This reminds me a bit of the Bell Labs west-coast startup program. Back in the 1990s, they created their internal startup area. While it did do was create a lo

This reminds me a bit of the Bell Labs west-coast startup program. Back in the 1990s, they created their internal startup area. While it did do was create a lot of hostility, and keeping of secrets from other divisions. It divided the company up, and most of the internal groups didn't end up doing well.. Check out "Bell Labs: Life in the Crown Jewel", it's an interesting read on the history of the labs. It seems that independent (external) funding sources can do much better- They can fund any group that shows promise, no matter where it originated.. They put the risk into the hands of the founders, and they have a wider market to choose from. -C