The Initiators
“We believe we’re on the cusp of a personal data revolution.”
When the Internet first took off, back in the early 90s, it had this disruptive, grass-roots feeling to it. It was this representation of the free world, a tool that distributed power. Unfortunately, things haven’t worked out that way.
“It’s not just about privacy.”
More and more data companies are employing underhanded tactics to learn things about us as consumers and citizens, either to make money for themselves, or to transform the data and use it for purposes we’re not aware of. The main issue is not about privacy, it’s about understanding what happens with our own information. We’re being classified based on the information that is being gathered about us, but we have no access to that information and we have no way of knowing if the conclusions being drawn based on that data are accurate.
“It’s not just about advocacy.”
We’re business people and we believe that truly serving the needs of users is good business. Too many businesses have not been interested in the user’s needs, but are more interested in accumulating users to serve the needs of the advertisers. We believe Europe, with its vastly different cultures, values and view on personal data, is the perfect proving ground to demonstrate that user-centric business models can work. We can create business models that generate value, not just for the companies, but especially for the consumers. We want to use technology to help us learn from our data, and decide how much we want to share with the outside world and at what cost.
“Let’s do more than talk.”
European legislators have demonstrated a willingness to challenge the advertiser-centric business models that dominate the markets. They are introducing new rules designed to protect consumers and restore the balance in how personal data is used. A vibrant start-up community and their investors are part of this change, working on everything from privacy services that protect your information and allow you to be the gatekeeper, to helping you monetize your own data or shop online with the best matching results without being spammed afterwards. All of these efforts tell us that there is a change coming. We believe that this market of 500 million consumers is the perfect place to introduce new business models that benefit all, not just the advertiser.
wwwave is a mission-platform; we aim to gather all the inspiration we can get our hands on, to spark the conversation and inspire a community of change-makers to build services for people. That is the only way to create sustainable profit for everyone.
Sign our petition here:
Meet the Initiators
Change Agent · Business Model Developer · Entrepreneur
“It’s not about customer loyalty; it’s about being loyal to the customer.”
In my day job, I work with startups and businesses operating in the personal data space, so for me it makes sense to begin to talk about the issues that arise when you have personal data collection on the scale we’re seeing now. I’m inspired by people who are working on solutions to restore the balance while allowing businesses to thrive by treating customers as customers, not just as products that produce data.
Strategic Designer · Communicator · Brand Developer
“The digital economy harbors enormous potential to empower people. Instead of extracting value, making everybody poorer, we need business models that help us create value, so we can build profitable societies and sustainable futures.”
I am a designer at heart, which means that I believe that dreams can be realized. I continue to believe that societies are capable of creating unbelievable beauty if they are willing to cooperate. Enterprises can play an important role for social, economic and cultural growth, if they are motivated to forge mutually rewarding value networks that serve the interests of ALL stakeholders. I was drawn to this initiative because I believe there’s a lot of good that can be accomplished, if data is used in the right way.
Relationship Builder · Strategic Communicator · Brand Developer
“I strongly believe that such brand connections are created by a healthy mixture of digital interactions and offline encounters.”
I love to work on projects that are aimed at creating genuine relationships. In my day job, I help companies build brands that truly connect with people. I want wwwave to be a way that we can connect, and build something meaningful together. And with this shared interest, that should be easier done than said. Let’s connect!
