Censorship Hits Apps; Job Market Cuts 3 Internships
Summary
Founders face intense, multi-faceted external pressures spanning regulatory action, economic contraction, and shifting professional expectations. Regulatory censorship struck digital services as Apple removed Blued, China’s top gay dating app, following a directive from the Cyberspace Administration of China, mirroring the earlier removal of Grindr 1. Simultaneously, operational execution remains high-stakes; Blue Origin scrubbed its second New Glenn launch attempt due to weather/equipment issues, rescheduling for November 12 to carry NASA’s ESCAPADE spacecraft 3. Building on this pressure, the hiring market is hardening against new entrants. An unemployed Computer Science graduate reported a “white collar recession,” linking job scarcity to rising interest rates and the end of cheap capital, impacting graduates despite three internships 4. In contrast, venture firm Slow Ventures hosted an “Etiquette Finishing School” for 50 accepted founders to teach decorum, arguing tech is no longer “playful and cute” 2. This divergence highlights that while macroeconomics reward specialized skills 4, VCs are prioritizing soft skills 2, forcing founders to navigate both technical execution and perceived professional polish in a tighter environment.
Key Moments
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Slow Ventures held an 'Etiquette Finishing School' for 50 accepted founders to teach skills like the perfect handshake.
— Article [2] -
Blue Origin scrubbed the second New Glenn launch attempt, rescheduling for November 12 to achieve a crucial ocean landing for NASA’s ESCAPADE payload.
— Article [3] -
An unemployed CS graduate experienced a 'white collar recession' despite completing three internships, citing the end of cheap capital.
— Article [4] -
Apple removed Blued, China’s top gay dating app, from the App Store following an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China.
— Article [1]
Different Perspectives
Supporting View
Slow Ventures believes external polish and decorum are newly required for founders because the tech industry is no longer 'playful and cute.'
Opposing View
YC CEO Garry Tan opposes the finishing school approach, asserting founders must prioritize building great products over soft skill training.