what is the silicon valley known for

What is the main industry in Silicon Valley?

What Is the Largest Industry in Silicon Valley? Electronics and big tech is the largest industry in Silicon Valley. But it is also home to some other types of businesses, including big energy and financial services.

What is the big deal with Silicon Valley?

Silicon Valley is home to many of the world's largest high-tech corporations, including the headquarters of more than 30 businesses in the Fortune 1000, and thousands of startup companies.

What makes Silicon Valley so successful?

It is easy to build infrastructure facilitating similar businesses. Silicon Valley is a destination on its own. Starting a tech business in such an ambiance with an established business infrastructure, talented resource pool, and a flourishing marketplace provides a clear head start compared to other locations.

Why are people attracted to Silicon Valley?

Over the past few decades, the area has boomed in popularity for tech innovators and entrepreneurs. Many of the world's leading technologies, like microchips and artificial intelligence-based applications, were developed within the area by high-producing teams.

Is Silicon Valley for the rich?

Stratification of wealth According to Joint Venture, the top quarter of Silicon Valley earners hold 92% of the region's wealth; the top 10% of earners hold 75% of the wealth. Last year, the average annual income in Silicon Valley was $170,000, and the median income was $138,000—more than double the national median.

How many billionaires are in Silicon Valley?

Silicon Valley's tendency to mint billionaires has led to a startling trend: Of the 26 Californians who rank among America's 100 richest people, 19 live in the Bay Area.

Who is the smartest in Silicon Valley?

Bertram Gilfoyle Gilfoyle is one of the most arrogant team members working for Pied Piper. He presents himself as perhaps the smartest member of the team and does so in some of Gilfoyle's best quotes in Silicon Valley.

Who is the most powerful person in Silicon Valley?

The coolest and most powerful people over 40 in Silicon ValleyNick Woodman, 40. Founder/CEO, GoPro. ... Marissa Mayer, 40. CEO, Yahoo. ... Stewart Butterfield, 41. Cofounder/CEO, Slack. ... Josh James, 41. Founder, CEO, Domo. ... Adam Cahan, 42. Senior vice president of mobile, Yahoo. ... Larry Page, 42. ... Sundar Pichai, 42. ... Nirav Tolia, 42.More items...•

Who is the youngest millionaire in Silicon Valley?

Alexandr Wang, the latest Silicon Valley wonder boy, is only 25 years old and has a net worth of more than a billion dollars.

What is the Silicon Valley stereotype?

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What is Silicon Valley culture?

Silicon Valley is synonymous with cutting-edge startups that offer a progressive workplace culture forged by young people who demand greater job satisfaction than the previous generation.

Do girls like guys in tech?

So potent is the “gadget geek” appeal that over two-thirds (66%) of women think that men have claimed to know more about technology than they actually do in order to impress a woman.

Why is Apple silicon a big deal?

Apple's chip design has allowed it to create Macs that are faster and more power-efficient than was possible with Intel-designed chips, and further enhancements are available through the new tighter integration of an Apple-designed chip paired with Apple-designed software.

What is the Silicon Valley stereotype?

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Why are companies leaving Silicon Valley?

An impossible housing market, high tax rates, and strict regulations have made it challenging to live, work, and do business in Silicon Valley. Many CEOs are opting to leave California in search of lower real estate prices, better tax laws, and fewer restrictions.

Is Silicon Valley Overhyped?

Yes, it is! Still, I would recommend a person get a job and live there for several years - to get the spirit of Silicon Valley. But, after several years the place becomes boring and dull. Silicon Valley favors specialists - almost everyone serves as a 'small screw' in a small, medium or large corporate machine.

Where did William Shockley live?

In 1956, William Shockley, the co-inventor of the first working transistor (with John Bardeen and Walter Houser Brattain ), moved from New Jersey to Mountain View, California, to start Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory to live closer to his ailing mother in Palo Alto. Shockley's work served as the basis for many electronic developments for decades. Both Frederick Terman and William Shockley are often called "the father of Silicon Valley". In 1953, William Shockley left Bell Labs in a disagreement over the handling of the invention of the bipolar transistor. After returning to California Institute of Technology for a short while, Shockley moved to Mountain View, California, in 1956, and founded Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory. Unlike many other researchers who used germanium as the semiconductor material, Shockley believed that silicon was the better material for making transistors. Shockley intended to replace the current transistor with a new three-element design (today known as the Shockley diode ), but the design was considerably more difficult to build than the "simple" transistor. In 1957, Shockley decided to end research on the silicon transistor. As a result of Shockley's abusive management style, eight engineers left the company to form Fairchild Semiconductor; Shockley referred to them as the " traitorous eight ". Two of the original employees of Fairchild Semiconductor, Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore, would go on to found Intel.

What are the factors that contributed to Silicon Valley?

Silicon Valley was born through the intersection of several contributing factors including a skilled science research base housed in area universities, plentiful venture capital, and steady U.S. Department of Defense spending. Stanford University leadership was especially important in the valley's early development. Together these elements formed the basis of its growth and success.

What technology was developed in Silicon Valley?

It was in Silicon Valley that the silicon-based integrated circuit, the microprocessor, and the microcomputer, among other technologies , were developed. As of 2013, the region employed about a quarter of a million information technology workers.

Why is there a housing shortage in Silicon Valley?

Silicon Valley has a severe housing shortage, caused by the market imbalance between jobs created and housing units built: from 2010 to 2015, many more jobs have been created than housing units built. (400,000 jobs, 60,000 housing units) This shortage has driven home prices extremely high, far out of the range of production workers. As of 2016 a two-bedroom apartment rented for about $2,500 while the median home price was about $1 million. The Financial Post called Silicon Valley the most expensive U.S. housing region. Homelessness is a problem with housing beyond the reach of middle-income residents; there is little shelter space other than in San Jose which, as of 2015, was making an effort to develop shelters by renovating old hotels.

What time zone is Silicon Valley?

Time zone. UTC−8 ( Pacific) • Summer ( DST) UTC−7 ( PDT) Silicon Valley is a region in the southern part of the San Francisco Bay Area in Northern California that serves as a global center for high technology and innovation. It corresponds roughly to the geographical Santa Clara Valley.

How did regionalism help Stanford University?

Thus, regionalism helped align Stanford's interests with those of the area's high-tech firms for the first fifty years of Silicon Valley's development. After World War II, Frederick Terman, as Stanford University's dean of the school of engineering, encouraged faculty and graduates to start their own companies.

Why is germanium considered the most effective semiconductor material?

Germanium was initially considered the most effective semiconductor material, as it was able to demonstrate better performance due to higher carrier mobility. The relative lack of performance in early silicon semiconductors was due to electrical conductivity being limited by unstable quantum surface states, preventing electricity from reliably penetrating the surface to reach the semiconducting silicon layer.

What is Silicon Valley known for?

Early in the 20th century the area now called Silicon Valley was a bucolic region dominated by agriculture and known as the “Valley of Heart’s Delight” owing to the popularity of the fruits grown in its orchards. It is roughly bounded by San Francisco Bay on the north, the Santa Cruz Mountains on the west, and the Diablo Range on the east.

What did Terman do at Stanford?

Terman set out to build Stanford into a major centre of radio and communications research. He also encouraged students such as William Hewlett and David Packard (of the Hewlett-Packard Company) and Eugene Litton (of Litton Industries, Inc.) to establish local companies. Terman also invested in these “ start-up ” enterprises, personally demonstrating his desire to integrate the university with industry in the region.

What was Stanford Research Park?

(now Varian Medical Systems, Inc.), Eastman Kodak Company, General Electric Company, Admiral Corporation, Lockheed Corporation (now Lockheed Martin Corporation ), Hewlett-Packard Company, and others turned Stanford Research Park into America’s premier high-technology manufacturing region. A mutually beneficial relationship developed: professors consulted with the rent-paying tenants, industrial researchers taught courses on campus, and companies recruited the best students. The park was Silicon Valley in miniature. As more firms moved to the region, fueling demand for basic electronic components, technical skills, and business supplies, many former high-technology employees started their own companies. Long before the personal computer, the start-up was the culture of the Valley.

Why did Stanford get military contracts?

Second, he solicited military contracts to fund academic research by faculty members who had worked in microwave technology during the war. By 1949 Stanford had become one of the top three recipients of government research contracts, overshadowing all other electronics departments west of the Mississippi River.

What percentage of semiconductors were sold in 1972?

By 1972 the U.S. military accounted for only 12 percent of semiconductor sales, compared with more than 50 percent during the early 1960s. With the growth in consumer applications, by the mid-1970s venture capitalists had replaced the U.S. government as the primary source of financing for start-ups.

How many semiconductor companies were there in the 1960s?

This was the first of many corporate fractures that shaped the American semiconductor landscape. Of 31 semiconductor manufacturers established in the United States during the 1960s, only 5 existed outside the Valley; the remainder were the result of different engineers leaving Fairchild. The late 1960s and early 1970s saw a fundamental change in ...

What was the economic growth rate in 1986?

Economic growth during the transitional period 1986–92 was an anemic 0.7 percent per year, leading many manufacturers in the region to demand government protection from foreign competitors. Nevertheless, Stanford students continued to establish roughly 100 new companies each year, including Sun Microsystems, Inc., in 1982 and Yahoo!

What is Silicon Valley known for?

About Silicon Valley. Known for the array of high-tech businesses, some the largest in the world, Silicon Valley is the hub for startups, innovation and development.

Where is Silicon Valley located?

As far as the geographical location, Silicon Valley is situated in Northern California in the southern part of the San Francisco Bay Area between the dessert and Pacific Ocean, making the climate generally mild year-round.

Where is Yahoo located?

Yahoo! These are just a few of the major companies located in Silicon Valley , many of which are the headquarters. In addition to these major corporations, there are thousands of smaller companies impacting the high-tech community nationally and internationally.

What was Silicon Valley before?

Before the area was known as the “Valley of the Hearts Desire” - agricultural, unpopulated, and beautiful according to a few people I was fortunate enough to have met, Fred Terman. as an instructor at Stanford, introduced Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard, as well as the Varian brothers, and encouraged both to start their respective companies and bootstrapped Silicon Valley. Of course, because of the electronic industry, and eventually the high tech Mecca, the valley was agricultural - and a few small sports still testify to its past. I’ve been here almost 40 years - and getting ready to head to t

What characteristic seems to have driven the Valley’s rise to fame?

The characteristic that seems to have driven the Valley’s rise to fame is its entrepreneural spirit. Many technologically advanced areas around the world can match the technical and business acumen evident in the Valley. But none can match t

What is the culture of Silicon Valley?

The culture of Silicon Valley emerged quickly. It was an engineering culture. Ideas were recognized as paramount achievements. Silicon Valley evolved a culture based on the mindset and culture of engineers. Engineers love engineering. They worked not because of money as much as for the love of the ideas and the building and doing. This is a culture that is earnest and hard working. Think of hobbyists, think of geeks unconcerned how they look and more concerned with the ideas in their heads. V...

Is Silicon Valley agricultural?

Before the area was known as the “Valley of the Hearts Desire” - agricultural, unpopulated, and beautiful according to a few people I was fortunate enough to have met, Fred Terman. as an instructor at Stanford, introduced Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard, as well as the Varian brothers, and encouraged both to start their respective companies and bootstrapped Silicon Valley. Of course, because of the electronic industry, and eventually the high tech Mecca, the valley was agricultural - and a few small sports still testify to its past. I’ve been here almost 40 years - and getting ready to head to the mountains pretty soon… yes, it snows there, but there are alot fewer people!

Where is Silicon Valley located?

Silicon Valley, located in the South San Francisco Bay Area of California, is a global center of technological innovation. Named after the main material in computer microprocessors, Silicon Valley is home to dozens of major technology, software, and internet companies.

Who invented GUI?

Douglas Englebart invented the GUI, and Steve Jobs found a way to bring it to the masses.

What are the best universities to start a startup in Silicon Valley?

In addition to the cities and towns it’s the universities that produce the talent for many of these startups. Stanford University, the Harvard University of the West is well known and a destination for many that want to get into engineering. In addition to Stanford this region also has Northwestern Polytechnic University, Carnegie Mellon University, San Jose State University and Santa Clara University, all very much full of eager entrepreneurs with startup plans of their own. Essentially, without Stanford there is no Silicon Valley as we know it today, and given the amount of jobs created in the area I would not be surprised to see more colleges and universities pop up in the near future.

What does Silicon Valley not have?

Counterpoint: What Silicon Valley doesn’t have is the ocean and let’s face it, the Pacific Ocean is what makes California one of the greatest places to live. In summary, if you are looking to live in Silicon Valley you better really want to work in technology because you are not getting the full California experience. Unless you are rich of course, because then you can make anything work. Best to just be rich!

How many cities are there in Silicon Valley?

A vast area makes up Silicon Valley; in fact it’s about 30 cities that include Cupertino, Los Gatos, Mountain View, San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and many others. Geographically it stretches from San Francisco to the tip of San Jose, expanding east more each day.

What are some interesting facts about Silicon Valley?

Once an area for farming with few residents, it was an earthquake and a school named Stanford University that would begin brining technological research to the area.

Why is Silicon Valley called Valley of Death?

In 1985, prior to the Internet, Silicon Valley (led by HP at the time) was given the nickname Valley of Death due to panic over the personal computer replacing jobs. Now, we know that although computers can automate, they still require someone to operate and provide more efficiency versus job replacement.

What movie was based on a hospital?

The movie One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest was based on a hospital also located in Menlo Park. Also, the movie Dangerous Minds has Silicon Valley roots as this movie was based on Carlmont High located in Belmont.

What cities jump in your head when talking about California?

When discussing California, what cities jump in your head? Probably Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego, right? Probably not Oakland and definitely not Sacramento (hey look at us, we’re the capital). Anyway these cities (L.A. and San Francisco) have smog and fog issues. You don’t have any of this in San Jose or the Silicon Valley. You don’t have the traffic issues… Oh wait, yeah, the traffic is a nightmare here as well. If you don’t like sitting in a highway parking lot, avoid California.

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