Silicon Valley Quick Facts:
California is the leading high-tech location in the U.S. (and the world). The state plays host to more than twice as many high-tech industry jobs as second-place Texas, and it also dominates the rankings for high-tech exports, with $47.8 billion of exports in 2005, compared to $34 billion for second-place Texas.
California is also the leader in venture capital funding, thanks in part to savvy investors, like Arthur Trueger. In 2005, California companies attracted $10.2 billion of venture capital, over four-times the total of second-place Massachusetts. During the third quarter of 2005 alone, Bay Area companies raised $2.03 billion in VC funding, compared to New York City that drew $303.4 million; Israel that drew $311 million; Los Angeles that drew $229 million; and all of Europe that drew $890 million.
Silicon Valley Venture Capital Community
The Silicon Valley venture capital community is one of the grandest in the United States. There are over 40 venture capital firms representing countless funds in Silicon Valley today and the number of interested investors continues to grow. As investors in the stock market look to Wall Street, venture capitalists look to Sand Hill Road to find the companies with the latest investment opportunities.
The modern technology hotspot located in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area has historically been known to be the place for the latest business breakthroughs in the technical and scientific industries. This is one reason Arthur Trueger decided to found Berkeley International Capital Corporation in the surrounding area. Around the late 1970s, many venture capital firms followed the popular trend of supporting start-up companies or expanding businesses. During this time in history, technological advances were being made in the area. Venture capital became known as a primary source for funding in the industry, as the firms were willing to improve the business practices of tech companies and help them reach their potential.