[garply]

I actually don't think the tech in Silicon Valley will provide the best return on your investment - it's no longer the wild west out here, more like the 3rd generation of settlers setting up small to medium businesses. If you understand the market, I think there are some really good companies (tech and otherwise) in China that would be worth investing in. And if you want to invest in the US, real estate is an extremely sane thing to do: Avoid 'hot' areas, find a quiet but predictably growing area and buy up some land right outside the currently developed areas - the development will eventually grow over your property and you will profit handsomely.