[Silicon Valley Culture] A time capsule of the dot-com era.
Upside’s Ultimate Millennium Party – Sponsored by Morgan Stanley Dean Witter.
$1,000
1 in stock
Description
The “Upside’s Ultimate Millennium Party” caricature print captures the excitement and upheaval of the internet era, depicting the entrepreneurs and innovators who defined a transformative age in business and technology. Published in January 2000 by a now-defunct, venture capital-focused magazine, the illustration imagines a festive New Year’s Eve party attended by the titans of the burgeoning digital economy. This unique piece of history reflects the optimism, disruption, and ambition of the dot-com boom as it ushered in a new millennium.
Imaginary New Year’s Party
This colorful and playful print brings together 102 influential figures at the forefront of the internet revolution. Notable individuals like Steve Jobs (Apple), Bill Gates (Microsoft), and Meg Whitman (eBay) are prominently featured, along with less-recognized but equally influential leaders. Thanks to the detailed key (also included), viewers can identify pioneers behind companies like Ask Jeeves, Starmedia, and Amazon, which, at the time, was still a struggling online bookstore led by Jeff Bezos.
The celebration is depicted with a whimsical tone, complete with party hats, champagne glasses, and a disco ball, encapsulating the spirit of innovation and boundless potential that seemed to define the era.
Publication information
This image was conceptualized by David Bunnell and illustrated by Rob Bockner, sponsored by Morgan Stanley Dean Witter. The accompanying key sheet provides valuable context by identifying each person and their associated company, making the illustration both an artistic and historical document of the late 1990s.
We see no other examples in pricing records or institutions.
Cartographer(s):
David Bunnell (1947–2016) was a pioneering figure in technology publishing, known for founding influential magazines such as PC Magazine, PC World, and Macworld. His career began at MITS in Albuquerque, where he worked alongside future Microsoft founders Bill Gates and Paul Allen during the development of the Altair 8800, the first personal computer. Bunnell’s contributions significantly shaped tech media, providing valuable insights during the personal computing revolution.
Ron BarberWe could not track down any information on Ron Barber, who is listed as the illustrator.
Upside Media, Inc.Upside Media Inc. was a venture capital-focused magazine that operated during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The publication was known for its coverage of the burgeoning internet and technology sectors, highlighting emerging business models, innovative approaches, and the new industry leaders of the time.
Condition Description
Very good. Some wear along edge and fold lines.
References
