Theodore Schleifer • February 22, 2022

Steve Jobs’ Heir Imagines His Post-Pelosi Future

Reed Jobs, the well-liked millennial son of Laurene Powell Jobs and the late Steve Jobs, has privately talked about a political run, including for Nancy Pelosi’s seat if it opens. It may herald the dawn of a new era: Society is currently being remade by a group of super-billionaires. Pretty soon, their kids will take over.

Theodore Schleifer • February 16, 2022

The Notorious S.B.F.

Sam Bankman-Fried, the 29-year-old crypto zillionaire, epitomizes a new generation of mega-donors who blend big-money politics, applied math, and the reading list of a senior-year philosophy seminar. So naturally, he’s the hottest ticket in the most rarefied realms of philanthropy.

Baratunde Thurston • February 15, 2022

My Joe Rogan Playlist

Nine thoughts on Spotify, “free speech,” deplatforming, and what the Rogan crisis really means.

Theodore Schleifer • February 8, 2022

The Pelosi Nepotism Succession Question

With Republicans expected to retake the House in November, could Pelosi’s congressional seat become a family dynasty? Plus: Zuckerberg loses Thiel, Melinda goes rogue (or not), and Silicon Valley discovers diversity.

Alex Kantrowitz • February 4, 2022

For Facebook, It’s Metaverse Or Bust

Zuckerberg is diverting billions of dollars into the metaverse, even as Facebook’s core business begins to sour. Wall Street is selling and employees are skeptical. Is it too late to turn back?

Baratunde Thurston • February 2, 2022

Crypto’s Colorblind Promise

For so much of U.S. history, Black people were not allowed to build wealth. But as I explore experiments in web3 and blockchain, I’m seeing a lot more Black people than I used to see in Web 1.0 and 2.0. Is the prospect of “generational wealth” the real deal?

Theodore Schleifer • February 1, 2022

The Thiel Index

A potentially definitive, highly unscientific analysis of who has the most political juice right now in Silicon Valley.

Baratunde Thurston • January 27, 2022

Fauci Fatigue & Maddow in the Metaverse

Notes on Jack Dorsey's successor, the stratification of digital media, and Omicron-era information overload.

Theodore Schleifer • January 25, 2022

Can Yuri Milner and Jeff Bezos End Death?

The inside conversation about Silicon Valley’s favorite charity, MacKenzie Scott’s personnel debate, and Bezos’ latest effort to perfect his physique.

Dylan Byers • January 19, 2022

The Real Story Behind the Kotick-Nadella Deal

How a peace offering from Phil Spencer, Microsoft’s gaming chief, led Activision’s Bobby Kotick to a $69 billion deal.

Julia Alexander • January 19, 2022

Will Biden Crush the Microsoft-Activision Deal?

Gaming, like the entertainment-media-tech industry, is experiencing a wave of M&A action. Depending on how the D.O.J. and the F.T.C. respond, we’re likely to see much more of it.

Theodore Schleifer • January 11, 2022

Inside MacKenzie Scott’s Zillion-Dollar Giving Machine

Ever since Scott split with her ex, Jeff Bezos, she has embarked on an utterly mysterious, totally disruptive, $9 billion-and-counting philanthropy spree. Here’s an inside guide to her aides and her checkbook.

Theodore Schleifer • January 4, 2022

Bill & Melinda Get Political

Among the under-appreciated stories of modern politics is how key relationships with a Silicon Valley benefactor or two can transform long-shot candidates into bonafide contenders. And with more money than ever, tech titans are discovering new battlefields to assert their will.

Theodore Schleifer • December 28, 2021

Elon vs. The Libs & Media Asset Moneyball

Some deep thoughts and burning concerns about MacKenzie, Jack, Bezos and other card-carrying members of the new establishment.

Theodore Schleifer • December 21, 2021

Silicon Valley’s Biden Beef & Zuckerberg’s Hired Gun

Notes on the latest tech industry gossip, fundraising, and political power plays.