The world as we know it has changed.

Instability is fueled by the rampant return of inflation, asymmetric and geopolitical threats, perils of budding socio-economic tensions, a cultural shift in generations and their interests, the end of a globalization super-bubble, an erosion of trust in long-established institutions spurring the rapid adoption of Web3 and the rise of statewide nationalism. There is also an urgency around the climate crisis, a heightened sense of purpose for individuals and the recent shock of the Covid-19 pandemic. The world is fooled by randomness and surprised by black swans. During the pandemic, which brought people closer together through a shared global experience, a new sense of community has emerged and an intergenerational crash-course in digital up-skilling has occurred. The onset of 2020 has led to a tumultuous period in which many institutions have been forced by respective governments to close to the public - not just once, but on multiple occasions. This has led to innovation across digital, fintech and the very ways we interact with each other and the world around us.

This past year has given everyone a lot of time to think, and rethink, what we want to spend time building and whom we want to spend time with. It has taught us grit, resiliency and creativity in the midst of a shifting landscape. I have always had a split profession of being a builder and being an investor. Both of these jobs require a level of curation, which requires an urgent curiosity. It requires vision to see the need for a specific sector, company or product before they exist and also an understanding of the necessary steps needed in order to build them. The etymology of the word ‘curator’ comes from Latin - cura - which means ‘to take care’; an overseer, manager or guardian. In modern times, the word purports to describe individuals engaged in an eclectic array of activities. The type of curation that I am most drawn to is the type that allows for unique methodologies and perspectives that resist static categories. Curiosity and risk lead to life’s most serendipitous moments and I believe this type of dynamic thinking is the future.

There are deep structural changes taking place that are creating shifts from the old to new. Old systems have outworn their utility and have to be destroyed and new ones must be created. We have the opportunity to shape a new world - one that is curated to address the challenges that we collectively face. I remain enthusiastic about this new world - one that is better for all and driven by a more open, transparent and distributed network. I hope we will take this experience to be bold and grow a more sustainable future for all.

Coco

These are my own thoughts and opinions. The content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as investment, financial or other advice.

A Letter from the Editor