Interestingly, most of your examples are about exposure rather than luck. These guys weren't picked at random. If he wasn't flying (not everyone gets to fly and layover at O'Hare, and probably the executive lounge), he would not get the chance to make the connection.
I always assumed that Startups at Silicon Valley are neither lucky nor skilled people (or the most skilled/fit people for the job to be correct). They just happen to be in a place with strong exposure to Capital.
If you are smart, have lots of experience, and hard-working; but lack the ability to fly to SV then your odds of getting funded by a VC are slim to none.
I always assumed that Startups at Silicon Valley are neither lucky nor skilled people (or the most skilled/fit people for the job to be correct). They just happen to be in a place with strong exposure to Capital.
If you are smart, have lots of experience, and hard-working; but lack the ability to fly to SV then your odds of getting funded by a VC are slim to none.