In the past, tech was a space where individuals could act without waiting in line, but now it has become a conventional route for those seeking immediate rewards and recognition.

The startup world has shifted from being dominated by non-conformists to attracting mainstream conformists seeking status and financial gain.

The current influx of conformists into the startup ecosystem is changing the motivations behind entrepreneurship, often prioritizing status over genuine innovation.

Back then, those interested in tech were often non-conformists who loved computers, not motivated by financial gains but by a passion for technology.

Today, college students obsess over jobs at big tech companies like Facebook and Google, seeking the same status and structure previously associated with finance and consulting careers.

The current political climate has led to a significant shift in how technology and innovation are perceived, with a growing sentiment that technology is inherently bad, which contrasts with the previous pro-tech stance of earlier administrations.

There is a cultural perception that programming is a geeky career choice, which has led to a shortage of talent in IT despite its success.

The challenge today is finding a home for non-conformists in the startup world, which has shifted from being a haven for outsiders to a space dominated by mainstream conformists.

Silicon Valley has matured, and many people now seek stability and a clear career path, which is not typically found in startups.