Former a16z investor Balaji Srinivasan has taken a bold step by booking an island in Singapore to create his own “Network School.” This unique initiative will focus on crypto, longevity, and building a “technocapitalist college town,” as he described in his post here.
This move marks a significant milestone in Srinivasan’s vision of establishing “network states” – internet communities in physical locations that aim to gain diplomatic recognition from existing states, as he detailed in this post.
Srinivasan’s concept has captured the interest of Silicon Valley’s libertarian community, earning praise from notable figures like Marc Andreessen and Vitalik Buterin. His background in a16z and Coinbase adds credibility to his endeavors. The 90-day school, starting in late September, will feature lectures on various topics, with meals curated by entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, known for his commitment to longevity ventures. The program is tailored for individuals who share Srinivasan’s views on Bitcoin, AI, and cryptography.
Srinivasan’s foray into network states isn’t unique, as Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin also launched his own project inspired by Srinivasan’s vision. These initiatives aim to establish digital sovereign nations, often seeking recognition and support from local authorities. Srinivasan is currently seeking applicants for his school, emphasizing that those aligned with traditional institutions may not be the ideal fit.