That said, I don't agree necessarily with generalizations (aka g13n's) about the beer industry.
While microbreweries are definitely (by necessity) commonly more focused on selling local and often focused on brewing more of one certain kind of beer than others, I think that focus just happens out of practicality and circumstance. Investing money in a company does not have as many concerns related to distribution and you don't have to worry about on-hand materials, method, and talent in the same ways. So, it's not as natural and common-sense to focus in those ways.
It is a good idea for any business (including the business of investing money) to either focus locally on a target market with a targetted product/service (like a great ale) or to focus on the market majority (like a cheap, drinkable beer). But, I think this specific comparison to VC is a stretch.
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I like the post.
That said, I don't agree necessarily with generalizations (aka g13n's) about the beer industry.
While microbreweries are definitely (by necessity) commonly more focused on selling local and often focused on brewing more of one certain kind of beer than others, I think that focus just happens out of practicality and circumstance. Investing money in a company does not have as many concerns related to distribution and you don't have to worry about on-hand materials, method, and talent in the same ways. So, it's not as natural and common-sense to focus in those ways.
It is a good idea for any business (including the business of investing money) to either focus locally on a target market with a targetted product/service (like a great ale) or to focus on the market majority (like a cheap, drinkable beer). But, I think this specific comparison to VC is a stretch.
But, a thoughtful post nonetheless!
http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1672033