The Theranos criminal trial is underway. Our task is not to predict its outcome or to pass judgment on Elizabeth Holmes. That is for the jury. Rather, we write to challenge what is fast becoming conventional wisdom: that Theranos is a reflection of systemic flaws in Silicon Valley and the tech industry. We dissent.

Here are a few examples. From the BBC: “in Silicon Valley, many believe that Theranos—far from being an aberration—speaks of systemic problems with start-up culture.” From the Washington Post: “the trial is …an opportunity for the Silicon Valley ethos to be held in front of a public mirror.”

There are recurrent themes in much of the media coverage:

• Theranos was a demonstration of the Valley’s “fake it ‘til you make it” culture
• This is what happens with tech companies because of their stealth modes and black-box technology
• Holmes typifies “Brilliant Founder Syndrome”
• NDAs cover up fraud

In our view, the reality is that Theranos, and its apparent misdeeds, are not emblematic of Silicon Valley.  A few points for your consideration.

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