[z0a]

This just looks like another VC firm disguised as something else:

1) 3% equity + 5% for an additional 20k of any company you found for the next 8 years

2) “The candidates will vote on each other’s projects, points will be awarded and there will be leader board. Subject experts will also vote, with their votes counting somewhat more than the candidates.”

I think what we actually need are less gatekeepers and instead work towards establishing communities that reward intellectual curiosity, encouraging the cultivation of ideas and potential businesses that provide value. We have to support this sort of development for those willing to apply themselves, and that means we should be there to help during all phases of that journey — not just when someone has a project idea or when they’re ready to IPO, but also when they may be educating themselves, researching areas of interest, or even when they may be going through a time of intellectual hardship.

This sort of work must be genuine and unconditional — the current VC model is flawed by design if you wish to “address the opportunity gap” — it will always be about maximizing ROI even if it’s not explicitly stated.

[danicgross]

> This just looks like another VC firm

I don't think VC firms fund poets or musicians :)

> communities that reward intellectual curiosity, encouraging the cultivation of ideas and potential businesses that provide value.

I agree! That's exactly what's we're trying to do. I think most people we fund will never start companies. I hope they'll become great researchers, civic activists or artists. For the fraction that do, I hope we'll be significant enough of a needle mover in moving them as a person from idea to product that we'll deserve the small amount of equity we ask for.

[mehblahwhatevs]

> I don't think VC firms fund poets or musicians :)

How would you fund a poet or musician in your funding model?

Do they put an idea for a song or some such on the board and it's voted on? Who decides what poet is good or bad (it's entirely subjective?)

Also what's the payout for investment in a poet? They aren't likely to start a company.

So if I'm going to start a company and I take your investment is it "fair" that a poet receives the same investment but doesn't have to fork over a % back to you like I'll have to?

[Alex3917]

> I don't think VC firms fund poets or musicians :)

Most mainstream musicians are funded by VCs. I think they call them something else in the industry, but the economic model is similar.

[telospolis]

is there any community, you know of, that helps other people in different phases of journey?

really need one!