First 20 Million is the Hardest

by Po Bronson

Lloyd Acheson's firm, Omega Logic, needs a next-generation chip to keep his stock price propped up. Hank Menzinger squandered his research lab's cash reserves in a failed IPO and needs Omega Logic's support to save his institution. But master chip designer Francis Benoit's last chip for Omega was dumbed-down by software, and he's vowed to never let it happen again. New at the research lab is Andy Caspar, a young engineer who dreams of becoming a legendary "ironman" - one of the handful of engineers (like those behind Netscape, Apple, and Intel) whose technological breakthroughs have secured them a place in history. Andy begins work on a new project, not realizing the extent to which he's caught up in the power struggle of the older men. The story reveals the brutal, absurd side of the industry, as Andy pushes forth with his dream but is betrayed at every turn.