1001 Silicon Valley Nights

“A microcosm is contained within a tea bowl.”

In Silicon Valley, a microcosm is contained within a Persian rug. This is the story of Pejman Nozad and 323 University Avenue – where a world of influential ideas came out of his Persian rug.

Pejman’s good karma began with a University Avenue Persian rug store–the Medallion Rug Gallery. The business prospered and soon his acumen led him to purchase office space down the street at 165 University Avenue. He rented the space to start-ups in exchange for equity. Google, PayPal and Danger all spent their early days at this now famous address. Indeed, the space carries good karma. In fact, Google grew from 6 to 60 employees there. Pejman’s and his partner Saeed Amidi’s business evolved into Amidzad Ventures, an influential Silicon Valley venture firm and tech incubator. Amidzad Ventures has been built on old-fashioned savvy investing. But I believe part of Pejman’s gravitational field in Silicon Valley comes from the cultural ecosystem he nurtures around him. Here’s the NYT article telling the story.

I was thinking about Pejman’s and his tenats’ journey yesterday evening when I stepped inside the famed rug store. He hosted a lavish Persian New Year’s celebration for a Silicon Valley crowd. Lush décor and dancers created an ambiance fitting for 1001 Silicon Valley Nights.

Below is a short video of the Persian Gulf style of dance known as Bandari. I felt the selection of Bandari was signature Pejman, because it comes from the Persian word Bandar meaning port. Pejman recognizes Silicon Valley as a trading center and as a confluence of cultures and technology.

Indeed @ 323 University Avenue, a microcosm is contained within a Persian rug.