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Saudi Backlash Threatens U.S. Startups

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Re: Saudi Backlash Threatens U.S. Startups

#4
At some point people draw their line in the sand and would rather go without then do business with an entity that goes against ones own beliefs and morals. Unfortunate for the startups but in my opinion that is a risk you take when entering a foreign market.

Re: Saudi Backlash Threatens U.S. Startups

#5
I doubt this will be a popular opinion on HN, but...this is what comes of libertarianism.

What is a government other than a group of people who agree to work together toward certain goals and hold each other accountable to certain moral and ethical standards? Yet somehow, "government" has become the enemy, a thing to be done away with or reduced in scope.

When you do that, and replace government with "voted for with your dollars" corporations, suddenly corporations become the standard bearers of morals and ethics. Now, if I want to stand by my own moral code, I have to research every corporation I interact with. Can't buy those shoes, they employ slave labor. Can't hail this ride sharing service, they endorse autocratic regimes. Can't rent an office over there, they eat meat...or whatever. It's exhausting!

I'd much rather go to the polls, cast a vote for someone who represents my values, and have the government DO ITS JOB!

...but alas, that seems like the least likely thing that will happen in this situation.

Re: Saudi Backlash Threatens U.S. Startups

#6

Throwaway on this one for obvious reasons. Everyone makes mistakes and it is clearly a mistake to take money from repressive regimes. The #metoo movement should take a look at some of these companies. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Saudi_Arabia

How easy or even feasible is it to track where the money is coming from? Let's say you're a startup and a VC wants to invest in you. Can you ask for that information?

Re: Saudi Backlash Threatens U.S. Startups

#7

Throwaway on this one for obvious reasons. Everyone makes mistakes and it is clearly a mistake to take money from repressive regimes. The #metoo movement should take a look at some of these companies. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Saudi_Arabia

How easy or even feasible is it to track where the money is coming from? Let's say you're a startup and a VC wants to invest in you. Can you ask for that information?

If a question is important, it can always be asked.

One must be prepared, of course, for the ramifications of asking a question and getting an unpleasant answer.

Re: Saudi Backlash Threatens U.S. Startups

#8

Throwaway on this one for obvious reasons. Everyone makes mistakes and it is clearly a mistake to take money from repressive regimes. The #metoo movement should take a look at some of these companies. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Saudi_Arabia

How easy or even feasible is it to track where the money is coming from? Let's say you're a startup and a VC wants to invest in you. Can you ask for that information?

Given the fact that SoftBank dwarfs all other funds (even combined) is it a realistic scenario?

Re: Saudi Backlash Threatens U.S. Startups

#9
post #5

I doubt this will be a popular opinion on HN, but...this is what comes of libertarianism. What is a government other than a group of people who agree to work together toward certain goals and hold each other accountable to certain moral and ethical standards? Yet somehow, "government" has become the enemy, a thing to be done away with or reduced in scope. When you do that, and replace government with "voted for with…

[deleted]

Re: Saudi Backlash Threatens U.S. Startups

#10
post #5

I doubt this will be a popular opinion on HN, but...this is what comes of libertarianism. What is a government other than a group of people who agree to work together toward certain goals and hold each other accountable to certain moral and ethical standards? Yet somehow, "government" has become the enemy, a thing to be done away with or reduced in scope. When you do that, and replace government with "voted for with…

The leader of the Senate just said they’re dropping the hammer inn Saudia Arabia. I’m sure this will include sanctions which is likely what you’re hoping for.
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