Ideas that move the mission forward

Explore our thoughts on investment, innovation, and mission.

Andrew Parker
Nolan Shah
Stephen Wemple
Marc Tarpenning
Shripriya Mahesh
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Little-known Tesla Lore
Writing

Little-known Tesla Lore

by Marc Tarpenning •

Discover how the humble lithium-ion battery, created to power camcorders, evolved to disrupt the automotive industry and power the electric vehicle revolution.

Indirect Value Capture
Writing

Indirect Value Capture

by Andrew Parker •

Discover how successful companies create value for customers and capture it for themselves, from hardware sales to free software offerings, revealing a strategic approach to monetization beyond direct product sales.

What Goes On a Pedestal Must Come Off
Writing

What Goes On a Pedestal Must Come Off

by Shripriya Mahesh •

Explore the nuanced reality behind revered figures, from renowned artists to influential leaders, and question the tendency to idolize individuals based solely on their achievements, rather than examining their full character and impact.

Will People Pay for Just One Flower?

Will People Pay for Just One Flower?

by Shripriya Mahesh •

Acclaimed Indian classical vocalist Sanjay Subrahmanyan embraces direct-to-consumer model with a YouTube channel membership, offering subscribers tiered access to his extensive archive and exclusive new concerts, as he adapts to the challenges of the pandemic and evolving industry dynamics.

Anti-Luddism

Anti-Luddism

by Marc Tarpenning •

Discover how technology's rapid progress evokes deep-seated resistance, from the original Luddites to modern-day reluctance, and how embracing new tools can enhance productivity and connections.

Apollo’s Arrow

Apollo’s Arrow

by Shripriya Mahesh •

Discover how the COVID-19 pandemic has permanently reshaped society, from government and community self-reliance to the future of work, learning, and human connection.

My New Path: Spero Ventures

My New Path: Spero Ventures

by Andrew Parker •

Spero Ventures launches $123M fund, led by Shripriya Mahesh's unparalleled product expertise and artistic vision to empower the next generation of technology companies transforming wellbeing, work, and human connection.

Our “Personality Test” for VCs

Our “Personality Test” for VCs

by Stephen Wemple •

Discover how one VC team leverages personality assessments to foster deeper understanding and more effective deal conversations among team members.

Let’s get negative
Writing

Let’s get negative

by Marc Tarpenning •

The COVID-19 lockdowns had a negligible impact on greenhouse gas emissions, revealing the significant challenge of curbing climate change. Despite widespread restrictions, emissions only decreased 5-7%, not enough to meaningfully slow the rise in atmospheric CO2 levels, which are now at their highest in millions of years, with grave implications for sea levels and the planet's future.