it.
My sense of what’s happening with our own portfolio companies suggests a similar perspective. (more…)
Sometime in the next twelve months Congress will again begin debate on comprehensive immigration reform. Much of that debate will likely center on illegal immigration. But for those of us in the startup/venture world, it is the immigration policies related to skilled foreign nationals where the focus is most needed. The current rules and regulations that govern whether a skilled foreign professional can legally work in the United-States have an impact on the country’s ability to compete globally. If the U.S. wants to maintain its status as the world’s leading innovator, changes need to be made. The world’s leading innovator has an immigrant dilemma. 
