This document should answer some questions you have about me.
If I were to boil down who i am into one sentence, it’s that I am a semi-nomadic, US-based technologist, creator, and civic entrepreneur dedicated to building tools, systems, and movements that accelerate human and planetary flourishing (and ultimately help build toward a Golden Age for humanity).
I share my thoughts on how to get to that Golden Age faster in my Substack.
MY CURRENT WORK
I am an entrepreneurial, ex-Google software engineer with a BS in Computer Science from Duke University.
- Based in the United States, I’m passionate about creating innovative tools and systems that empower individuals and communities.
- My background spans the crypto, AI, and impact sectors, and I’m currently focused on app development with Next.js.
- I also leverage AI to rapidly prototype and ship impactful products from start to finish, including cross-platform apps and services.
- Recognized for my contributions to social entrepreneurship, I was honored with a Forbes 30 Under 30 award.
A few of the top questions I am exploring are:
- How do we build systems that provide reliable streams of funding for the “Public Greats” of the world (who do so much for the public good but are almost always chronically underfunded)?
- How do we accelerate and eliminate impediments to human flourishing?
- How can crypto/web3, AI, and other foundational tech be applied to build the future of living, starting with hyperlocal village experiments?
- How can we reverse humanity’s downward spiral?
Here’s my toolkit.
MY WRITING
Anyone who knows me knows that I love the "regen” meme, which I believe is one of the most powerful and unifying memes of the decade (and possibly beyond).
Another meme I'm bullish on is "foundational tech."
Re: foundational tech, I started a Substack called America 2.0 that is focused on how we accelerate more quickly toward a Golden Age for Humanity. Read the launch post "The Foundational Tech Manifesto" here.
In my Substack, I write a lot about popup villages, collective intelligence, planetary civics, and my lessons learned traveling around and coliving in different parts of the world with innovators.
EVENTS + OTHER MEDIA
I speak regularly at conferences (like SXSW, ETHDenver, Consensus) and on podcasts/documentaries about hyperlocalism, foundational tech, America's future, and all things regen 🎙.
I was featured in a PBS “Roadtrip Nation” documentary on Changemakers (published in March 2023).
Let me know if you'd like to invite me to a conference/podcast/X Space/etc (if I have to travel, I need the costs completely comped).
And in general, if you'd like to coordinate/collaborate/communicate with me, I'm mainly looking for collaborators related to building popup villages and other scenius gardens for innovators and artists.
LEARN MORE + CONNECT
- Check out my personal website: https://www.garysheng.com
- Shoot me a DM on X if you have any questions or opportunities to send my way.
Much love,
Gary