Re:Behind Rising Inequality: More Unequal Companies
by Eridrus on Friday November 06, 2015 @12:47PM
(#10520745)
I don't think it's just the patent system, the network effects many startups are chasing are just "natural" monopolies.
Zero-to-One is essentially Thiel setting down the fact that everyone should be on the hunt for rent seeking monopolies, since these are the only things that make enough money to be worthwhile from a VC standpoint.
You could pull a couple of conclusions from this article:
1. The patent system is a mess, and is helping drive huge profits for a small number of very large companies, as well as hindering others from competing or entering that market. They note the biggest examples are in tech and healthcare, which is not surprising.
2. The 'best' or 'smartest' workers congregating in a few very large companies that can afford to pay them very well is no surprise. Add in #1 and employees have less reason to leave and create competing services or businesses.
3. The ability of technology to be so easily replicated, plus #1 and #2, means we see few, if any, challengers to certain established markets.
All this is great...if you work at one of these companies.