Many are in tech but we increasingly see artists and other disciplines. I fully acknowledge that are messaging for the event, and the promises we make (e.g. a serious conversation) bias who shows up.
But it's also likely there is considerable selection bias in Rao's sample and he should be cautious to generalize to all entrepreneurs. I recently re-read
I was struck by how curious Walton and Kroc were about the competition and about how much they listened and incorporated feedback from store managers and suppliers into their business. The ideas that propelled expansion all came from others as both firms scaled up. And they discovered those ideas because they were curious, they solicited them, and they listened.
But it's also likely there is considerable selection bias in Rao's sample and he should be cautious to generalize to all entrepreneurs. I recently re-read
McDonald's: Behind The Arches by John F. Love https://www.amazon.com/McDonalds-Behind-John-F-Love/dp/05533...
Sam Walton: Made in America by Sam Walton with John Huey https://www.amazon.com/Sam-Walton-Made-America/dp/0385426151...
I was struck by how curious Walton and Kroc were about the competition and about how much they listened and incorporated feedback from store managers and suppliers into their business. The ideas that propelled expansion all came from others as both firms scaled up. And they discovered those ideas because they were curious, they solicited them, and they listened.