4 ms·
Here is a potential reason why some are upset. Its obvious that large corporations like Chevy, Clorox, Apple sell to Monstanto [and other corporations some coul
by zallarak 15y ago
Here is a potential reason why some are upset. Its obvious that large corporations like Chevy, Clorox, Apple sell to Monstanto [and other corporations some could consider "bad" or whatever you want to label it]. But when startups do it [especially YC startups who I generally believe have smarter people involved relative to large corporations] it is felt because people generally hold them to higher standards [not just in situations like this, it applies for operational, financial and strategic measures as well]. I worked at a YC startup for a while, and saw some pretty generous things done by YC founders for society.
Another way to look at it (if it helps you understand the other perspective): You frequently see YC funded companies help each other out. Why do they do it? Is it just to accumulate more wealth/raise a valuation? Or is it because they've developed meaningful relationships and care for each other? I use this example to show how empathy and relationships can impact business decisions in a general sense, and that this same logic could be used to apply to a YC company NOT being proud of serving a large corporation known to use tactics that harm farmers in underdeveloped nations.
The fact that you use the term 'hold to a standard' at least implies that some could perceive the action as 'slimy'.
Finally, as someone wise once said, "be the change you want to see in the world" -- of course we hold YC companies to a higher standard :), many are made up of brilliant and compassionate individuals whose products make the world a better place. /cheese
- csallen 15y ago> You frequently see YC funded companies help each other out. Why do they do it? Is it just to accumulate more wealth/raise a valuation? Or is it because they've developed meaningful relationships and care for each other? Those two scenarios are not mutually exclusive. And I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but people generally act out of self-interest. There are plenty of YC (and non-YC) companies who help each other out, yet whose founders have never met.
- deleted 15y ago[deleted]
- zallarak 15y agoTrue, agreed - they do not need to be mutually exclusive and its a wonderful thing if they do indeed align. Thanks for pointing that out. Now maybe I'm trying too hard to make a connection here, but it is in our self-interest to not exploit people in non-industrialized nations for profit - I think America most definitely suffers from the ill treatment it inflicted on some nations in the past. Look at anti-Americanism in parts of the Middle East. Other examples include: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidency_of_Salvador_Allende http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidency_of_Salvador_Allende - the CIA overthrew him because he socialized some private assets, and installed a brutal dictator who was disastrous for Chile - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augusto_Pinochet http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augusto_Pinochet], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Fruit_Company http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Fruit_Company], etc. [I think you get the idea] I guess what I'm trying to say in this post we're sacrificing collectively as a people for the actions of some people who will do anything to profit. I know Cloudant isn't perpetrating those actions directly, but I truly wonder what the consequences of Monsanto's actions will be. Consider the farmer or person whose family will go hungry because of Monstanto - will they grow up to love America or hate it (and in turn, us, the citizens)? Will these nations breed terrorists or economic opportunities? TLDR; I think that actions like this are sacrificing long term benefits, including sustainable corporate profit for some quick short term gain.