2023届高考英语三轮复习·冲刺押题·外刊阅读理解训练 (29)

2023届高考英语三轮复习·冲刺押题 外刊阅读理解训练29 ——改编自Has Silicon Valley lost its monopoly over global tech? 【文章】 According to data provider CBInsights, venture investments in Europe have increased from less than $40 billion in 2019 to more than $93 billion last year. This is nearly on par with the amount invested in Silicon Valley, showing that the Bay Area has lost its "geographical monopoly" in the tech industry. Other VC firms are following Sequoia's example and opening offices in Europe, and many other firms already have outposts in Asia. Even the king of Sand Hill, Sequoia, recently opened offices in London. Phil Libin, a serial entrepreneur, now runs mmhmm, a Zoom-like video-conferencing firm whose investors include Sequoia. Libin himself lives in Bentonville, Arkansas, which is better known as the home of Walmart than as a tech hub. As covid-19 fades into endemicity, even Zoom-hardened venture capitalists would rather investigate a startup founder over a bottle of Napa cabernet than over a video call. However, some may believe that this dispersion in the tech industry will slow or reverse. They may become more discerning about where they put their money since it is becoming more expensive. This could favor nearby startups on which it is easier to keep an eye. It is true that the next trillion-dollar company may not come from Silicon Valley, the place, just like most of the current crop, but the odds are that it will emerge from Silicon Valley, the mindset. Its capitalists and capital have infused technology scenes from Stockholm to Shanghai and São Paulo. The Bay Area's initial geographical monopoly might cause problems for landlords in San Francisco and second-rate entrepreneurs in Mountain View who took advantage of the area's prosperity. However, it is a boon for everyone else in the industry. Tech workers south of Market who can finally afford a flat nearby or innovators in Mumbai who can tap Silicon Valley money and expertise will benefit from this dispersion in the te