In recent years, particularly, when it comes to companies that rely on foreign investment, there’s been an increasing expectation that large scale investments will be met with quick results in the short-term. And it has become commonplace that before enough time can be spent on a project, these companies opt to switch directions in order to satisfy investor demands. That the events this time is yet another such example, is what we’re taking of this situation.
The later paragraphs lament the lost opportunities and wasted efforts that employees have to witness and go through, and how customers are disappointed that something that they’ve looked forward to failed to materialize.
Working in a company with a strong venture capitalist voice from above, I feel this. People in the company are trying really hard to create features and address problems for our customers, to make a really good product, and fortunately we do have a really good product. But the constant “you have to do this (because it increases your company value, but I won’t say that part out loud),” just to catch a hype, even when it doesn’t make sense, forces us to have to spend resources to essentially placate the investor, thus stretching us thin.
These people have no idea why businesses are successful, and they don’t really care. All they’re doing is to spray and pray, and hope that one of their investments will become the next Stripe, the next Spotify, the next Netflix, etc, and they would’ve made much more than what they’ve lost from businesses who can’t keep the engine burning.
Thanks for sharing that comment.
I found this section of Shaun’s comment to be particularly reflecting of the way North American investors treat their businesses.
For those who need a translation:
The later paragraphs lament the lost opportunities and wasted efforts that employees have to witness and go through, and how customers are disappointed that something that they’ve looked forward to failed to materialize.
Working in a company with a strong venture capitalist voice from above, I feel this. People in the company are trying really hard to create features and address problems for our customers, to make a really good product, and fortunately we do have a really good product. But the constant “you have to do this (because it increases your company value, but I won’t say that part out loud),” just to catch a hype, even when it doesn’t make sense, forces us to have to spend resources to essentially placate the investor, thus stretching us thin.
These people have no idea why businesses are successful, and they don’t really care. All they’re doing is to spray and pray, and hope that one of their investments will become the next Stripe, the next Spotify, the next Netflix, etc, and they would’ve made much more than what they’ve lost from businesses who can’t keep the engine burning.