T.J. Rodgers' Startup Strategy
The Cypress Semiconductor CEO's approach to new marketsfunding outside companies, not internal groupshas made it No. 4 on our Tech Hot Growth list
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T.J. Rodgers knows people often don't like what he has to say. The outspoken chief executive of Cypress Semiconductor (CY) has made enemies calling Social Security "a terrible scam" and describing government business subsidies as "corporate welfare." And he didn't win many friends by publicly arguing with a Catholic nun against diversifying Cypress' board with female and minority directors.
When he wants something, Rodgers doesn't stop talking until he gets it. In 2001 he wanted Cypress to invest in solar energy, though few people, least of all his board of directors, understood why.