This Week in Startups

Rebuilding Civilization from First Principles: Inside Balaji’s Network State Vision | E2145

318 snips
Jun 30, 2025
Guest
Balaji Srinivasan
Balaji Srinivasan, an entrepreneur and former CTO of Coinbase, shares his vision for decentralized societies through concepts like Network School. He discusses how these "sharp societies" empower communities with shared values, merging education and co-living. Balaji highlights the growing trend of digital nomads seeking alternatives to traditional governance, as well as the implications for democracy and the future of Bitcoin. The conversation also touches on America’s changing role in a multipolar world and the rising influence of new economic models.
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ANECDOTE

Network School Builds Startup Societies

  • Balaji Srinivasan shares how Network School combines education and community in physical spaces to build new startup societies.
  • This physical network effect revives democratic participation by aligning people around shared goals and values.
INSIGHT

Physical Space Unlocks New Societies

  • There is ample cheap space around the world for like-minded digital nomads to co-live and create community.
  • This alternative reduces economic pressure from expensive cities and fosters innovation through better living conditions.
INSIGHT

Internet-First Global Community

  • Network School's primary demographic are remote workers lacking Western visas who desire internet-first communities.
  • The internet levels the playing field globally, enabling equal contractual and monetary relations despite geography.
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