Actually, if there was one tension point underlying the conference, it had to do with the impact of this model versus the older VC model that encouraged compani

Actually, if there was one tension point underlying the conference, it had to do with the impact of this model versus the older VC model that encouraged companies to "swing for the fences." There undoubtedly has been a decided shift in typical early-stage funding during the past two years. The VCs, which once controlled all the key activity, are now in a position of having uncertain deal flow, while the angel side of things is plainly booming. Of course, the biggest winners likely will emerge from the VC side but even then angels are typically heavily involved as co-investors in those deals as well. The write-up in this piece nicely captures what occurred at this conference. For a few of my notes of the event, see http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1560091 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1560091.