Mark Zuckerberg, top VCs drop off Forbes’ billionaire list

Mark Zuckerberg, top VCs drop off Forbes’ billionaire list

Financially, it’s been a tough year for almost everyone, even the absurdly rich. Some of the tech world’s richest men are billionaires no more, according to Forbes’ new list of the world’s billionaires. Among the most notable dropoffs (for VentureBeat readers) are Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg,… Continue Reading

Could a big geothermal energy play be next for Google.org?

Could a big geothermal energy play be next for Google.org?

Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, has taken a number of stakes in solar and wind startups over the past year, most recently joining a $115 million investment in solar thermal firm BrightSource Energy. It now seems to be focusing its attention on the bustling geothermal energy… Continue Reading

Moritz’s favorites, Google in SF, nano fears, Flock, Pandora & more

Moritz’s favorites, Google in SF, nano fears, Flock, Pandora & more

Roundup of Silicon Valley news:

Google’s Larry and Sergey were more interested in technology than Yahoo founders — There’s a revealing 2000 interview with venture capitalist Michael Moritz posted by PodVentureZone, comparing Google’s co-founders and Yahoo’s. He was an investor and on the board of both, and… Continue Reading

Silicon Valley & the Industry of Cool

Silicon Valley & the Industry of Cool

Forbes’ Erika Brown has a good summary of how Silicon Valley has turned into a mini Hollywood.

She recounts the escapades of Russel Simmons and Jeremy Stoppelman, co-founders of Yelp, the local social site for reviews of bars and restaurants, who hold parties (see pic)… Continue Reading