Author Archives: Konrad

A wildly popular app that is valued at much more than its worth. The primary issue is that it has no clear, scalable, revenue streams. The secondary issue is that it is a frivolous product. Snapchat makes revenue in two ways: 1. An old-school news section where advertising is sold on a one-off basis. 2.…More

Instead, they should engage on the underlying concerns. Its the same dynamic that led to Trump’s election as president. “You’re evil.” “Fuck you.” and proceeds to escalate rhetoric and actions. The right has felt overwhelmed and under attack. Partially, because the economics of immigration and job loss (among other issues) are hard to grasp. They’re…More

Instead of preemptively watering down his proposals to what he thinks people will accept, he is going for much more than he actually wants. Then, he’ll negotiate with an alarmed opposition. One that is not longer comfortable that the status quo will go on for as long as possible. One that fears that basic freedoms…More

But, they arguably are on the brink of more power now than even when they had them. Companies in the past ruled de-facto empires: 1. The Dutch East India Company controlled Indonesia and the spice trade from there. Defeating local governments in the process. 2. The English East India Company effectively colonized India and extracted…More

The world is full of examples where a person spent ten years on an idea before it became successful. Of composers who were never appreciated in their lifetimes but are world famous post their death. And of people who toil and toil and absolutely nothing good comes of it. How do you know which path…More

I’ve been mostly ignoring news for the past few months. But, some bits and pieces has slipped through. To me, it seems like: 1. He’s acting like a child. 2. He’s made a lot of executive actions that sounds scary but may or may not lead to anything: 2.1 Putting a freeze on EPA grants.…More

Sure, its a fine line, because Trump could lead to the stagnation. But, what if, the threat of a centralized extractive institution leads to a resurgence of states and private sector leading key initiatives? We’re already seeing a bit of this: 1. California reacting as opposed to DT’s immigration policy: http://www.latimes.com/…/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updat… 2. Oregon pushing back…More

In contrast to the inclusive institutions that we have now. Inclusive institutions guarantee freedom of press, property rights, and encourage investments. Extractive institutions guarantee wealth for those in control at the top but stifle all development for everyone else. Examples of extractive institutions include: 1. Rome post republic, in the empire. 2. China now and…More

Placed 4th in MBA business plan competition as an sophomore. Run the relevant business profitably for 2 years. Failed at a high tech startup. Built data systems for TD Ameritrade & Bridgestone. Built a men’s dress shirt brand from scratch. Built a luxury travel agency to $1m in revenue in year 1. Built a habit…More

Even though it seems like it might enable crime. In the long run, giving more power to more people, not only leads to more democracy, it leads to more productive states and higher standards of living. When power is consolidated in the hands of the few decisions are not as good and don’t benefit as…More