You do realize actual patients got completely wrong results on their blood tests, thereby potentially jeopardizing their ongoing treatment for pretty serious conditions? How is it a "non-violet" crime when we're talking about potentially killing patients due to fraud?
How have things changed since 2001? My opinions only:
1. VCs don't sign nondisclosure agreements: yes you will be laughed out the door if you demand one.
2. VCs are sheep: yes, make sure your startup hits one of the hot buzzwords (metaverse, ai, etc) to maximize interest.
3. VCs aren't technical: diligence these days is even more of a joke than it was back then.
4. VCs don't take risks: second time founders can get funding just off their name, yes.
5. Venture funds are big: IMO, there's way too much capital chasing too little talent these days.
6. VCs collude: absolutely, make sure you don't tell VCs other firms you're talking to before the term sheet.
7. VCs don't say no: very annoying, they'll string you along forever.
8. Your idea, your work, their company: biggest change since 20 years ago. Founders have way way more leverage these days. You can negotiate insane valuations (and therefore tiny dilution) compared to even 5 years ago. You can also fight harder for provisions that maintain board control in favor of the founders. The risk of a VC being seen as "founder unfriendly" is way higher than fighting you, a single company out of 100s in their portfolio.