History Main / TechBro

* Though he predates the trope as it's come to be known, Howard Hughes (of Trans World Airways and Spruce Goose infamy) had a lot in common with it, with the "tech" in question being aircraft engineering. In his lifetime, he had a reputation not only for eccentric, impractical engineering projects such as the aforementioned Spruce Goose, but for transforming Las Vegas into a gambling destination and holding extravagant parties, all the while cultivating a relatable and stylish public image.

* Creator/JohnRomero, of ''VideoGame/{{Doom}}'' and ''[[VideoGame/QuakeI Quake]]'' fame, was notorious for [[ShamelessSelfPromoter cultivating a theatrical, rock-star-esque public image in the gaming sphere]], and his drive for increasingly ambitious game design caused him to butt heads with [[TechnicianVersusPerformer his more business- and technically-minded coworkers]] at Creator/IdSoftware. As chronicled in [[http://web.archive.org/web/20000619155817/http://www.gamespot.com/features/btg-daikatana/index.html "Knee Deep In A Dream",]] when Romero left id to found Creator/IonStorm, one of the first things he did was [[WackyStartupWorkplace rent out an expensive penthouse suite equipped with a movie theatre and gaming amenities]], purely because he had always wanted to work in a fancier environment than id's utilitarian offices. Unfortunately, Romero's knowledge of game design (which already leaned heavily on Creator/JohnCarmack's programming wizardry) [[ThePeterPrinciple didn't translate into the know-how or discipline needed to run a company or dev team smoothly]]. Ion Storm's hyped-up first project, ''VideoGame/{{Daikatana}}'', missed deadlines and eventually released as an ObviousBeta, [[CreatorKiller tarnishing Romero's reputation]].

* Creator/JohnRomero, of ''VideoGame/{{Doom}}'' and ''[[VideoGame/QuakeI Quake]]'' fame, was notorious for [[ShamelessSelfPromoter cultivating a theatrical, rock-star-esque public image in the gaming sphere]], and his drive for increasingly ambitious game design caused him to butt heads with [[TechnicianVersusPerformer his more business- and technically-minded coworkers]] at Creator/IdSoftware. As chronicled in [[http://web.archive.org/web/20000619155817/http://www.gamespot.com/features/btg-daikatana/index.html "Knee Deep In A Dream",]] when Romero left id to found Creator/IonStorm, one of the first things he did was [[WackyStartupWorkplace rent out an expensive penthouse suite equipped with a movie theatre and gaming amenities]], purely because he had always wanted to work in a fancier environment than id's utilitarian offices. Unfortunately, Romero's knowledge of game design (which already leaned heavily on Creator/JohnCarmack's programming wizardry) [[ThePeterPrinciple didn't translate into the know-how or discipline needed to run a company or dev team smoothly]]. Ion Storm's hyped-up first project, ''VideoGame/{{Daikatana}}'', missed deadlines and eventually released as an ObviousBeta, [[CareerKiller tarnishing Romero's reputation]].

A Tech Bro is someone connected with the technology and business industry; cultivating an image of intelligence mixed with money, counterculture attitude and social savvy. Whether they are actually hip, business literate, anti-authority or even ''intelligent'' [[KnowNothingKnowItAll in any form]] depends on the individual. Their goal is to charm investors into funding their project, so some degree of false presentation is necessary. Typically they are young men in their twenties and early thirties, insisting on casual wear, shaggy hair, PermaStubble and [[AttentionDeficitOohShiny are easily distracted]] during business meetings. Some of them are keen on [[TwentyFourHourPartyPeople partying]] and getting up to [[WackyFratboyHijinx wacky hijinx]], and may use the phrase "work hard, play hard" as well as {{Technobabble}}s. Rather than being social rejects, tech bros are often in a position of prestige and may see themselves as leaders, or even as [[VisionaryVillain visionaries]], [[ShamelessSelfPromoter and they want you to know it]]. Some ''are'' social rejects deep down, but work twice as hard to maintain a charismatic facade.

They're less likely to be shy but instead lean hard into [[MasculinityTropes stereotypically masculine]] traits compared to the social slot [[StereotypicalNerd nerd characters have traditionally been placed]] -- instead of usually being awkward and socially isolated, they've turned into {{fratbro}}s (if they aren't just fratbros and hedge fund kids who fell into funding tech startups), [[CorruptCorporateExecutive media/tech-savvy corporate executives]] who [[VillainWithGoodPublicity look like relatable nerds while crunching the Christ out of their employees]], and [[BadInfluencer suave influencers]]. While the social awkwardness of a classic nerd may linger, they HAVE to show some degree of charisma that proves them ProudToBeAGeek. When there is money on the line, they have to be. {{Mad Scientist}}s worked in tech sectors will end up being this trope, with their sheer cunning manipulation (and possibly [[ScienceRelatedMemeticDisorder literal madness]]) carrying over. Because of this, the Tech Bro is also often a far ''darker'' figure than the traditional nerd: a glib [[TheSociopath malignant narcissist]] whose people skills lie in [[ManipulativeBastard manipulation]] rather than genuine empathy. They aren't just interested in tech -- they're interested in ''monetizing'' it. They want to found the next big tech company and are at home in the corporate world. They'll talk about stock options and capturing market share as much as they do about research and coding. They might be a {{Rich|Genius}} GadgeteerGenius -- or they might just be a manager of geniuses. Their [[WeCare marketing department will tell you]] how they're improving the world by disrupting everything, and they tend to think that "outdated" rules [[ScrewTheRulesIHaveMoney shouldn't be allowed]] to constrain their new business model. Politically, there is a duality here; some are [[WellIntentionedExtremist progressive idealists who believe that their technology will save the world]], while others [[ItsAllAboutMe just want to be unaccountable potentates dictating the course of the world from ivory towers]].

They have their own style, too. A classic nerd is generally considered uncool, unfashionable and even unhygienic, but if a Tech Bro has any trace of a classic nerd's unkemptness, it's only a carefully cultivated fashion statement. They pay a lot of attention to their clothing and personal grooming, though they usually shirk the [[SharpDressedMan sharp suits]] of their {{Yuppie}} precursors for a more youthful, business-casual look. They're more likely to live in stylish, airy, [[TheRichHaveWhiteStuff bright]] houses rather than in [[BasementDweller dark basements full of old fast food containers]], and their office is either the same [[AsceticAesthetic stark, monochrome minimalist style of interior design]] or a WackyStartupWorkplace (bonus points for being located in real-life tech hubs like Silicon Valley). Also, while classic nerds are usually either overweight or scrawny weaklings, a Tech Bro is often in good physical shape, perhaps aided by fancy health-tracking gadgets, personal trainers, and faddish diet regimes. If there is a MadScienceFair, expect Tech Bros to show up often.

* Creator/JohnRomero, of ''VideoGame/{{Doom}}'' and ''[[VideoGame/QuakeI Quake]]'' fame, was notorious for cultivating a theatrical, rock-star-esque public image, and his drive for increasingly ambitious game design caused him to butt heads with his more business-minded coworkers and superiors at Creator/IdSoftware. As chronicled in [[http://web.archive.org/web/20000619155817/http://www.gamespot.com/features/btg-daikatana/index.html "Knee Deep In A Dream",]] when Romero left id to found Creator/IonStorm, one of the first things he did was [[WackyStartupWorkplace rent out an expensive penthouse suite equipped with a movie theatre and gaming amenities]], purely because he had always wanted to work in a fancier environment than id's utilitarian offices.

* ''VideoGame/Persona5Strikers'' has Akira Konoe, the charismatic CEO of the Osaka-based IT company Madicce, publishers of the popular EMMA digital assistant app. Konoe has a handsome, business-casual appearance ''[[{{Expy}} heavily]]'' [[{{Expy}} based]] on Creator/RobertDowneyJr's [[Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse Tony Stark]] (with the oration skills and huge ego to match), is well-liked by both [[VillainWithGoodPublicity the public]] and [[BenevolentBoss his employees]] and holds an earnest [[VisionaryVillain vision]] of improving society through his app by using it to [[BrainwashingForTheGreaterGood modify people's behavior for the better]], but gradually becomes over-reliant on [[AIIsACrapshoot EMMA]] for his own decision making as well. [[spoiler:And then it comes out that he was merely an UnwittingPawn and didn't even design EMMA himself; he just purchased the base code from a third party who was only using Konoe and his KnightTemplar ideals to popularize and proliferate the app on their behalf.]]

* ''Videogame/HorizonZeroDawn'' has Ted Faro, an Elon Musk-inspired tech mogul with superficial charm from the Old World whose true talent was his ability to profit from others. He was also directly responsible for dooming humanity due to him instigating global conflict for the sake of war profiteering and was also responsible for [[spoiler:humanity's current primitivist state, having deleted the database that would have been used to teach humanity in order to prevent them from learning that he was the ultimate cause of everything bad in the world]].

Of note, "techbro" is often applied to [[https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/tech-bro plain-ol' socially-awkward]] nerds working in tech, especially rich engineers and coders; however, this trope focuses more on aforementioned masculine and charismatic qualities given to engineers, tech moguls, and coders with actual social skills (or at least the appearance of such). The former variant though do exist as a heroic, sympathetic variant, in which a tech-focused ScienceHero and PlayfulHacker will end up be.

[[folder:Anime and Manga]]

* In ''Literature/StarterVillain'' the Lombardy Convocation hosts a "Pitch and Pitch" meeting where tech bros pitch ideas such as an app that controls one's testicles or a startup for premium compost, and each Convocation member has a BigRedButton that can catapult the speaker into a lake. In addition, the justifications villains use for their existence (as "disrupters") is highly reminiscent of those used by Big Tech.

* ''WesternAnimation/MyAdventuresWithSuperman'': DoAnythingRobot Amazo's MadScientist inventor Dr. Anthony Ivo comes off this way, acting like the laid-back {{Fratbro}} CEO of his own tech company. However, it's quickly revealed that he's a PsychopathicManchild and CorruptCorporateExecutive with no regard for human life as he thinks [[EvilCannotComprehendGood everyone else is as selfish as he is]].

* ''WesternAnimation/MyAdventuresWithSuperman'': Dr. Anthony Ivo comes off this way, acting like the laid-back CEO of his own tech company. However, this may be a persona he has concocted, as he drops the act when nobody is around.

They're less likely to be shy but instead lean hard into [[MasculinityTropes stereotypically masculine]] traits compared to the social slot [[StereotypicalNerd nerd characters have traditionally been placed]] -- instead of usually being awkward and socially isolated, they've turned into {{fratbro}}s (if they aren't just fratbros who fell into funding tech startups), [[CorruptCorporateExecutive media/tech-savvy corporate executives]] who [[VillainWithGoodPublicity look like relatable nerds while crunching the Christ out of their employees]], and [[BadInfluencer suave influencers]]. While the social awkwardness of a classic nerd may linger, they HAVE to show some degree of charisma that proves them ProudToBeAGeek. When there is money on the line, they have to be. {{Mad Scientist}}s worked in tech sectors will end up being this trope, with their sheer cunning manipulation (and possibly [[ScienceRelatedMemeticDisorder literal madness]]) carrying over. Because of this, the Tech Bro is also often a far ''darker'' figure than the traditional nerd: a glib [[TheSociopath malignant narcissist]] whose people skills lie in [[ManipulativeBastard manipulation]] rather than genuine empathy. They aren't just interested in tech -- they're interested in ''monetizing'' it. They want to found the next big tech company and are at home in the corporate world. They'll talk about stock options and capturing market share as much as they do about research and coding. They might be a {{Rich|Genius}} GadgeteerGenius -- or they might just be a manager of geniuses. Their [[WeCare marketing department will tell you]] how they're improving the world by disrupting everything, and they tend to think that "outdated" rules [[ScrewTheRulesIHaveMoney shouldn't be allowed]] to constrain their new business model. Politically, there is a duality here; some are [[WellIntentionedExtremist progressive idealists who believe that their technology will save the world]], while others [[ItsAllAboutMe just want to be unaccountable potentates dictating the course of the world from ivory towers]].

* ''Film/Venom2018'': The villain, Carlton Drake, is a fairly young,[[note]]played by Creator/RizAhmed in his then-mid 30's[[/note]] clean-cut billionaire whose company is focused on scientific and technological research. He's got [[VillainWithGoodPublicity a good reputation]] as a philanthropist and positions himself as a big believer in the ability of technology to solve the world's problems.

* ''Series/{{Castle}}'': In "[[Recap/CastleS3E10LastCall Last Call]]", the team tracks the auction of a nearly 100-year-old bottle of vintage bourbon to the home of a young NouveauRiche app developer, who is in the middle of a gaming party with his buddies and quickly infuriates Castle when he reveals he mixed the super-rare bourbon with cola.

Of note, "techbro" is often applied to [[https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/tech-bro plain-ol' socially-awkward]] nerds working in tech, especially rich engineers and coders; however, this wiki's usage focuses more on masculine and charismatic qualities given to engineers, tech moguls, and coders with actual social skills (or at least the appearance of such).

They're less likely to be shy but instead lean hard into [[MasculinityTropes stereotypically masculine]] traits compared to the social slot [[StereotypicalNerd nerd characters have traditionally been placed]] -- instead of usually being awkward and socially isolated, they've turned into {{fratbro}}s (if they aren't just fratbros who fell into funding tech startups), [[CorruptCorporateExecutive media/tech-savvy corporate executives]] who [[VillainWithGoodPublicity look like relatable nerds while crunching the Christ out of their employees]], and [[BadInfluencer suave influencers]]. While the social awkwardness of a classic nerd may linger, they HAVE to show some degree of charisma that turns them into an ExtravertedNerd. When there is money on the line, they have to be. {{Mad Scientist}}s worked in tech sectors will end up being this trope, with their sheer cunning manipulation (and possibly [[ScienceRelatedMemeticDisorder literal madness]]) carrying over. Because of this, the Tech Bro is also often a far ''darker'' figure than the traditional nerd: a glib [[TheSociopath malignant narcissist]] whose people skills lie in [[ManipulativeBastard manipulation]] rather than genuine empathy. They aren't just interested in tech -- they're interested in ''monetizing'' it. They want to found the next big tech company and are at home in the corporate world. They'll talk about stock options and capturing market share as much as they do about research and coding. They might be a {{Rich|Genius}} GadgeteerGenius -- or they might just be a manager of geniuses. Their [[WeCare marketing department will tell you]] how they're improving the world by disrupting everything, and they tend to think that "outdated" rules [[ScrewTheRulesIHaveMoney shouldn't be allowed]] to constrain their new business model. Politically, there is a duality here; some are [[WellIntentionedExtremist progressive idealists who believe that their technology will save the world]], while others [[ItsAllAboutMe just want to be unaccountable potentates dictating the course of the world from ivory towers]].

They're less likely to be shy but instead lean hard into [[MasculinityTropes stereotypically masculine]] traits compared to the social slot [[StereotypicalNerd nerd characters have traditionally been placed]] -- instead of usually being awkward and socially isolated, they've turned into {{fratbro}}s (if they aren't just fratbros who fell into funding tech startups), [[CorruptCorporateExecutive media/tech-savvy corporate executives]] who [[VillainWithGoodPublicity look like relatable nerds while crunching the Christ out of their employees]], and [[BadInfluencer suave influencers]]. While the social awkwardness of a classic nerd may linger, they HAVE to show some degree of charisma that turns them into an ExtravertedNerd. When there is money on the line, they have to be. {{Mad Scientist}}s may have started in this arena before turning evil. Because of this, the Tech Bro is also often a far ''darker'' figure than the traditional nerd: a glib [[TheSociopath malignant narcissist]] whose people skills lie in [[ManipulativeBastard manipulation]] rather than genuine empathy. They aren't just interested in tech -- they're interested in ''monetizing'' it. They want to found the next big tech company and are at home in the corporate world. They'll talk about stock options and capturing market share as much as they do about research and coding. They might be a {{Rich|Genius}} GadgeteerGenius -- or they might just be a manager of geniuses. Their [[WeCare marketing department will tell you]] how they're improving the world by disrupting everything, and they tend to think that "outdated" rules [[ScrewTheRulesIHaveMoney shouldn't be allowed]] to constrain their new business model. Politically, there is a duality here; some are [[WellIntentionedExtremist progressive idealists who believe that their technology will save the world]], while others [[ItsAllAboutMe just want to be unaccountable potentates dictating the course of the world from ivory towers]].

Tech Bros are intelligent and technologically-minded, but they fit into a different social slot than the one in which [[StereotypicalNerd nerd characters have traditionally been placed]] -- instead of usually being awkward and socially isolated, they've turned into {{fratbro}}s (if they aren't just fratbros who fell into funding tech startups), [[CorruptCorporateExecutive media/tech-savvy corporate executives]] who [[VillainWithGoodPublicity look like relatable nerds while crunching the Christ out of their employees]], and [[BadInfluencer suave influencers]]. Some are even literal {{Mad Scientist}}s graduated from the fields of tech.

Tech Bros tend to be confident men in their twenties and thirties, and some of them are even charismatic -- the social awkwardness of a classic nerd is usually gone. Some of them are keen on [[TwentyFourHourPartyPeople partying]] and getting up to [[WackyFratboyHijinx wacky hijinx]], and may use the phrase "work hard, play hard" as well as {{Technobabble}}s. They're less likely to be shy around people they're attracted to than a classic nerd and may be depicted leaning hard into [[MasculinityTropes stereotypically masculine]] traits. Rather than being social rejects, tech bros are often in a position of prestige and may see themselves as leaders, or even as [[VisionaryVillain visionaries]], [[ShamelessSelfPromoter and they want you to know it]]. Some ''are'' social rejects deep down, but work twice as hard to maintain a charismatic facade. Like the MadScientist, the Tech Bro is also often a far ''darker'' figure than the traditional nerd: a glib [[TheSociopath malignant narcissist]] whose people skills lie in [[ManipulativeBastard manipulation]] rather than genuine empathy.

They can differ from classic nerds in appearance and style, too. A classic nerd is generally considered uncool and unfashionable, but if a Tech Bro has any trace of a classic nerd's unkemptness, it's only a carefully cultivated fashion statement. They pay a lot of attention to their clothing and personal grooming, though they usually shirk the [[SharpDressedMan sharp suits]] of their {{Yuppie}} precursors for a more youthful, business-casual look. They're more likely to live in stylish, airy, [[TheRichHaveWhiteStuff bright]] houses rather than in [[BasementDweller dark basements full of old fast food containers]], and their office is either the same [[AsceticAesthetic stark, monochrome minimalist style of interior design]] or a WackyStartupWorkplace (bonus points for being located in real-life tech hubs like Silicon Valley). Also, while classic nerds are usually either overweight or scrawny weaklings, a Tech Bro is often in good physical shape, perhaps aided by fancy health-tracking gadgets, personal trainers, and faddish diet regimes. If there is a MadScienceFair, expect Tech Bros to show up often.

Many Tech Bros aren't just interested in tech -- they're interested in ''monetizing'' it. They want to found the next big tech company and are at home in the corporate world. They'll talk about stock options and capturing market share as much as they do about research and coding. They might be a {{Rich|Genius}} GadgeteerGenius -- or they might just be a manager of geniuses. Their [[WeCare marketing department will tell you]] how they're improving the world by disrupting everything, and they tend to think that "outdated" rules [[ScrewTheRulesIHaveMoney shouldn't be allowed]] to constrain their new business model. Politically, there is a duality here; some are [[WellIntentionedExtremist progressive idealists who believe that their technology will save the world]], while others [[ItsAllAboutMe just want to be unaccountable potentates dictating the course of the world from ivory towers]].

Of note, "techbro" is often applied to [[https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/tech-bro plain-ol' socially-awkward]] nerds working in tech, especially rich engineers and coders; however, this wiki's usage specifically applies to stereotypically masculine engineers, tech moguls, and coders with actual social skills (or at least the appearance of such).

* A couple shows up early in ''Series/SiliconValley''. The more conventionally nerdy protagonist refers to them as "brogrammers."

* Website/{{Facebook}} creator Mark Zuckerberg often works to cultivate this image for himself, such as in his (in)famous [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gElfIo6uw4g "Metaverse" presentation]] where he casually addresses the audience.