Silicon Valley Elevates 'Signal' as 1 Key Predictor of Startup Success
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 21
Silicon Valley Elevates 'Signal' as 1 Key Predictor of Startup Success
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 21
Summary
“Signal” has emerged in Silicon Valley as a shorthand for who looks likely to win, shaping perceptions of founders, investments and status beyond traditional business metrics.
The term now appears across industry blogs, social posts and executive commentary, with OpenAI’s Chris Lehane describing TBPN’s audience as “high-signal” and Andreessen Horowitz touting a “high-signal talent ecosystem.”
“Anti-signal” has become the warning label for behaviors seen as undermining credibility; Sam Altman has said attending venture-capital-hosted dinners is one example.
The label is also being applied more broadly online to markers once seen as prestigious or practical, including Forbes 30 Under 30, LinkedIn’s “open to work” badge and even taking venture capital.