Keith Teare: 'No Real American Stack' as Global Ownership and Long-Term Trends Redefine Tech Dominance

Palo Alto, CA – Veteran technology entrepreneur and investor Keith Teare has publicly challenged the prevailing narrative of national tech supremacy, asserting that there is "no real 'American Stack'" in the global technology landscape. In a recent tweet, Teare, known for co-founding TechCrunch and his current role at AI-driven venture firm SignalRank, emphasized the inherently global nature of tech giants like NVIDIA and the inevitable rise of Chinese companies. He called for a more nuanced understanding of industry competition, framing it as a "very long game" where "early winners will not be long term winners necessarily."

Teare's commentary underscores a growing sentiment that nationalistic approaches to technology are fundamentally flawed. He specifically cited NVIDIA, a leading AI chip designer, noting that its "ownership is fully globalized." Publicly traded on NASDAQ, NVIDIA's shares are indeed held by a diverse array of institutional and individual investors worldwide, reflecting a deeply integrated international financial system.

The tweet also highlighted the increasing market share of Chinese companies, a development confirmed by recent industry analyses. Despite U.S. export controls aimed at curbing access to advanced semiconductor technology, Chinese firms have made significant strides, particularly in mature chip nodes. This progress allows them to capture a larger segment of the global market for essential, less sophisticated chips, posing a challenge to established players.

Teare's view that the tech race is a "very long game" aligns with research suggesting that first-mover advantage is often overrated. Historical examples like MySpace being overtaken by Facebook, and Nokia in mobile phones, illustrate that sustained innovation, adaptability, and strategic foresight are more critical for enduring success than initial market dominance. The ability to pivot and reinvent is crucial in a dynamic competitive landscape.

The entrepreneur concluded his statement by advocating for a shift in perspective, stating, "Humanity can win BTW. Nations winning is a false framing." This reflects a broader debate within the tech industry concerning the balance between national security interests and the benefits of global collaboration. While some policies lean towards "tech nationalism" to promote domestic industries, critics argue this approach risks stifling innovation and fragmenting supply chains, ultimately hindering collective progress on global challenges.