While I agree with OP on the frustration of SV not aiming its efforts at Big Problems, I'm differing on the why (which is the standard allotment of "it's not ec

While I agree with OP on the frustration of SV not aiming its efforts at Big Problems, I'm differing on the why (which is the standard allotment of "it's not economically viable in the short term). I think there simply isn't the talent or guts to take on these projects. It's one thing to "disrupt" easy targets like paying for something or getting a ride from here to there. They're heavily regulated industries, full of bullshit, and ripe for the taking. All the "innovators" did was ignore the laws that made those industries suck. It seems to be a winning strategy. But to actually build something huge. To try to churn it through a state's government. Get funding. Get permits. Hire competent engineers that won't kill people. Deal with suppliers and construction. These are massive, massive undertakings. Indeed, building the proverbial hyperloop is not a "startup" endeavor. It's not something spry, spanky groups of new college graduates can jump into with reckless abandon. The reason investors don't invest in a hyperloop is because there isn't a competent body heading the effort. If Musk were to say, "I, Elon Musk, am going to create the first hyperloop, with my new company Hyperloop Inc." he would get so much funding, he could stuff it in his ass and fly to the moon. Same with Boeing, Airbus or Lockheed Martin. The common denominator is the capability. But I have a feeling even Musk himself is too afraid of the kind of effort it takes to build a transport between 350 miles of California.