My investment in Substack

Help build a better Internet

I'm excited to share my investment in the Substack community round

Here's my why:- What these rising apps and platforms all share is fragmentation, cause throwing the whole world into one single room together ( Current Social networks ) doesn't work, desire for connection is at an all-time high, propelled by remote work and rising mental health issues, etc but a specific interest group/forum/community does, there's so much power in a community & if you're building one or part of one you know it!

Whether it’s intentional self-sorting into like-minded or community-moderated groups, or the natural fragmentation that comes from a bunch of different people watching their own algorithmically curated video feeds, these apps all have a way of separating people based on who they want to talk to and what they want to be exposed to. Let the internet once more be an escape — a place where you can find your people and be happy.

Substack is a new type of network. We have been called a media company, a newsletter platform, and a social network, but none of those really fit.

Substack is a subscription network. We think subscription networks will play a major role in the internet’s next chapter. They represent a step forward from social networks.

While social networks are associated with advertising and attention, subscription networks are about direct payments and trust. While social networks facilitate shallow connections, subscription networks foster deep relationships. While social networks are about lock-in and platform ownership, subscription networks are about freedom to move and creator ownership. 

Exactly what we are building Pensil to empower & make it easier to start a community forum or membership site ( arming the rebels)

The last era of internet has been dominated by platforms owing people but next era will be about people owning platforms. Watch this space!