I've been warned by several folks in DMs and Whatsapp messages today that criticising VC funds down under might cost me my career in Australia's tech scene. Their messages were well-intentioned. But to be frank, I just don't give a s**t. The truth matters more. And I won't sycophantically give deference to anyone just because they have money or influence. I just won't.
Way to go Joan. Let the dump-and-dumpers have it right between the eyes. Are their Ponzi schemes bad for business? They sure as hell are! VCs are undermining the entire practice of capital investment by hoodwinking investors. The world needs real productive enterprise, not get rich quick VC scams.
@Daojoan This is the internet, you don't have to censor yourself. You are shitting on the VCs with powerful friends, least of your concerns is foul language.
People have started self censoring since algorithms learned to read images with reliability.
The problems in Australia's tech ecosystem aren't just bad for those directly affected; they're bad for business, too. If we don't continue to call it out - regardless of how "scary" it might be for men whose behaviour is finally being highlighted - the one-two punch of sexism and hubris will shut out talented founders, bias will overlook great ideas from diverse backgrounds, and arrogance will blind tech leaders to their own mistakes and shortcomings.
Some have warned me that calling out these issues will burn bridges. But if those bridges are built on unfairness, maybe they need to be crossed less, not more. Yes, there's a risk. I might get labelled as a troublemaker or, worse, get blacklisted. But what's the alternative? Staying silent and letting these problems persist?
I believe in tech's potential to be a force for good, but that requires facing its flaws head-on. If that means I'll have a tougher time in the industry, so be it. Change isn't easy, but it's necessary. And sometimes, it starts with one person refusing to stay silent.
@Daojoan I don’t know who the artist is, but the first time I saw this image it was captioned with “may the bridges I burn light my way”. This has stuck with me for many years. Burning a bridge is totally fine if the land on the other side is shit. As you say, it can also help people learn from our mistake of crossing it in the first place.
Edit: Artist may be Samantha Mash. Found on INPRNT but no record of painting on their own website
@leroy@Daojoan if they're lighting your way, that means they're still in front of you. Seems foolish to burn the bridges to the places you're headed to.
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