Technology has been a big part of my life from the very beginning. The first thing I remember really, really wanting was an iPod. Sure, I loved music, but what fascinated me even more was the device itself — a gadget that fit in my pocket, looked incredible, and could play all my favorite songs. The iPod, largely shaped by Tony Fadell who you saw on the cover of this page and who received far too little public credit for his work, showed me that technology, when done right, is neither boring nor dull, but magical.
now the shit's getting crazier and major
kids younger than me, they
got the sky brand pagers
THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G
THINGS DONE CHANGED
THINGS DONE CHANGED
That discovery sparked a lifelong fascination with technology. Starting with building my own gaming rigs to messing around with my first Kali Linux install (which went horribly wrong — I was back on Windows after a few days) - my curiosity for how stuff works has always been insatiable when it comes to digital technology. This curiosity led me to kickstart my career at 16 by becoming a software engineering apprentice. I wanted real-world experience, not just academic knowledge. Being hands-on rather than "all talk" is something my dad lives by, and it's a lesson I've carried with me all my career.
My curiosity has taken me on a diverse journey through the world of digital technology — I've worked as an SAP Consultant, Business & Data Analyst, Automated Software Tester, Software Engineer, Systems Engineer, and now, Managing Director of my own tech agency.
Throughout all these roles, one thing has remained a constant for me: technology is a tool. It can be powerful and magical, but at the end of the day, it’s just that — a tool. Like a saw, it can build a shelter or cut your arm off, all depending on your intent, creativity and skill. Digital technology is no different. I’ve seen people use chips and transistors to create the iPod, and I’ve seen others create drones designed for destruction. Technology can connect or divide us, inform or misinform, entertain or distress. It can enhance our way of living together, or destroy society and the ways through which it works completely. That’s why, as someone who works with technology and runs a company that leverages it to solve problems, I feel a deep sense of responsibility.
I think we have created tools that
are ripping apart the social fabric
of how society works
Chamath Palihapitiya
Ex-Facebook Executive
Ex-Facebook Executive
I created Jelly because I see immense potential in bringing technology to companies and projects that lack not necessarily the resources, but the knowledge to apply it in a way that is beneficial for them and their customers. At Watt2Trade, one of the clients of my company, we are actively working towards democratizing the access to the financial electricity markets — a huge mission that will become more and more important as our electricity grid becomes more dependent on unstable sources such as solar, and thus requires more and more people to participate and hedge against electricity prices on the financial markets. If that sounds interesting, you can read more about the Watt2Trade project and my company here.
The specific technology we use to achieve all of this isn’t what matters — it’s the outcome for users that counts. My goal is to use technology to create things and experiences that improve people’s lives or simply bring them joy. That’s ultimately what drives my work every day.
