Why did I decide to invest in the Libermans? Investing Directly in Individuals
Investing in Humans: Is Selling Shares in Yourself the Future of Venture Capital?
In the ever-shifting sands of venture capitalism, a narrative has emerged, disrupting traditional paradigms and bringing to the forefront an idea so fundamental yet so overlooked — investing in the individual. At the center of this narrative stands the Liberman family, a quartet of siblings who, with their ventures Libermans Co and Humanism, are painting a new vision for the future of investment.
What if we could calculate the valuation of Nik Storonsky, Alex Bouaziz, Yoni Assia, Marс-Alexander Christ? The Liberman brothers are confident that their personal capitalization would exceed that of their Revolut, Deel, eToro, SumUp, — similarly, as it has long been unclear where in the cost of Tesla and SpaceX with Starlink the “value” of Elon Musk lies, and certainly the valuation of Worldcoin in no way reflects the real value of the company, but is entirely a “reflection” of the rampant growth of elder brother OpenAI with ChatGPT and the “value” of Sam Altman himself.
The ‘People Company’: The Journey of the Libermans
Originating from the bustling streets of Moscow, Daniil, David, Anna, and Maria Liberman are no strangers to adversity and challenge. Their journey, which now finds its home in the tech-laden streets of Playa Vista in California, is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering belief in human potential. A New Yorker article by Nathan Heller gives a profound insight into how investing in oneself could indeed be the way of the future.
Under the meticulous guidance of their sister Maria, the Libermans Co, a conglomerate that encompasses intellectual properties, startups, and long-term investments, has made a name for itself. Their influence on ‘Product Science,’ in particular, has set a benchmark in application optimization, ensuring that users globally can access their favorite applications like Snapchat in record times.
Yet, their most groundbreaking venture is perhaps “Humanism.” Rooted in the belief that every individual holds within them the potential to change the world, Humanism encourages investment not just in ideas or companies but in people. A fascinating perspective in Financial Times by Jemima Kelly elaborates on this innovative approach.
To become truly wealthy, it is not enough to successfully invest in existing asset classes: it is necessary to invent a new asset class. Look at Silicon Valley, their new metrics and approaches to estimates, and a new exchange for assets (NASDAQ). Look at crypto. Today the Libermans together with Sam Lessin and his Slow Ventures are driving a new wave — investments in people.
The Future of Venture Capital: The Role of Slow Ventures
In the vast ocean of venture capital, Slow Ventures, spearheaded by the visionary Sam Lessin, has always chosen to navigate its own path. Recognizing the untapped potential and the revolutionary idea behind the Liberman’s ventures, Slow Ventures took a leap of faith. Their investment was covered by Connie Loizos for TechCrunch, highlighting the pace and experimental strategies of the venture firm.
This wasn’t merely an investment in a company but a statement of belief in a philosophy. With their $3 million investment, Slow Ventures didn’t just place their trust in a business but in the very ethos of investing in human potential.
Turning People Into Corporations: Why Sam Lessin and Slow Ventures Bet on the Libermans
Venture capitalism has always thrived on innovation. However, the decision by Slow Ventures to back the Libermans goes beyond mere innovative investment strategy. It signifies an understanding of a changing world where metrics of success are rapidly evolving. A detailed interview with the Liberman siblings by Peter Coy in the New York Times sheds light on their Humanism venture.
Sam Lessin, with his profound experience in the tech world and visionary leadership, understands this. For him and for Slow Ventures, backing the Libermans is a step into the future of venture capital, a future where the individual stands at the center. Lessin’s thoughts on investing directly in people as the future of VC are further elucidated in an article he penned for The Information.
Libermans Co: Selling Shares in Themselves and Investing in People Through Humanism
In the end, the story of the Liberman family and their ventures is a testament to the boundless possibilities that lie ahead in the world of investment. And with industry leaders like Sam Lessin and Slow Ventures recognizing and supporting this vision, the message is clear: the future of venture capital lies in the belief in and investment in human potential.
As we stand at the cusp of this exciting new era, one thing is certain — the traditional paradigms of venture capitalism are evolving, and at the forefront of this evolution stands the Liberman family, Slow Ventures, and the undying belief in the power of the individual.
Interviews with David and Daniil Liberman by Tim Ferriss, and discussions with media outlets like The Times, FastCompany, Zine Magazine, and Foreign Policy in Focus, further validate the growing interest and belief in investing in individuals. A series of articles from Vice, Future Party, and Business Insider echo the growing enthusiasm for this paradigm shift, signaling a bright future where investment in human potential takes center stage.
The transcript of this episode can be found here. Transcripts of all episodes can be found here.
