I received an email concluding:
I don't want there to be any conflict or ill feelings therefore I've sent you a bottle of champagne to help ring in the New Year.
A few thoughts:
- It's widely known, both by people who 'like' and 'dislike' us that we do not accept gifts, money or other such things. Verkada, as smart and as much as they think they understand the market, should know this.
- Verkada raised $15 million in VC funding this April and they are based in Silicon Valley which means they have access to the most critical element in startup success - money.
- Verkada has the stereotypically unfortunate Silicon Valley attitude that they are geniuses despite not offering anything particularly disruptive nor understanding the market they are in (e.g., their competitors are 'Windows 95', etc.). Again, they have money and access to more so I would not count them out.
- If you are a daring industry sales or marketing person, you may want to help them. They need it.
But please, no champagne, and try not to lecture us about how the market really works based on your months of experience.