1517 Fund

The 1517 Fund Substack, 'Letters from the Edge of 1517', covers a diverse range of topics primarily focusing on supporting young innovators, critiques of traditional education, fostering creative communities, deep technology development, space exploration, entrepreneurial finance, and reimagining the future of science and technology. It emphasizes the importance of unconventional paths and offers practical advice for startups and researchers.

Youth Empowerment and Innovation Critique of Higher Education Community Building Deep Technology Development Space Exploration Entrepreneurial Finance and Investment Science and Technology Policy Business Strategy and Operations

The hottest Substack posts of 1517 Fund

And their main takeaways

Why Didn't Stanley Kubrick & Arthur C. Clarke Predict The iPad?

121 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Predictions Computing History Innovation
  1. Kubrick and Clarke came close to predicting the iPad in 2001: A Space Odyssey, but paper still played a big role in their vision, showing the challenge of imagining the shift to portable computers.
  2. The prediction of flat screens in 2001 was impressive considering they didn't exist at the time; RCA's pursuit of flat-panel technology likely influenced this foresight.
  3. Despite their brilliance, Kubrick and Clarke didn't fully predict the iPad because they were constrained by the prevalent mainframe computing environment and underestimated the advancements in miniaturization and portable computing.

2E - 1517's Teen Fall Camp

484 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
🚌 Education Event Technology Science Camping
  1. 2E - 1517's Teen Fall Camp is a unique opportunity for exceptional teenagers to gather in the Bay Area for a weekend of camping, tech, and mischief.
  2. The camp aims to bring together socially geeky teens who are passionate about science, technology, and collaborating with like-minded peers and mentors.
  3. Teens can attend for free but need to cover their own travel costs, and applications should be submitted by August 1st.

It's Out! Paper Belt on Fire

484 implied HN points • 29 Nov 22
  1. The author released a new book called 'Paper Belt on Fire' which delves into the Thiel Fellowship and 1517.
  2. The book is described as a page-turner that critiques higher education and offers an optimistic future.
  3. Colleague praises the book for its engaging narrative and deep insights into technological progress.

The Kids are Alright

909 implied HN points • 03 May 22
  1. The importance of respecting and admiring young people for their contributions and potential, without belittling them by using terms like 'kids'.
  2. Gen Z has a strong sense of agency and is eager to make meaningful contributions at a young age, with a focus on self-awareness and taking responsibility.
  3. Building a supportive community for teens who are passionate about creating, learning, and growing authentically, without seeking external validation or rewards.

How to Build a Deeptech Product

303 implied HN points • 21 Nov 22
  1. Building deeptech products requires a structured process, even though founders often believe their uniqueness doesn't fit a standard approach.
  2. The phases of ideation, prototyping, and building a minimal viable product are crucial in deeptech product development.
  3. Startup and large company approaches to building deeptech products differ, with startups needing to focus on product-market fit and capital efficiency.
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I am not my company.

303 implied HN points • 03 Oct 22
  1. Starting a company can be transformative, but be prepared to pivot if needed.
  2. Facing the reality of shutting down a business involves honesty, empathy, and strategic planning.
  3. Personal growth and letting go of identities are key aspects of navigating business challenges.

1517 Does Astronomy & Astrophysics: The Physics of Supernovas

121 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🔬 Science Astronomy Astrophysics Physics Technology Energy
  1. Supernovas are powerful explosions from single stars that can outshine entire galaxies, impacting human understanding and progress.
  2. Advancements in astronomy and technology, like robotic telescopes and big data analysis, are revolutionizing our exploration of the universe.
  3. Nature's energy events, like neutron star mergers creating elements, are incredibly powerful and creative, shaping our world and existence.

Raising Money from Angels, Pt. 2

121 implied HN points • 29 Nov 22
  1. Angels tend to be quick to say 'yes' or 'no' and are hands-on in their research and diligence process.
  2. Founders should be prepared to answer a lot of questions when raising money from angels.
  3. Questions for founders include topics like company details, team expertise, product features, competition analysis, marketing strategy, and financial projections.

The Santarchy Ball in Austin, TX

121 implied HN points • 21 Nov 22
  1. Santa Claus is portrayed as a sovereign individual disregarding national borders.
  2. The event celebrates the idea of social contracts in a changing world of governance.
  3. Keynote lineup discusses topics like climate, anarchy, and the relationship between politics and governance.

Raising Money from Angels, Pt. 1

60 implied HN points • 24 Nov 22
  1. Raising money from angel investors involves answering more emails and managing smaller checks.
  2. Before accepting angel money, ask about check sizes, due diligence process, and time horizon for investments.
  3. Consider asking about the angel investor's previous investments, board involvement, and network connections.

A Startup's Guide to Direct Sales and Channel Sales

0 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
💼 Business Sales Startups Marketing Entrepreneurship Strategy
  1. Direct sales involve selling to end customers without intermediaries, providing control over the sales process and customer relationships.
  2. Channel sales involve partnering with intermediaries for expanded market reach and cost-effective scalability, but it may lead to margin compression.
  3. Startups should carefully evaluate their unique needs and resources to choose between direct and channel sales, or consider hybrid approaches for a balance.

An Executive's Guide to Planning for Layoffs

0 implied HN points • 22 Nov 22
  1. Start planning early to anticipate strategic changes
  2. Take responsibility by looking inward and acknowledging past actions
  3. Honor verbal offers, but halt additional hiring during scenario planning