"Meetup to the People: How a Zebra could Rise from a Unicorn’s Fall"

"Meetup to the People: How a Zebra could Rise from a Unicorn’s Fall"

Over the course of human history, people have come together to achieve incredible things. While there have been instances of atrocious actions, it is more often the case that when people meetup, they bring out the best of humanity. This belief in the power of human connection is at the core of Zebras Unite, an organization that advocates for startups that are diverse, practical, and accountable to the people they serve.

One company that embodies the principles of a Zebra is Meetup. It sits at the intersection of for-profit and for-purpose, with a commitment to bringing people together and fostering a sense of possibility. Zebras Unite admires the model that Meetup has created and believes that genuine diversity cannot be achieved through traditional diversity programs. Instead, startups need to rethink their approach to work, funding, and their target audience.

So, what would Zebras Unite do with Meetup? They propose an "exit to community" model where organizers and individual members have a say in shaping the pricing structure and are rewarded for their contributions through dividends. This would create a sense of ownership and accountability among the community members, ensuring that Meetup remains focused on its mission.

Another innovative idea put forward by Zebras Unite is to pioneer a democratic model of data ownership. Instead of users paying with their data for the free use of services, Zebras Unite suggests building features that allow users to get paid for their data. This would empower users and give them control over their own data, allowing them to decide who they want to share it with.

Finally, Zebras Unite believes in building for the community, by building on the community. Meetup has the potential to become a platform that not only brings people together but also gives them collective power. By leveraging the insights and talents of its users, Meetup can evolve into a platform that truly serves its community.

Now, let's shift gears and explore the concept of collective intelligence through an interview with Alexandra Elbakyan, the creator of Sci-Hub. Sci-Hub is a tool that connects researchers by providing access to research papers. Elbakyan envisions a future where brains can be directly connected to each other, creating a network of collective intelligence. This raises the question of whether an electronic human, connected through brain-machine interfaces, can possess consciousness.

Elbakyan ponders whether this electronic human would experience subjective consciousness or if it would be nothing more than a computational model. This leads to the question of whether it is possible to convert our biological consciousness into an artificial neural network, allowing us to live inside a computer indefinitely.

Interestingly, ancient religions had gods of information, such as Hermes, Thoth, and Nabu. These gods were associated with speech, writing, and rational knowledge. Elbakyan highlights the connection between ancient beliefs and our current quest to understand consciousness. While many theories exist, most struggle to answer practical questions, such as whether we can develop a brain chip that enriches our consciousness with new experiences.

In conclusion, the ideas presented by Zebras Unite and Alexandra Elbakyan offer unique insights into the power of human connection and collective intelligence. By rethinking traditional models and embracing diversity, we can create startups that serve the needs of the community. Additionally, the exploration of consciousness and the potential for brain-machine interfaces opens up new possibilities for human experience.

Three actionable pieces of advice that can be derived from these concepts are:

1. Foster diversity and accountability in startups: By embracing diverse perspectives and involving the community in decision-making processes, startups can create a culture that is accountable and aligned with the needs of its users.

2. Empower users with data ownership: Instead of users giving away their data for free, startups can build features that allow users to monetize their data and have control over who they share it with. This empowers users and gives them agency over their own information.

3. Embrace the potential of collective intelligence: Explore ways to connect individuals and tap into the collective intelligence of a community. This can be done through platforms like Meetup or by leveraging emerging technologies such as brain-machine interfaces. The possibilities for innovation and new experiences are vast.

In a world where unicorns dominate the startup landscape, it is refreshing to see the rise of Zebras. By focusing on diversity, accountability, and the power of human connection, Zebras offer a compelling alternative. Meetup and Sci-Hub exemplify these principles, and by incorporating the ideas presented by Zebras Unite and Alexandra Elbakyan, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and innovative future.