Silicon Valley Review

In this episode, we review both Ep5 and Ep6 of Season 6, the final episodes of the season and of the series. We discuss terms of service, decentralized internet, Pied Piper's original story, and (spoiler alert) our thoughts on the founders' final decision to sabotage their software.

In this episode, we review S6, Ep5: "Techics" and discuss the legalities of "unmerging" a merger, transferring ownership, and whether or not Pied Piper would be liable for Gavin's unethical actions as CEO of Hooli. 

In this episode, we review S6, Ep4: "Maximizing Alphaness" and discuss Richard's relationship with Ethan, Jared meeting his birth parents, and Gavin's book reading.

In this episode, we review S6, Ep3: "Hooli Smokes" and discuss fiduciary duties of board members, notification requirements for emergency board meetings, and the difference between board and shareholder consent. 

In this episode, we review S6, Ep2: "Blood Money" and discuss earnouts, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), California's female director requirement, and Maximo's valuation and investment offer. 

In this episode, we review S6, Ep1: "Artificial Lack of Intelligence" and discuss data privacy.

In this episode, we review S5, Ep8: "Fifty-One Percent" and discuss hockey stick growth, giving up board control, and fiduciary duty.

In this episode, we review S5, Ep7: "Initial Coin Offering" and discuss ICOs, valuation milestones, harvesting user data, giving up board control, and enforcing contracts.

In this episode, we review S5, Ep6: "Artificial Emotional Intelligence" and discuss cease and desist letters, transferring utility tokens, Series B term sheets, and China's work culture.

In this episode, we review S5, Ep5: "Facial Recognition" and discuss how much funds typically invest in each company, what constitutes a competitor, and how the show chose to address the #MeToo movement.

In this episode, we review S5, Ep4: "Tech Evangelist" and discuss giving clear instructions, a benefit of being a small company, and transferring assets in a partnership.

In this episode, we review S5, Ep3: "Chief Operating Officer" and discuss who makes day-to-day decisions v. strategic decisions v. fundamental decisions, enforcing non-competes, the three things to include in contractual agreements with your employees, and how to attract and retain great employees.

In this episode, we review S5, Ep2: "Reorientation" and discuss where the Silicon Valley writers get their inspiration, the importance of growing as a leader, and how long founders usually remain the CEO.

In this episode, we review S5, Ep1: "Grow Fast or Die Slowly" and discuss the point of acquihires, efficient use of office space, the difference between leadership and decision making, and terminating employees without cause.

In this episode, we review S4, Ep10: "Server Error" and discuss legal and practical reasons for maintaining an employee handbook, distinguishing between policy and discrimination when terminating an employee, best practices for transitioning employees out, and more.

In this episode, we review S4, Ep9: "Hooli-Con" and discuss Richard's negative patterns of behavior as the CEO of Pied Piper as well as the viability of Keenan Feldspar's company's acquisition price.

In this episode, we review S4, Ep8: "The Keenan Vortex" and discuss the difference between key man insurance and key holder clauses, using another company's IP, and the likelihood of a venture deal blowing up.

In this episode, we review S4, Ep7: "The Patent Troll" and discuss the legality of Bream Hall paying Erlich a finder’s fee, the differences between finders and broker-dealers, the pros and cons of hiring an attorney to negotiate a demand letter, and the three acts that govern investment activity.

In this episode, we review S4, Ep6: "Customer Service" and discuss beta testing best practices and the differences between incubators and accelerators.

In this episode, Kevin and Aaron review S4, Ep5: "The Blood Boy" and discuss typical rollouts in Dallas v. Silicon Valley, the importance of low cash burn, how NDAs shouldn't be the only consideration, and transferring patents.

In this episode, Kevin and Aaron review S4, Ep4: "Team Building Exercise" and discuss assigning intellectual property to the company, contribution agreements v. license agreements, getting sued, typical vesting schedules, and spending controls for investors' money.

In this episode, we review S4, Ep3: "Intellectual Property" and discusses the types of investors you will encounter in each stage of raising capital, how realistic a VC's $200,000 seed investment really is, and the collaborative nature of VCs in Dallas.

In this episode, we review S4, Ep2: "Terms of Service" and discuss how CEOs should handle the spotlight, navigating relationships with ex co-founders, and terms of service and policy agreements.

In this episode, we review S4, Ep1: "Success Failure" and discuss when you can change company ownership, the importance of product v. growth, board composition, and more.