The following two VCs had some interesting and relevant comments:
Roger McNamee Co-Founder of Elevation Partners
is focusing his investments on media, entertainment and consumer business, believes that role of traditional electronics (semiconductors, enterprise software) is changing from growth engine of the economy to a fuel (like the course steel or cement in the 1950’s). “It’s entirely dependent on other industrires to add value,” he said. The big opportunities is for those who deliver goods and services that are not overtly technical–like well packed consumer devices. But the industry will require a major reset to get away from burdening technology user with too much technology.
Joe Shoendorf of Accel Partners
is investing in Chinese companies, sees the innovation pendulum swinging toward China, and expressed concerns about U.S. competitiveness. Other panelists agreed that China is moving fast, and that the U.S. needs to address the challenge and leadership that focuses on innovation, especially in areas that are emerging, such as energy and genomics.