Computer whizzes toil away at a tech company in California and hope their ideas will be the Next Big Thing in this comedy, which begins with Richard being courted by Hooli honcho Gavin Belson and eccentric investor Peter Gregory when they see dollar signs in his new Web site, but for entirely different reasons.

A viable business plan that includes staff reductions is required by Peter Gregory before he'll come through with the start-up money, but Richard isn't sure if his best friend, Big Head, will make the cut.

Gavin Belson promotes Nucleus, a competing compression platform, but Richard is preoccupied with negotiating for Pied Piper, which is already registered to a sprinkler company. Meanwhile, Erlich tries to come up with a new name for the business; and Peter Gregory displays his stingy side.

Richard regrets his drunken promise at Peter's toga party to make Erlich a board member, and later works on a presentation for Pied Piper's vision. Meanwhile, Big Head finds kindred spirits after being unassigned at Hooli; and an interesting connection emerges between Peter and Gavin Belson.

Erlich taps a graffiti artist to design Pied Piper's logo, with predictably controversial results. Meanwhile, Richard learns he doesn't have much time to prepare for a live demonstration at TechCrunch Disrupt; Gavin Belson and Peter Gregory have an unexpected encounter; and Jared works on the company's efficiency.

Pied Piper's cloud needs help, so the team hire a hacker called "The Carver," though his notorious reputation makes Richard nervous. Meanwhile, Jared goes out of his way to get Peter Gregory's signature; Gilfoyle's girlfriend attracts attention in the incubator; and Dinesh faces a sexual dilemma.

TechCrunch Disrupt opens and Richard worries about finishing his demo, but is distracted by a former girlfriend who's spreading rumors about him. Meanwhile, Jared feels threatened by Amanda's role in the company; Dinesh is smitten with a woman at another booth; and Pied Piper's chances may be ruined by Erlich's connection to a judge that's rooted in scandal.

In the Season 1 finale, Pied Piper's guys are worried after Gavin Belson gives a stirring presentation at TechCrunch Disrupt, but Richard finds the inspiration to make significant changes while Jared plots a new direction for the company.