When the author revealed that he's invested in one of the companies being profiled, he lost credibility immediately. There used to be a concept called "conflict of interest" that journalists and media paid attention to.
It's especially ironic in this case, given the subject matter. The supposed point of this piece is that some companies are shying away from publicity, yet the article itself seeks to publicize them. It's almost like the humblebrag of publicity: "These guys begged me not to write them up in a national news outlet!"
I'm sure the companies mentioned are interesting, and that the founders deserve the success they've achieved. And the author raises some good points about substance vs. signaling. But the self-interest in this piece is naked and jarring.
Stinks for you since such people are in a good (the best?) position to comment. That the disclosure was so naked should make you even more comfortable.
It's especially ironic in this case, given the subject matter. The supposed point of this piece is that some companies are shying away from publicity, yet the article itself seeks to publicize them. It's almost like the humblebrag of publicity: "These guys begged me not to write them up in a national news outlet!"
I'm sure the companies mentioned are interesting, and that the founders deserve the success they've achieved. And the author raises some good points about substance vs. signaling. But the self-interest in this piece is naked and jarring.