IN SILICON VALLEY, NO ANSWER IS AN ANSWER

Summary from the TLDR Founders newsletter

Silicon Valley's unique business culture often leaves founders facing the paradox of busy influential people willing to help but unable to respond to communications. It's culturally acceptable in this environment not to reply to new email requests as a form of "no," which can be challenging for those seeking closure. To adapt, one should understand this etiquette, avoid sending angry follow-ups, and recognize that a lack of response isn't always permanent - it's possible to revisit opportunities in the future.