What Should We Do About All This Money?
A conversation about wealth, power, and doing philanthropy well.
Hundreds of billions of dollars in AI wealth will soon become liquid, marking (we hope) the beginning of the biggest wave of tech philanthropy yet. Nan Ransohoff’s recent essay outlined the work that lies ahead: with new capital imminently available to support the equivalent of 5000 Institutes for Progress, money will arrive faster than anyone can currently absorb.
The prevailing belief among our peers is that Silicon Valley is especially well positioned to turn its wealth into good outcomes for the world. We think tech has a mixed track record, especially when it comes to handling windfalls. How will this money actually be spent? Can we find talented operators to absorb it? Are we all too myopically obsessed with the idea of talented operators? And, yes, really, what does it mean for democracy?
We're bringing together Rob Reich (political philosopher at Stanford University and author of Just Giving: Why Philanthropy Is Failing Democracy) and Alexander Berger (CEO of Coefficient Giving) to discuss. Both have spent their careers immersed in both the history and practice of philanthropy. They have known each other for a long time, so expect a lively and candid conversation among friends.
We’ll aim for a 40 minute discussion between Rob and Alexander – moderated by Clara Collier, editor-in-chief of Asterisk Magazine – followed by 20 minutes of Q&A. Come with your burning questions and most strongly-held opinions; expect to have your views challenged.
SCHEDULE:
6:00: Doors open
6:30-7:10 Discussion between Rob Reich (Stanford University) and Alexander Berger (Coefficient Giving), moderated by Clara Collier (Asterisk Magazine)
7:10-7:30: Q&A
7:30-8:30 Conversation continues with food and drinks
Drinks and heavy bites will be served.
[Disclosure: Asterisk receives funding from Coefficient Giving. We retain full discretion over every part of the editorial process.]