Innovation

When considering technology, many envision futuristic concepts like advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, and interplanetary travel. However, technology encompasses something far more profound—it represents our capacity to thoughtfully shape the world around us. Through this broader lens, we can recognize cities themselves as remarkable technological achievements that deserve greater appreciation. Current AI-generated cityscapes reveal our evolving imagination of urban futures, though the visual inconsistencies remind us of the limitations in our present technological capabilities.

I find myself drawn to the concept of “discovery” rather than “invention” when considering human innovation. This framing suggests we uncover possibilities inherent in the universe rather than creating something entirely new—with some individuals finding ways to translate these discoveries into economic value. The Challenge of Originality # Moments of apparent insight often invite a humbling recognition: many seemingly novel ideas have precedents in earlier thought. The vast expanse of human intellectual history means few concepts emerge without antecedents or parallel development.

Tools as a Hallmark of Human Innovation # The creation and use of tools has long been recognized as a significant aspect of human development. While we now understand that many animals also utilize tools in various forms, humans have uniquely developed meta-tooling—the ability to create tools that in turn create other tools. This capacity for recursive innovation sets our technological development apart in remarkable ways.

I was reading Hacker News comments recently when I encountered someone sharing their challenges finding work in technology, attributing it to ageism in the industry. This sparked an insight about a quality that serves professionals throughout their careers: malleability. The Value Equation: Experience and Adaptability # Ageism in technology is a real phenomenon that creates barriers for experienced professionals seeking new opportunities. In market-driven environments, organizations often optimize for perceived cost-effectiveness—seeking talent who can deliver results at the lowest investment. Unfortunately, this calculation sometimes undervalues the profound benefits that experience brings.

The Value of Market Diversity # One of the foundational principles of market economies is that competition tends to benefit consumers. This principle has proven true across numerous industries throughout history. Consider the fascinating history of General Motors, a company whose market dominance once prompted discussions about potential governmental intervention to increase competition.

Creating a new company presents a significant challenge, with venture-backed startups representing a particularly demanding path. For aspiring entrepreneurs without a clear business concept, identifying a compelling opportunity represents the crucial first step in the journey. Discovering the right startup concept

While I typically maintain caution around predictions, I believe we’re witnessing the early stages of a significant business model evolution. An emerging category of ventures—what I call “incentive-aligned businesses”—appears positioned for substantial growth and impact in coming years. The Principle of Mutual Risk and Reward # The concept of “skin in the game” describes arrangements where participants share both risk and potential returns with their counterparties. This principle already operates in certain investment contexts—angel investors provide capital to founders, accepting significant risk in exchange for equity that may grow substantially in value if the venture succeeds. This structure creates natural alignment between parties as their outcomes become interdependent.

Make something people want Y Combinator’s guiding philosophy—captured in their motto “make something people want”—has influenced countless entrepreneurs since its first appearance in Paul Graham’s blog post on startup fundamentals.