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Roger McNamee is one of the most successful technology investors of all time. While running the T. Rowe Price Science & Technology Fund, and generating a 17% compound average growth rate in the process, Roger made the unheard of move of committing capital, as a mutual fund manager, to venture investments in Electronic Arts and Sybase. From there, he started the industry’s first crossover fund with John Doer, investing in both late-stage venture capital and public market securities. In March of 2000, he co-founded private equity firm Silver Lake Partners in anticipation of the tech bust and, in 2004, founded Elevation Partners where he would become one of the first investors in Facebook and other nascent tech stars. In this episode, Roger shares what made him so successful as an investor, how music saved his life and why he has shifted his focus today from investing in tech to warning of the rising risks tech giants present to democracy and society. Follow Roger on Twitter @Moonalice and check out Roger’s band and touring schedule at Moonalice.com. Below are a few links related to our discussion.

  • ‘I invested early in Google and Facebook. Now they terrify me.’ – USA Today
  • ‘Despite Congressional testimony, Facebook still isn’t fully cooperating’ – USA Today
  • ‘How Facebook and Google threaten public health – and democracy’ – The Guardian
  • What is ‘brain hacking’? Tech insiders on why should you care – 60 Minutes
  • Your Brain Is Vulnerable to Hacking. Companies Are Exploiting That. – The Big Think