Elevator Pitch

• A hacker-turned-CEO argues that “being a hacker” means understanding real-world systems—including finance and startups—and using that understanding to create principled leverage and positive impact.

Key Takeaways

• Hackers should broaden their mindset from computers to social and economic systems: “It's about understanding how the world works.”
• Crypto/token markets and venture incentives often reward hype, speed, and speculation over fundamentals and security, pushing unhealthy behaviors (pump-and-dump dynamics, rushed code, “cult leader” CEOs).
• To change outcomes, build sustainable, values-aligned organizations (often bootstrapped), treat valuation as secondary, and engage capital responsibly: “HACKERS SHOULDN'T BE AFRAID TO TOUCH THE CAPITAL MARKETS.”

Most Memorable Quotes

• “A hacker is someone who understands how the world works.”
• “The purpose of a token is to go up. There is no other purpose.”
• “VALUATION IS A VANITY METRIC.”