Balaji Srinivasan, ex-VC at a16z, Acquires Private Island for Novel ‘Technocapitalist’ Longevity School

For those intrigued by the synthesis of cryptocurrency and the libertarian ethos of Silicon Valley, Balaji Srinivasan’s latest venture could either be perceived as visionary or unconventional. The former Andreessen Horowitz investor has leased an island in Singapore with the ambition to establish his “Network School.” Here, he plans to offer courses on cryptocurrency, the science of longevity, and how to build a “technocapitalist academic village,” as mentioned in his announcement of the project.

This project represents a significant leap towards Srinivasan’s concept of “network states,” communities online that acquire a physical space and aim for recognition from existing nations, as he has elaborated.

Srinivasan’s idea has captivated Silicon Valley’s libertarian circle, receiving commendations from figures like Marc Andreessen and Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum. It has also encouraged other cryptocurrency enthusiasts to envisage their network states. Srinivasan, who exited a16z in 2018, previously served as the CTO of Coinbase following its acquisition of his crypto venture Earn.com in 2018. He also sits on the board of Coin Center, a nonprofit crypto advocacy and lobbying group that fights for policies such as protecting crypto owners’ anonymity from the IRS.

Srinivasan’s 90-day educational program is set to commence in late September, featuring discussions on digital nomad lifestyle and meals crafted by Bryan Johnson, a longevity aficionado known for his extensive self-funded anti-aging efforts, as reported last year. Srinivasan highlights the program’s fit for those who see the success of Bitcoin over the Federal Reserve, appreciate AI’s potential in surpassing human judgment, and believe in the revitalization of democracy through cryptography.

Besides Srinivasan, other visionaries, like Buterin, have embarked on similar quests for internet-based sovereign territories. This spring, Buterin introduced Zuzalu in Montenegro, a “network state” inspired by Srinivasan, where attendees, including Grimes and seasteading enthusiast Patri Friedman, engaged in a unique blend of activities for two months, from health monitoring to exploring zero-knowledge cryptography, as detailed here.

While specific details on establishing a lasting foothold in Singapore remain undisclosed, the overarching aim of network states often includes gaining some level of official recognition. Notably, the team behind Zuzalu discussed with Montenegrin officials the possibility of creating a permanent hub for longevity enthusiasts, as reported by MIT Technology Review; and another endeavor, Prospera, backed by Friedman, successfully negotiated with Honduras for an economic zone favorable to businesses.

Srinivasan is currently welcoming applications for his innovative network school, albeit with a caveat. He suggests that individuals with a deep reverence for current institutions may not find this opportunity appealing, as he points out.