1517 Founder retreat - Hawaii Style!

Current scheming (doing emails) about the future.


Fun in the sun!!!

parm🔬

                    @parmita

                  7 Mar 2025

                Hawaii with @1517fund et al 🚀❤


Waikiki!


- "How to Talk so Children Listen, and Listen So Children Talk."
- The readings of John Holt
- Positive Discipline theory
- Attachment theory
...to name a few.

Replying to @rnjai_lamba @1517fund @thielfellowship


Would also recommend:
- John Taylor Gatto
- Maria Montessori, particularly "The Absorbent Mind"
- There's a book about child development that I love called "Magical Child" -- got some woo stuff in there but really interesting frameworks to think about
- Read anything that is filled with reverence for children.

Replying to @DStrachman @rnjai_lamba @1517fund @thielfellowship


Trend "Be yourself, everyone else is already taken..."

𝑆ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑎 ·

                    @sharanyaxo

                  26 Feb 2025

                Trend Prediction: Natural beauty and uniqueness is back in 2025. Think: big noses, thin lips, natural teeth, no fillers, no tanning, arm hair, freckles, unstyled hair, etc.

As cosmetic tweaks get more accessible, they lose exclusivity, so “Instagram Face” is out.

Leading indicators:
🔹 Margaret Qualley’s styling in The Substance
🔹 Amiee Lou Wood’s teeth in White Lotus 3


We are having a whale of a good time on the 1517 Hawaii founder retreat!


We had a pod of whales that just liked hanging out with us for about an hour. We suspect that they liked our playlist and how much we would hoot and holler at them when they surfaced. Even the crew had never seen anything like this.


I am stupid allergic to people who don't answer questions in a straightforward manner.


And my response to these type of answer is to turn up the heat and ask more probing questions that people don't like answering.

Sure tell that things are going fully off the rails is if I ask how much founders are paying themselves and what the equity splits are in the first meeting.


But it cold have been twice as long!


The former here.


Wily young maker?

You need resources, we have answers!

See the tabs for grants, cohousing opportunities, and lab spaces for cracked weirdos.

Share with those you want to see build the future!

docs.google.com/spreadsheets…


Facts!

Gill Verdon

                    @GillVerd

                  11 Mar 2025

                Everyone in the Gundo gives firmer handshakes than SF


"This is what my first meeting was like with Harry at 1517" -  a founder updating us on their thinking


Keep going! Your customers are your accelerator, not programs!

Replying to @theadrianm_ @ycombinator @Meta @localhostHQ @Lvlupvc @1517fund


The best Thiel Fellows and 1517 founders haven't gone through YC or any other accelerator. Keep going!

Adrian Martinez

                    @theadrianm_

                  12 Mar 2025

                Rejected from @ycombinator - good time to reflect on those who believed in me.

Thank you @Meta, @localhostHQ, @Lvlupvc and @1517fund for pushing education forward 🤝


Your customers are your accelerator.


The only!


Grantees crushing it!

Xander Chin

                    @XanderChin

                  2 Mar 2025

                dictation


Team work is the dream work! We've got the resources and eye for wily makers and you've got the vision and execution ability (and style!) :)


For all of us who love to cook homemade meals...what is your guilty food pleasure?

Mine? Trader Joe's orange chicken. Pretty good macros if you only use one sauce packet and it tastes like protein + candy.


This is not bad advice though!

VCs Congratulating Themselves 👏👏👏

                    @VCBrags

                  12 Mar 2025

                “In my career, I’ve found first time entrepreneurs focus on product, while seasoned entrepreneurs focus just as much on distribution”

- Andrew, 22, new grad with 6 months experience at McKinsey


This is what happens when you give young people resources.

From 1517 grantee in high school, to an angel check investment to get started, to this...

Shaun Maguire

                    @shaunmmaguire

                  12 Mar 2025

                Mach Industries is cooking 🇺🇸

@Mach_Industries


Gotta flip the scrip on young people having to win "awards" (aka following systems and getting the A) to giving young people resources to be blown away by what's possible through their own vision and will.


Greatness isn't tested in calm. Keep going (and proud of you for feeling those feelings -- it's part of the greatness test)


Thank you! The glory goes to Ethan and there is a long road ahead but we are proud, excited, and inspired in the now!


Keep pointing them at resources: docs.google.com/spreadsheets…

Additionally, it would be really fun if libraries became talent and taste curators and offered resources to young people in their communities.


Puuuurfect!


I think you need a plan to finance this and you're on your way!


When you ask people for money do the background research on them.

The number of times I've had people looking for venture or donation dollars and it's clear that they haven't done any homework seems awkward at best and rude otherwise.


quality > quantity


I am SO fking skipping!

Marc Andreessen 🇺🇸

                    @pmarca

                  16 Mar 2025

                I ain't fking skipping.


We got this!


Please please please can we make skipping the default mode of transit around the Bay Area?

Danielle Strachman 💗 🐈 💃 🪴 🎸 🎨 🐕

                    @DStrachman

                  17 Mar 2025

                I am SO fking skipping!


Let's go @luminartech!!

Luminar

                    @luminartech

                  15 Mar 2025

                Former NASA/Apple Engineer and current YouTuber @MarkRober puts Luminar’s LiDAR technology through some extreme tests--check out how our LiDAR tech performed for yourself : youtu.be/IQJL3htsDyQ?si=83mV…


Kevin → Plant Daddy

                    @KevinEspiritu

                  17 Mar 2025

                When someone tells me they planted mint directly in the ground


Damn that was a good shake!


4.2 from San Ramon


John, just embrace being that guy. Everyone's life will be better for it.


9:17 brother...excellent timing...fiiiiiiine

Bryan Johnson

                    @bryan_johnson

                  18 Mar 2025

                I see what you're up to
stop scrolling
put the food away
get off the couch
go to bed


Intuition -> Build -> Test -> Repeat

The higher quality (and often faster) this cycle, the better your intuition becomes. It's that sense of that you can "almost taste it", developing in real time.


Would be more bullish on YC for founders is this were true!

will depue

                    @willdepue

                  18 Mar 2025

                10 things I learned in YC W25:
1. Never let no one know how much dough you hold
2. Never let 'em know your next move
3. Never trust nobody
4. Never get high on your own supply
5. Never sell no crack where you rest at
6. That goddamn credit? Dead it
7. Keep your family and business completely separated (Money and blood don't mix like two dicks and no bitch)
8. Never keep no weight on you
9. If you ain't gettin' bagged, stay the fuck from police
10. If you ain't got the clientele, say "Hell no"


I won't mind if friends start buying either the Volvo EX90 or the ES90 (both fully electric) with Luminar's LiDAR to protest Elon.


Better if the mini test leads to the next insight and repeat on lightning speed!


Lots out there about morning rituals but what is your evening ritual?


My evening ritual mostly consists of making sure the morning goes smoothly by:

- making sure water and hot water boiler are full
- dog's food is prepped
- outfit is picked out
- kitchen is cleaned/dishes put away
- tea is prepped
- shower before bed


I would like to add the following:

- regularly reading a paper book in bed
- early evening would like to focus on music or art creation
- stretching/yoga/lymphatic routine


As is good taste!


Homeschoolers defined what we do, who we serve, and the how in the early years of the Thiel Fellowship and now with 1517:

“I remember the first time I went to a homeschooler’s house; it was a totally different experience. The children were so excited for me to get there. They would ask if I could stay for multiple hours, if I could do math and science and reading. They were just oozing with enthusiasm.”

youtube.com/watch?v=hqlCxNz9…


Love the journaling and calling a friend, that's lovely!


You are the cutest lol

Replying to @evanliin @evannlinn @XanderChin @socraticainfo


Homeschooling is like anything, ymmv. But I'm sorry you did not have a good experience of it, there are many different flavors and philosophies.


"The Statue of Liberty was a tribute to this optimism for a bright future. And today, this optimism, this New Scientific Revolution, doesn’t take place in Europe; it takes place in the USA."

Atelier Missor

                    @AtelierMissor_

                  18 Mar 2025

                French politician wants to take back the Statue of Liberty.

First of all, this man does not speak on behalf of the French people; he is the perfect prototype of the tax-loving socialist who has destroyed our great civilization for the past 50 years.

The French people paid for this statue, it was a gift between two great nations. It is a shame that a politician can so easily brag about a great statue that bears the weight of the centuries.

For 50 years, they’ve done everything they could to destroy every glimpse of hope we had as a civilization.

We should know it as the last sculpture foundry in France, which has been under attack for a year to have our statue of Joan of Arc taken down.

Throughout human history, from time to time, great thinkers have shared with their fellow men this linear view of time, the vision of a bright future. These great men were persecuted by priests, who imposed the cyclical view of time on the people. It was the genius of the West, with Rome, and later with the Enlightenment, that the linear view of time spread throughout the world.

The Statue of Liberty was a tribute to this optimism for a bright future. And today, this optimism, this New Scientific Revolution, doesn’t take place in Europe; it takes place in the USA.

So, please, keep the Statue of Liberty. And expect something new from us, the French people.

Today we make a promise: we will build a gigantic statue, a tribute to the linear view of time, a New Statue of Liberty. We will build it with titanium so that it will endure millions of years and remind humanity of the future, to keep pushing forward.

PS: To the Speaker of the White House, talking trash about the French politician is normal, but to the French people? If it weren’t for us, you would still be chanting “God save the Queen”!!


First time I saw someone on a cell phone in public was pacing outside of a hospital. Couldn't tell if they were agitated and nuts or just...talking to mom.

Ryan B. Anderson

                    @OldHollowTree

                  19 Mar 2025

                I dislike that people use wireless earphones. I can never tell if someone in public is having a conversation on their phone or if they’re having a mental breakdown because, let’s be honest, these days it’s kind of 50/50.


This is the marriage of an idea, ambition, execution, and capital.

Ethan Thornton

                    @ethanrthornton

                  19 Mar 2025

                Together, we can build more.
Introducing Forge.


VCs gotta do more than be the divorced dad archetype showing up for a holiday, tickets to a game, and popcorn at the movies -- but not really present otherwise.


Yeah the OGs weren't in it for twitter.


Bingo!


I have always been bewildered about how competitive governance doesn't create a better Bay Area with Oakland and SF being right next door to each other.

Anthony@sombreroagent
                  19 Mar 2025

                Replying to @iamjocur
                Oakland should building housing like crazy. The would be the best way to clean it up and compete with San Francisco for investment.


Trader Joe's orange chicken (but only one sauce packet because I have more couth and restraint)


Wholesome vibes!

Kai Goodall@mcmgoodall
                  20 Mar 2025

                Thanks Socratica, it was a blast

🫶


You need a manifesto

Ryan B. Anderson

                    @OldHollowTree

                  20 Mar 2025

                One cannot write in a well-lit room.


Listened to Dolly Parton's America podcast early in the pandemic and vowed to set up a Dolly shrine the next time we set up an office -- probably happening later this year -- will have a little alter to leave blessings for the queen of America and those inspired by her journey.

Dolly Parton

                    @DollyParton

                  19 Mar 2025

                In my Coat of Many Colors I felt confident and free 🦋


Be the cool dad!

1517 Fund

                    @1517fund

                  20 Mar 2025

                👇

Yes, everyone knows that VCs should be best dad i.e. Polar Dad.

Does your dad (VC) even Antarctica bro?


Very different image indeed!

And yes, the podcast is amazing!


Adorable!!! Send me your address and we will send you 1517 baby swag!


1517 Act IV: Threshold for Greatness

drive.google.com/file/d/1d0e…

Alex Mathew

                    @alxmthew

                  20 Mar 2025

                Replying to @DStrachman
                Drop the manifesto!!!


well said!


Glad you enjoyed! Cutting the leash on eager beavers didn't sound as grand :D


We had not written this until later October or November :) but always simmering!

Replying to @philosofounder_ @William_Blake


Advice for dudes headed to Argentina for business...learn some argentine tango while there. It's the ass kicker of all partner dancing and will help to attract that future wife.


ratio of hot people liking this post is high


This is written for you!


Elliot Roth || SF

                    @ThatMrE

                  20 Mar 2025

                Still one of the best decisions of my life was working with @1517fund on my company. 11/10 wonderful group of people


That means a lot coming from you Elliot. Thank you!


In heels...she's walking the edge in heels.

1517 Fund

                    @1517fund

                  20 Mar 2025

                What edge are you walking to today?

                        ALT  alt-text via GPT — "A person in a dress and heels is sitting on a steel beam of a high-rise building. The background shows a foggy NYC with blurred skyscrapers."


We can do it together!

parm🔬

                    @parmita

                  21 Mar 2025

                This @1517fund manifesto is making me cry.

I’ve been crying for 5 minutes and idk what to do except absorb the words.

We can do it. We can all do it.

You will see. We will make it happen.

We will raise and we will rise. We will dig deeper. We will push harder.


Love that!


Pretty please?

Voluntaryist Minister

                    @GodIsVoluntary

                  20 Mar 2025

                Replying to @AutismCapital
                If he can end the Department of Education he can end the IRS.


And maybe something we can all agree on?


While I agree, I also do not envy the lead's position!


Goddesses among us!


Big hugs Eric! You support so many, hope you're getting the support you need!


It seems that about 30% of a founder's overall mindshare goes to managing their boards at Series A and above. Seems like a giant waste of energy that could be put to far better uses.

So, why is it not more common for founders to offer a better price at Series A and only offer board observer seats? Is it just tradition? Norms? Not enough cajones to try something different? I used to think that boards made sense at Series A -- and I've been turning a 180.

It seems that investors have enough power and sway both financially and reputationally to keep things in check if needed...so why board seats when a business isn't even really a company yet?


neurohackers.com/


This is just what shrooms tell people to draw

Jay Anderson

                    @TheProjectUnity

                  21 Mar 2025

                Don't think about it.


I think the problem is that many a sane board member isn't sane. It is really hard for people to see, let alone admit, when their perspective a) doesn't matter and b) could be hurting the potential growth/outcomes.


Boards are mimetic bullshit x 1000

Danielle Strachman 💗 🐈 💃 🪴 🎸 🎨 🐕

                    @DStrachman

                  22 Mar 2025

                It seems that about 30% of a founder's overall mindshare goes to managing their boards at Series A and above. Seems like a giant waste of energy that could be put to far better uses.

So, why is it not more common for founders to offer a better price at Series A and only offer board observer seats? Is it just tradition? Norms? Not enough cajones to try something different? I used to think that boards made sense at Series A -- and I've been turning a 180.

It seems that investors have enough power and sway both financially and reputationally to keep things in check if needed...so why board seats when a business isn't even really a company yet?


Series Never


Envy on blast!

evan

                    @evanliin

                  21 Mar 2025

                post-symposium afterparty jamming 🎶


Wait til they see  the original section of the Boston Public Library!


You could make a great Helly R for Halloween -- just saying.


The whole look, red hair, bangs, eyes/lips.


You could wear a speaker with a push button that plays the piano keys theme.


Mine too and I adore the old section.


Front porches and garages are the backbone of American innovation.

▼ Kiel James Patrick

                    @KJP

                  22 Mar 2025

                "I believe all that is wrong with the World can be attributed to the shortage of front porches and the talks we had on them.
Somewhere around 1950, builders left off the front porch to save money, and we've had nothing but problems ever since."
- Philip Gulley (author) from Porch Talk.


Watch out 2E campers! Next camp, y'all will be ordering the take out!

Circe

                    @vocalcry

                  22 Mar 2025

                My parents make my teen sister order food by actually calling the restaurant and this has unironically put her in the top quartile for social skills among zoomers


No one else tells you that they hide behind "the partners" label.

Isaiah Granet

                    @zaygranet

                  22 Mar 2025

                One thing nobody really tells you:

YC partners can and will invest personally in your competitors


Recreate the last 5 minutes of Severance.

non aesthetic things

                    @PicturesFoIder

                  22 Mar 2025

                what should someone do with this space?


We can't wait any longer for Oakland to be safe to do this again.

A Time to Keep

                    @no_grave_

                  22 Mar 2025

                You need to be going on evening walks


Oakland's got problems, but beauty isn't one of them.

Elai@elaifresh
                  23 Mar 2025

                Replying to @realjdc_
                Oakland is beautiful


Ryan McEntush

                    @rmcentush

                  24 Mar 2025

                san francisco is beautiful this time of year


Just wait for what happens when you do this with seltzer water!

derek guy

                    @dieworkwear

                  22 Mar 2025

                just dunked my head into this and now i own a home in a walkable neighborhood


guys, you're doing it wrong, you need to be washing with La Croix


I will never forget when I wanted to buy a painted marble (it was white with speckles with a red rose on it) at a flea market and my dad told me I needed to haggle for it on my own.

It was $10 and I asked if I could buy it for $8. The woman said yes and I remembered my eyes getting wide and thinking "wow, that worked!" And I still have the marble.

TheHouseoftheMuse

                    @HouseoftheMuse_

                  23 Mar 2025

                This made me smile ❤


Can't wait to meet them!

Zelda

                    @zeldapoem

                  25 Mar 2025

                12 young proteges, 3 months, and 1 house in San Francisco:

Introducing the first cohort of Nautilus

(...and applications for the 2nd cohort are now open!)


Lots of amazing people coming up through the ranks! One of my current favs:

Tara Harandi-Zadeh

                    @tarahz9

                  25 Mar 2025

                "new era of prosperity and abundance the likes of which had never been seen bc it was a bunch of punks, bunch of dropouts, bunch of kids that were posting on Twitter excitedly and happily... we should build things again.. we should break rules in service of building things." @ADoricko


Same!


Spring!


1517 Ice Cream Social on Sunday!

Zelda

                    @zeldapoem

                  24 Mar 2025

                Organizing a @1517fund ice cream social in San Francisco this Sunday.

Sign up below!


They are welcome!!! I think many younger people don't have dogs yet (and for good reason).


Today might be my favorite day on Twitter.

Sterling Crispin 🕊

                    @sterlingcrispin

                  26 Mar 2025

                Everyone's generating Ghibli's when you could be converting Ghibli films into the style of depression era photographer Dorothea Lange.


Would love to join!


1517 -- putting the cult in culture!

Augustus Doricko

                    @ADoricko

                  28 Mar 2025

                You gotta work so hard that haters accuse you of being a deep state psyop


We have a founder (doing great work) who can't tell his parents that we have put a second check into his company (which is basically his own R&D efforts) because they are convinced that we are a cult. Purdy amazing!


The truth is out there!!

John Potter spirit/acc

                    @potterlab

                  28 Mar 2025

                Replying to @DStrachman
                I’m putting it all together now


Mr. Positive right here!

Replying to @sayittothecurls @CooperZurad


Would recommend CS Lewis Space Trilogy -- just finished the first book and enjoyed it!


Jessica Livingston

                    @jesslivingston

                  27 Mar 2025

                When your own kids are basically teenagers and you get to hold someone's 2-day-old bag of sugar. ❤


Bought my mom a house when @luminartech had their IPO in 2020.

Nothing feels as good as housing security for her. I'm forever grateful to have been able to do that.

Sam Parr

                    @thesamparr

                  28 Mar 2025

                Vinay wired $1.7M to his parents just before selling Loom.

said it’s the coolest thing money has ever bought him.


Absolutely!


Once my house renovation is finished, will have you over for dinner lots (we have allllll the animals, you'll love it) <3


How it feels when Snoopy adds you back <3


To send a singing telegram or not to send a singing telegram, that is the question.


This might be the best $275 I've ever spent.


We lost one for the nerds 🙄😓

1517 Fund

                    @1517fund

                  2 Apr 2025

                Rest in peace, O'Philosopher King.


You can just do things!

non aesthetic things

                    @PicturesFoIder

                  2 Apr 2025

                Big man on campus.


We gotta have a bigger fund to write a $100M check :D but always happy to talk.

Replying to @Seraph_Notitia @mattparlmer @William_Blake @1517fund


I love getting these types of updates from friends, colleagues, and mentees!

robyn

                    @_robyn_smith

                  2 Apr 2025

                Decided to start sending a quarterly update to 103 past coworkers, bosses, family and friends

I’ve received 20+ positive responses including people I haven’t heard from in years

Everyone should write one, expand your surface area for luck


"A is A bitches" does not an essay make.

Garry Tan

                    @garrytan

                  2 Apr 2025

                Ok can I confess an embarrassing story?

I got into Stanford but actually got rejected/waitlisted most everywhere else because I rewrote my essays after reading Ayn Rand’s the Fountainhead 👀

Hubris in essays for elite schools does actually hurt you massively. Beware!


"Writing a banger tweet about how you're going to do the thing isn't doing the thing" - Loopy


Let's go Oakland, time for change!

Loren Taylor@lorenmtaylor
                  3 Apr 2025

                1 injured in shooting following attempted robbery in Oakland's Montclair neighborhood, police say abc7news.com/post/1-injured-…

22 lives lost to gun violence in Oakland this year and even more shootings, assaults, and other violent crimes. This is NOT OK. This is NOT NORMAL.

We must act with urgency. While my opponent in the mayor’s race only commits to the bare minimum (Measure NN) - I will take bold and more aggressive action to turn things around so we stop losing residents, businesses, revenues.


Real time footage of Parm! @parmita

Daily Snoopy

                    @DailySnoopys

                  3 Apr 2025


For policy in Oakland (oh man this is past my pay grade) I would go with the following:

- A full audit of city spending because clearly something is very wrong since we aren't getting the basics right.
- Prioritize filling in the roads and potholes
- Trash management, clean up, and street sweeping
- I'd like to see more police and enforcement of the rule of law
- I would LOVE to see some real competitive governance in the Bay Area. Oakland could and should compete with San Francisco for the best place to start startups and businesses.
- Let's build! We could have an incredible skyline with more mixed use commerce and residence. We could be an incredibly family friendly city if we had more housing and got tough on crime. SF is not built for children or families and on this alone, Oakland could compete for residents who want to start or grow their family.
- Let's plant more trees! We have some lush neighborhoods but we are OAKland -- let's get back to our roots.

Oakland has vastly more beauty than SF proper, let's make our governance beautiful too.


If your place doesn't spark grandma vibes, I don't want to stay long.

Casey B. Head

                    @CaseyBHead

                  3 Apr 2025

                You need to be antiquing. Not in a twee yuppy way. But you need to seek out things that are made to last. Which you know to be useful of believe to be beautiful. Giving them second lives and places of honor in your home.


1517 ice cream social at 2pm on Sunday in SF...this is the after party!

Aidan Guo

                    @aidangch

                  4 Apr 2025

                fight at uniqlo sf this sunday 5 pm.

partiful in comments


We gotta make it to bed by 9:30 man.


Should add this to the litmus test for backing folks at 1517 -- y'all best be cutting these!

Ryan B. Anderson

                    @OldHollowTree

                  2 Apr 2025

                Whoever was in charge of making five-year old me think that ducks would get caught in these unless I cut them up deserves a medal for marketing.


Spice Kit closed :( But we still lunch.


Such a deal!

Augustus Doricko

                    @ADoricko

                  4 Apr 2025

                henlo fren, you seem weary. Consider?


How on earth do we have the same hobby? (ya know, being with each other! So good to see you!)


"From what I’ve seen from you, you’ve had your hands in the dirt enough to develop some taste around this."

Thinking but didn't say: Bro, I've been doing this for 15 years minimum. Been tilling the soil so others can put their hands in the dirt and unearthed some of the greats.

--

Obviously some context lacking, but I'm never quite sure if a phrase like this is meant with good intent (and is just naive) or if it's yet another hurdle as a woman who is really great at talent spotting and development...maybe I should change my name to Sam or Tyler. Sigh.


Always!


Fun conversation opener from the ice cream social. What is story that you wouldn't want in a book about you but that you're willing to tell the group?


When I was doing neurofeedback sessions to help with anxiety and focus we called this state "calm alert."


Flux starts by investing $100K in wily scientists to test their crazy ideas -- if all goes well, we come in for another $1M+ within the year! Applications open April 23!

Michael P Gibson

                    @William_Blake

                  7 Apr 2025

                On April 23, we're opening applications for our $100k investment for garage science startups. More info in the link below.


Everyone is doing the best that they can, with the information that they have at the time.

Joseph Fasano

                    @Joseph_Fasano_

                  7 Apr 2025

                What quote or poem has helped you through hard times? Maybe we can make a little collection here that people can scroll through to find what they need. 🤍


If it’s yours, it is!


Here for it!


Love knows no bounds (especially when honey is involved!)

Ryan B. Anderson

                    @OldHollowTree

                  8 Apr 2025

                I can’t believe I get to talk with world class entrepreneurs, globe trotting adventurers, scientists, religious leaders, and other amazing people on here.

I’m just a man on a dirt road who loves his family and home very much.

Thank you for letting me be part of all this.


Oh fuck no!


Amen!!! Let’s go!!!


It shall be so!

Replying to @ryan_huang_1 @OldHollowTree


Makers starting early!


💯 in!


Scientific revolutions start in the garage.

We offer wily scientists (degree or not, from an institution or not) $100K investment to take R&D to the next level with the goal of offering $1M investment in the next year.

Flux application goes live April 23!

1517 Fund

                    @1517fund

                  8 Apr 2025

                Are you more like the scientists of yore than "programmers" of today?

We'll give you $100k to make research awesome again.

                        ALT  A satirical comparison of scientists then and programmers now.


braeden hall

                    @braedenhall_

                  8 Apr 2025

                shout out to @1517fund for believing in me

hover drone coming soon :)


Excited to announce that we will be hosting our Fellowship Summit for fellowship leaders and talent curators in San Francisco on June 12th!

When I was leading the Thiel Fellowship, I always wanted a group of peers to collaborate with. And we love bringing fellowship ecosystems together!

Inviting coming soon!

1517.substack.com/p/the-rena…


We had our ice cream social across the way and I adored seeing the chalkboard out there!

levy

                    @1929stockcrash

                  8 Apr 2025

                saw a chalkboard at the park so naturally, I walked up to ask what’s up

turns out it’s a math club where they just hang out + solve math problems and vibe. they were really nice (and even gave me a la croix and sunscreen!)

i love sf nerds ☀🫶


attention is one hell of a drug

Isabel🌻

                    @isabelunraveled

                  8 Apr 2025

                you can experience complete ecstasy in nature by simply paying attention


Making the pilgrimage to Stanford tomorrow (Thursday, April 10). Hanging out with wily makers from noon - 2pm. Would love to meet up! DM or comment :D


"Hello to you" is my new favorite spam email greeting.


YES


I just use gmail. This is how I used to process email. I don't quite use the daily folders anymore but my current system is somewhat similar to this. I get to zero inbox about once/month right now.

medium.com/@DStrachman/the-w…


Weird
Intuitive
Laborious
Youth

or maybe it's

Wonderous
Idealistic
Longing
Yahoos


I have no interest in your status seeking junkies.

Bring me your wondrous, idealistic, longing, yahoos.

Danielle Strachman 💗 🐈 💃 🪴 🎸 🎨 🐕

                    @DStrachman

                  9 Apr 2025

                Replying to @tigran3rd
                Weird
Intuitive
Laborious
Youth

or maybe it's

Wonderous
Idealistic
Longing
Yahoos


The wily wholesome ones are the best! It's a neat combo!


A yahoo is a nutty person, sometimes savage.

There is no entrance exam lol, so yes!


Won't have time tomorrow but would love to swing by another time!


Exactly!


Back when words had meaning!


Beastmode!

Kwat Medetgul-Ernar

                    @KwatME

                  10 Apr 2025

                No matter your physical condition, there is always something you can do 💡

Wednesday ✅

2% better than yesterday 📈


Sounds like Flux to the rescue!

1517.substack.com/p/1517-gar…


TO THE MOOOOOOOOOON!!!!!!!

Zeno Power

                    @zeno_power

                  10 Apr 2025

                We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with @ispace_us_inc to bring nuclear power to the Moon.

We're jointly developing tech that will enable ispace landers to survive the lunar night – & we’re targeting a demonstration mission as early as 2027 to validate this capability.🚀


Grants are for building!

Replying to @henrymarkarian @aphysicist @1517fund


Part of me loves this and the other part of me wishes they were looking more for the wily ones who don't check the "good kid" high school boxes.

Palantir

                    @PalantirTech

                  11 Apr 2025

                Skip the debt.
Skip the indoctrination.
Get the Palantir Degree.


Really fun conversation with Ben!

Ben Averbook

                    @benaverbook

                  11 Apr 2025

                Is the "Dropout Economy" the future of innovation?

Here is my conversation with @DStrachman.

Danielle along with @William_Blake, has been funding dropouts, the renegades, the mad scientists for over a decade via the Thiel Fellowship (@thielfellowship) & 1517 Fund (@1517fund).

Links below. Enjoy!

Timestamps:

00:00:50 - Intro

00:15:34 - Alternative Ed Roots

00:07:05 - Homeschooling Philosophy/1517

00:11:53 - Advice for Feeling Stuck/Labels

00:17:40 - Case Against College

00:26:17 - AI & Learning

00:29:55 - Founder "Fire in the Belly"

00:33:50 - Train Story/Passion

00:42:05 - Finding Your "North Star"

00:47:23 - 1517/Renegade Science

00:49:35 - Long-Term Commitment


Yeah it's great to see hiring institutions jumping in here. If you don't make college a requirement for getting a job it has a whole effect on K - 12. What I would like to see are companies coming up with their own assessments rather than leaning on grades/schools as a proxy.


Preach!


Class nightmares are weird. I'm taking a drawing workshop next week and dreamt that I showed up without any of the materials for class and was freaking out about being a Bad Student.

On the plus side, the class morphed into how to do classical realism with oil pastels (sounds fun but we are using charcoal which kinda terrifies me).


While I'm voting for you -- what I wanted to see here was proactivity about how we're going to uphold the rule of law and increase a well trained and active police presence. We need both long term solutions and short term proactivity to show that we aren't a city to be messed with. Children need to see officers and government officials taking care of their neighborhoods and not letting criminals (with or without guns) run amok and increase fear in our city. Oakland should be competing in the Bay to be the greatest place to have a family -- it's a huge leg up we could have on San Francisco and safety is a huge part of that.


Thank you Jim! We love working together with our misfit rebel rousers like the team at OSV!

Replying to @jposhaughnessy @William_Blake


Damn, skills! Negotiate early, negotiate often!

Eric Nelson

                    @literaryeric

                  11 Apr 2025

                My daughter got a 50% scholarship to a private national university and she wrote to them saying, “You’re my top choice and I’ll enroll immediately if you give me $20k more.” And they did. Who knew?!


@jposhaughnessy @William_Blake


Fam, I'm in trouble. If I meet this little furball I think I we will have a new money kitty for Fund IV.


I need a fourth cat like I need a whole in my head but I might need THIS cat. The markings look like what's called a smoke point and I just can't even.


We gotta do a 1517 picnic!

A Time to Keep

                    @no_grave_

                  11 Apr 2025

                You need to be picnicking


Chalkboards welcome in abundance!


Oh wild, didn’t know this.

Replying to @hannahmaruyama @OfficialBBrooks


Kitty time!


Happy Pesach!

Nicole Lampert

                    @nicolelampert

                  12 Apr 2025

                Tonight is the first night of Passover.
Most religions use foods in a symbolic way and the Passover meal - the Seder - is a meal like no other with foods which are only eaten once a year.
The Last Supper is believed to have been a Passover meal (which is why Easter follows Passover/ Pesach and why it’s of interest to Christians even if Jesus had a different sort of Passover meal).

I’ve done a little thread for those who are interested 👇🏼🧵


We can't do it without you!

Replying to @parmita @1517fund @William_Blake @jposhaughnessy @precigenetics


Great idea! (We have an SF lunch on Mondays for this :D)


Love them!

Replying to @StretchGoat_ @arabelladevine


The Fourth Way

                    @The4thWayYT

                  12 Apr 2025


Crazy pitch!

alexandriabrown@alexthechick
                  11 Apr 2025

                This is so cool.

Sound on.


Start today!

🍂

                    @Lovandfear

                  11 Apr 2025


lol


Where are my wily makers near UMass Amherst? Will be nearby this week and thinking about putting together a dinner!


The Pink Tax is coming for creatine. Get your 5mg in per day, just don’t pay extra for it.

Brady Holmer

                    @Brady_H

                  13 Apr 2025

                The “make creatine packaging pretty and market to women” era has begun.


Very happy to have a Mexican ceramic butter dish — very happy kitchen upgrade!

𝗥𝗢𝗖𝗞𝗬

                    @TheWarKitchen

                  14 Apr 2025

                Normalize butter dishes that are works of art themselves


Gn

Nature is Amazing ☘

                    @AMAZlNGNATURE

                  12 Apr 2025

                📍Grindelwald, Switzerland


When you’re visiting mom and are reminded that 1517 runs in the family 💗


"We back PhDs who can win a bar fight."

Brilliant!

Eric Slesinger

                    @ericsles

                  14 Apr 2025

                Today I’m proud to introduce 201 Ventures (@201vc_) — a new firm advancing freedom and autonomy in Europe.

We back PhDs who can win a bar fight.


This reminds me that we back the wily ones...

Danielle Strachman 💗 🐈 💃 🪴 🎸 🎨 🐕

                    @DStrachman

                  14 Apr 2025

                "We back PhDs who can win a bar fight."

Brilliant!


Hosting the first ever 1517 picnic in Boston/Cambridge on Monday, April 21st. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather. For the invite, DM me or comment :D

🌼🌷🌺🪷🪻


I mean, I like a little murder mystery with my picnics, you?


Word to the wise, if you're pitching your company for anything over an angel check and you're in an official pitch meeting -- bring your cofounders.

It is not efficient to lack the team dynamic when much of the decision is based on the energy and ethos of the team.


Sounds like adderall to me!

Replying to @Seraph_Notitia @nypost @William_Blake


Sounds good to me 😍💸

pryce@pryceandstuff
                  14 Apr 2025

                VC fame must be the worst kind teens walk up to you like

 “I’m such a big fan you inspire me but can I have some money now”


pryce@pryceandstuff
                  15 Apr 2025

                Replying to @DStrachman
                If giving teens money was a sport you’d be Lebron James


Last call!!!

Lissie Garvin@GarvinLissie
                  15 Apr 2025

                The final hours of the @776foundation Fellowship submissions are here. It's incredible to see so many inspiring applications roll in down to the last few hours. Let’s gooo.


She’s giving 92 a run for its money!


“deck pics?”

Definitely the worst email title ever to send to a woman VC.


“Oakland deserves a major who will stand up for their city, and here I am doing stand up!”

Let’s go Loren! Today is the day we change Oakland!

Loren Taylor@lorenmtaylor
                  15 Apr 2025

                Last night’s comedy show brought the dad jokes out in full force, and you already know I came prepared. Big laughs, big love for this city. If this doesn’t convince you to come out and vote.. what will?!

#DadJokesForOakland #LorenForOakland #OaklandMayoralRace


lol good one


Cottagecore maxxing!

John Potter spirit/acc

                    @potterlab

                  15 Apr 2025


I love peanut butter colored kitties, so good! Almost makes the bad email worth it!


I really really didn't want to open it.


The file size was incredibly small...I like them much thicker.


No attachment!


It’s funny but we aren’t friends yet.


Agreed! And the content of the email was very lacking.


To archive the message


Peter is all about those big decks


I just prefer working with classy people and those with good timing. So yes, right call all around.


Boys will be boys is for kids.


Leadership matters! Go vote in Oakland today!

Michelle Tandler

                    @michelletandler

                  15 Apr 2025

                Crime is down 46% in San Francisco compared to 2020.

In 2020, we had a Progressive DA and Board.

Now we have Moderate leaders. The results are astonishing.


Hosting our first 1517 picnic on Monday in Boston!

Titania

                    @TitaniasRealm

                  15 Apr 2025

                Life is better with a picnic


I’ll send future deck pics to you 😘


Medieval cock vibes to go along with those deck pics!

Titania

                    @TitaniasRealm

                  14 Apr 2025

                Which medieval rooster/hen are you today?


“Be bold and the mighty forces will come to your aid" - Goethe

Jim O'Shaughnessy

                    @jposhaughnessy

                  15 Apr 2025

                "Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it."
~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe


I wish! Would love to see those deck pics!

Replying to @jamesonhaslam @investing_law


This is because you have couth and tact!


Your deck will be too big then! But congrats on the growth 🚀

Replying to @BenyaminHolley @Kevin2Chambers


It could have worked way better if it was a deck company or had any real content other than a dick joke title.


Ready to chill out and quit the grind for 36 hours?

It's time to unplug with 1517. We're going to invite 200 of our community members (founders, grantees, and friends) to come camping with us in September outside of San Francisco.

Relax, do some archery, arts & crafts, field games...let's goooooo (play)!!! More soon!!!


I can't wait!!! We love having unstructured time with people -- nothing else like it.


Poor kitty doesn't like being judged

Posts Of Cats

                    @PostsOfCats

                  15 Apr 2025

                There goes first place: cat swipes at judge during cat show


You gotta come! We haven’t put out the vote yet but keep your eyes open :D


Yes please!!! We also have our teen camp in October :D


It’s gonna be healthy AF (don’t come sick to camp!!) ☠🥦


[media-only post: gif]

Vinay Hiremath

                    @vhmth

                  16 Apr 2025

                I recently joined a hardware startup as a mechanical engineering intern, broadly working on "physical AI." Happy to share more privately, but we are looking for software engineers and a mechE lead.


One of the YMCA spots — cabin camping! I’m not ready to bring 200 people into the woods lol.


Stop to smell the roses!

Augie

                    @augierakow

                  16 Apr 2025

                Looks like the 🌹 emoji


An friend’s sister says this well

“Normal is normal for a reason”


gn

Buitengebieden

                    @buitengebieden

                  16 Apr 2025

                Pure happiness.. 😊


Garages are a godsend to American innovation

Augie

                    @augierakow

                  17 Apr 2025

                Today I realized …

I’ve been walking within 1 residential block of Google’s first office in Susan Wojcicki’s garage (per chatgpt) a couple times a week for the last 10+ years.

I’d always imagined that house and garage closer to Palo Alto / Stanford campus.

Modestly beautiful single-story residential neighborhood off El Camino.


Incredibly true!


Onward and upward!


If I have a belief system, it’s basically this.

michelle

                    @michelleakin

                  18 Apr 2025

                ok i'm back! here is something i wrote while i was on break, link next:


Bunny day is rising!

vivaneil

                    @vivaneil1234

                  17 Apr 2025


Loren Taylor@lorenmtaylor
                  19 Apr 2025

                My statement released 9AM earlier this morning:


You know times are changing when you get a Happy Easter note from startups 🐰 🌱 👑


Hoppy Easter!

Titania

                    @TitaniasRealm

                  20 Apr 2025

                It's always tea time

🎨Natacha Chohra


That ain’t coffee

Dan Go

                    @CoachDanGo

                  20 Apr 2025

                People will drink 500-1000 calories in a single coffee in the morning then wonder why they're not losing weight.


You can just draw things


[media-only post: photo]


gn

Daily Snoopy

                    @DailySnoopys

                  20 Apr 2025


The grandpa Snoop era is a favorite 🐣

Snoop Dogg

                    @SnoopDogg

                  20 Apr 2025

                Good morning 🤣🤣👏🏿 🙏🏿  ☀


Love this mashup!

𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘆🫧💚

                    @beyoncegarden

                  19 Apr 2025

                OH SHE ATE THAT SO BAD LMAOOO😭😭😭


One thing that is very interesting about drawing is that it’s about seeing clearly — drawing what is there, not an abstraction or what you want or think is there. So maybe there are some parallels. Seeing clearly and practicing that seems like a good practice for lots of areas.


The first 1517 picnic was a blast! A friend brought raw milk (milked that morning!), people talked about subjects far and wide, aura portraits were beautifully crafted. We ate, drank, and were merry! Even touched some grass.


Thank you!


Integrity is a simple (but not easy) filter

Ruben Harris

                    @rubenharris

                  21 Apr 2025

                It's shocking how simple things related to communication, following up, and doing what you said you would do are lacking even at the elite levels. On the other hand, it's awesome how easy it is to be elite if you are good at those things.


What I've learned about venture over ten years in one tweet


In my more pessimistic moments I think the market is 99% of everything and individual agency is 1%...but you gotta work so so so hard for that whole 1%.


Wily scientists, I see you shiver with antic-i-pation.

Flux applications open on Wednesday!

New fav prompt:

Tell us about something that inspires wonder and awe in you.


Flux applications open for wily scientists on April 23!

We start with a $100K investment in your research (through a C corp) and follow on with $1M+ if you’re taking us Back to the Future in short order!

1517.substack.com/p/1517-gar…


Rad!

Replying to @OpemipoOduntan @localhostHQ @bagelfund @1517fund


Shots fired and SO on target. It burrrrrnnnns.

Daniel

                    @growing_daniel

                  21 Apr 2025

                The problem is you were dating when you should have been discerning


This is both an important lesson and distinction!


"I collect exes like Saturn collects moons." - anon


We ask founders about their sustaining motivation for why they are going through the hardship of starting a company or project. Here's some good research to back that up!

psycnet.apa.org/record/2022-…


Flux applications are open! Due by May 11th!

Send us your wily, your weird, your renegade scientists reaching for glory.

We offer $100K investment, a cohort of peers, and $1M in follow on capital for those making fast progress to bring us back to the future! (1/2)


Escape bureaucracy to pursue great science!

4 months, $100K investment, and wily peers. Cohort starts in June.

Apply today!

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…


If it's weird, we want you to apply :D


We've got millions to deploy.

If you're working on something cutting edge, something crazy, something deep... Flux is for you.

4 months, surround yourself with likeminded peers, and receive $100K in funding with the opportunity for $1M more.

1517 Fund is opening up applications for Flux!

Applications close May 11th.

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…


Send that and your application :D


Wily maker scientist?

Should you apply? Yes!

One of the questions I hear most from makers and inventors is "should I apply for X?"

Yes, the answer is yes. Don't close doors on yourself by not opening it in the first place!

Open this door!

Danielle Strachman 💗 🐈 💃 🪴 🎸 🎨 🐕

                    @DStrachman

                  22 Apr 2025

                We've got millions to deploy.

If you're working on something cutting edge, something crazy, something deep... Flux is for you.

4 months, surround yourself with likeminded peers, and receive $100K in funding with the opportunity for $1M more.

1517 Fund is opening up applications for Flux!

Applications close May 11th.

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…


You are a king among men!


Unsure if you're a wily maker scientist? If you're thinking about it, you are! Apply!


Flux applications are open!

If you're working on something out of this world...Flux is for you.

4 months, surround yourself with likeminded peers, and receive $100K in funding with the opportunity for $1M more.

Applications close May 11th.

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…

redJ

                    @sudoredj

                  22 Apr 2025

                Replying to @DStrachman
                😳


Are you crazy or crazy awesome? We want to work with you to find out!

Apply to Flux today:

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…

Stuart Smith

                    @TStuartSmith

                  22 Apr 2025

                Incredible opportunity for some cracked researchers to work with a few of the best people out there.


Tried a weighted belt today for the first time to add more  activity to my day. Love it! Far easier to wear -- I find a weighted vest gets in the way but the belt is great!


Gn

Daily Snoopy

                    @DailySnoopys

                  23 Apr 2025


Happy birthday Shakespeare! We launch Flux officially today in your wily honor!

Danielle Strachman 💗 🐈 💃 🪴 🎸 🎨 🐕

                    @DStrachman

                  22 Apr 2025

                Flux applications are open! Due by May 11th!

Send us your wily, your weird, your renegade scientists reaching for glory.

We offer $100K investment, a cohort of peers, and $1M in follow on capital for those making fast progress to bring us back to the future! (1/2)


Just had an incredible call between our investors and one of our wily founders.

Him: But how has this team made this much progress in so short of time? It seems unbelievable!

Me: Welcome to 1517, my friend!

When vision, mission, and execution align, the impossible becomes possible!


This is how investors win too!

Dr. Julie Gurner

                    @drgurner

                  23 Apr 2025

                1. Rapid, Decisive, Decision-Making...paired with
2.Taking Fast Action on those decisions, is how companies win.

More people & organizations are less competitive and less profitable because they are slow and stuck in overthinking.

Push for Decisions - Push for Action.


Great Scott!! Flux applications are open!!


"the best seed fund in the world" (with no qualifiers!)

Thank you Thomas! It has been a blessing to work with you and have you as a friend!

Thomas Sohmers

                    @trsohmers

                  23 Apr 2025

                @DStrachman and @William_Blake have been two of the greatest supporters of young, intrepid entrepreneurs and innovators for more than a decade, and were instrumental in everything I have done in my adulthood. Check out @1517fund’s new Flux program if you want to change the world with $100k in initial funding and rapidly raise $1M+ from the best seed fund in the world, consider applying!


Alex Heath

                    @alexeheath

                  23 Apr 2025

                amazing answer from the founder of Discord when asked why he is stepping down ahead of an IPO venturebeat.com/games/why-di…


Please, oh please, oh please!!!


Had milk an hour out from milking the cow last week and felt like a queen.

Case Bradford

                    @Casebradford

                  23 Apr 2025


Take your creatine!

Snoopy

                    @snoopyb047

                  23 Apr 2025

                💤🦾


Because we know that speed gets the job done.

Krishiv

                    @KrishivThakuria

                  24 Apr 2025

                Why do the busiest people tend to respond the fastest?


It’s also a way to keep the communication Tetris manageable


You’re right, it wouldn’t be the same. It would be better!


Been trying something new, showering at the end of the day, before dinner, as an energetic reset.


amazing lol

Replying to @snarkstate @generaldynamism


Most emotionally intelligent cat ever.

Gn.

Punch Cat

                    @PunchingCat

                  23 Apr 2025

                🥹


And if I owe you an email -- I'm 200 behind right now (yes I get to inbox zero about once/month). More soon -- thanks for the patience and grace!

Danielle Strachman 💗 🐈 💃 🪴 🎸 🎨 🐕

                    @DStrachman

                  24 Apr 2025

                Replying to @KrishivThakuria
                It’s also a way to keep the communication Tetris manageable


But over email it can get annoying "Did you see me? How about now? Now?!" Better to follow up with some substance.


How I feel about this take 😂. I really like Toronto, it’s got a lot going for it. But love your passion.


Planes, trains, and automobiles! (And helicopters!)

Luminar

                    @luminartech

                  24 Apr 2025

                The same Luminar LiDAR used in the Volvo EX90 and ES90 is now being used to help helicopter pilots detect hazards during flight 👏🚁👏
Powerlines and tower guidelines are particularly difficult for helicopter pilots to spot with their eyes alone. Lake Fusion Technologies GmbH (LFT) has developed a situational awareness system that uses two Iris sensors to help pilots identify these hazards in advance and avoid a potentially dangerous situation. LFT is currently conducting test flights of their new system—get an overview of their tech and how they’re using Iris here:  bit.ly/HelicopterPilotSafety


"This is me, unfiltered and somehow unbroken." - Joseph Fasano

Beautiful inside and out!

Joseph Fasano

                    @Joseph_Fasano_

                  24 Apr 2025

                I rarely post pictures of myself anymore, because I've been going through some really hard times, and there are times when I haven't even wanted to look into the mirror, but I've reached another sober milestone, and I'm here, and as I approach 43 I'm unapologetically celebrating survival, life, and being Daddy to Leonardo, the light and the joy of my life. This is me, unfiltered and somehow unbroken. Friends, I hope you know the words of my poems, my novels, and all my books are truly for you, because if I've turned any of my hours of darkness—of psychosis, of mania, of depression, of addiction—into beauty, into even a shadow of grace, then this life will not have been lived in vain. I love you, unironically, messily, and as the awkward poet behind the poems. 🕊


Could not love this more!

will o’brien

                    @Willob

                  24 Apr 2025

                They don’t want you to know this but you and your boys can just take over the flight and relieve the flight crew of their duties

They are surprisingly receptive to this


Didn't know life could be this cute!

gn!

Nature is Amazing ☘

                    @AMAZlNGNATURE

                  24 Apr 2025

                My life's complete seeing baby meerkats


It’s gonna come back as soon as Gen Z tries it!


I really want to do this around Lake Merritt

Massimo

                    @Rainmaker1973

                  25 Apr 2025

                Ememem is an anonymous French artist based in Lyon and paves cracks and holes with mosaics. A form of art also known as “Flacking”.


Feast on the beautiful


Mic drop

Andrew Côté

                    @Andercot

                  25 Apr 2025

                Men only want one thing and its fucking zeppelins


Sometimes I tell people I’m a professional fairy godmother

Andrew Côté

                    @Andercot

                  24 Apr 2025

                You know your civilization messed up big time when the hardest part of doing anything is getting permission to do it.

We should be fighting nature, physical law, entropy, etc, not government rules and bureaucracy.


This week an investor asked me about other fellowships that existed when we launched the Thiel Fellowship back in 2010.

There were fellowships for credentialed professionals, but otherwise not fellowships for wily makers and those without signals from institutions. Today there are many fellowships bringing tech, science, and art into the future before the rest of society recognizes their brilliance.

Let 1,000 fellowships bloom! 1517 hosts Renaissance Reimagined 2.0, a summit for fellowship leaders and talent curators. Join us!


Renaissance Reimagine 2.0 ~ Fellowship Summit: lu.ma/lo1or7sy


We have leaders from OSV, Schmidt Futures, 776, Draper, Nautilus, ODF, and more joining us!


Bring me your wild!!

Zac Hill

                    @zdch

                  25 Apr 2025

                Danielle is amazing and this is suchhhhh a good deal for way-out-there wild ideas


Teachers love to embarrass their students while bragging on them 💗

Emir Han

                    @RealEmirHan

                  24 Apr 2025

                Hugh Jackman used to be a teacher, this is the moment he recognised his old student during an interview

 nitter.poast.org/VideoChannel134/status…


…and then apply for Flux!

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…

Jim O'Shaughnessy

                    @jposhaughnessy

                  25 Apr 2025

                "Study hard what interests you the most in the most undisciplined, irreverent and original manner possible."
~Richard P. Feynman


The shiny kind!


I met a real life leprechaun this week and I want to know why they are more rare than the fae people. Dude had a serious glimmer in his eye.


Got some fun fortune cookie level feedback after eating curry for breakfast:

Curry for breakfast is brave. You display courage in all things.


Community building is my jam 💗


Stupid is as stupid does


lol


What's your Friday Night Dyson Sphere? Start your application tonight!

Danielle Strachman 💗 🐈 💃 🪴 🎸 🎨 🐕

                    @DStrachman

                  22 Apr 2025

                Flux applications are open! Due by May 11th!

Send us your wily, your weird, your renegade scientists reaching for glory.

We offer $100K investment, a cohort of peers, and $1M in follow on capital for those making fast progress to bring us back to the future! (1/2)


Let 1,000 maker houses bloom!

the residency

                    @theresidency

                  25 Apr 2025

                what if the future of advanced research doesn’t live in a university — but in a beautiful 20 bedroom hacker house?

introducing The Inventors Residency of San Francisco

designed for those expanding the frontiers of knowledge

researcher, founder, or intern? read on to apply


From sensei to sensei 🙏


He’s just saying that his wife is 2 standards deviations above him, or in the parlance of my people, wicked smaht.


Gotta get it out sometimes!


Where this lady at?!

Adam Jensen

                    @generaldynamism

                  26 Apr 2025

                One day i will find a lady who likes Master and Commander as much as I do


You have permission to dress (or not dress) however you want in BRC. Come!


[media-only post: gif]

Goldie

                    @dezgoldie

                  25 Apr 2025

                Charisma is actually just a transfer of self esteem. Does interacting with you make people feel better about themselves? If the answer is yes you’re a powerful mf.


Existing also means being insight and in mind…like this post it note!


Pinky: "What do you wanna do tonight Brain?"

Brain: "The same thing we try to do every night...take over the world!"

Start your Flux application tonight!


“I never see you at the club”

I never see you applying for Flux! Start your application today. Due by May 11!


Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!

Are you weird and wily? Start your Flux app!


Would love to join for a future one!


glaze maxxing is the new pickup artistry


The Gen Zers tell me "Overly hyping up to make someone like you", ""Glazing" is essentially singing praises for someone to the extreme" and "A lot of the time it’s someone you don’t even know"


"We've never seen anyone smarter or more cracked. These Flux applicants are outta control." - 1517 team

"Don't glaze me bro!" - applicant

Apply to Flux today!


I have a signal group of 14 - 18 year olds and I go to them for intel these days.


@SimoneSyed


I can't hide that I'm fairly proud of the 2007 and 2025 mashup there.


gm (neighborhood art)


Bring me your weird and wily! Applications due May 11!!

anabology

                    @anabology

                  28 Apr 2025

                If you are a high iq anon schizoautist who discovered something all the Leading Experts™ missed during your Internet Research then you should apply to this (1517 is awesome)


The European mind cannot comprehend this

Michael A. Arouet

                    @MichaelAArouet

                  28 Apr 2025

                The American mind cannot comprehend this


LFG!!!!! Build, build, build! Apply by May 11th.

1517 Fund

                    @1517fund

                  28 Apr 2025

                Did you ever see a build montage as a child, & — instead of going "I want that" — you went, "I want to build that" & (more importantly), asked, "how do I build that?"

If that's you then apply to 1517's Flux! 👇

We're investing $100k a pop in scientists who want to build that. Whatever that is.


Teachers, you know that really high potential student in your class that breaks all molds and kinda drives you crazy?

That’s who I want to apply to Flux by May 11th!


You should be taking a minimum of 5 for the muscle/hydration benefits and 10 for the brain benefits.


This man is on a mission and he is going to win!

mass

                    @Memetic_Theory

                  29 Apr 2025

                they took down my baby. we are going to war. who will join me?


"If you want to be a grocer, or a general, or a politician, or a judge, you will invariably become it; that is your punishment. If you never know what you want to be, if you live what some might call the dynamic life but what I will call the artistic life, if each day you are unsure of who you are and what you know you will never become anything, and that is your reward."

- Oscar Wilde


This is how you stick it to the man!!!

mass

                    @Memetic_Theory

                  29 Apr 2025

                WE. WILL. NOT. LOSE.


There is no better day than today to start your Flux application! Due May 11th

If you think no one will fund your wily and weird ideas -- we want to be your first investor!

1517 Fund

                    @1517fund

                  30 Apr 2025

                Alrighty folks, it's about that time again for us to remind you that applications are open for Flux, and that you should apply by May 11th if you want to make research awe-some again.


Create! Flux applications due May 11th!

1517 Fund

                    @1517fund

                  30 Apr 2025

                if you know, you know


Change your life and change the future! Apply to Flux today!

All wily and weird ideas welcome. Come find your tribe!

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…

1517 Fund

                    @1517fund

                  30 Apr 2025

                "all geniuses are foreigners"


Go visit the Bonsai Museum and see Luminar on the streets!

Luminar

                    @luminartech

                  30 Apr 2025

                ICYMI: @NissanMotor has been testing their autonomous driving vehicles equipped with @luminartech LiDAR on public roads in Japan. Nissan plans to have 20 test vehicles in the Yokohama area in the next couple of years, with the goal of reaching Level Four (no human involvement) by 2029 or 2030. Learn more about Nissan’s efforts here: bit.ly/NissanTestsDriverless…


Some people get baby fever, I get kitten fever.


I haven't met him yet -- and I really think I shouldn't get a 4th cat but OMG!! I have to meet him.


Hire a homeschooler!

Jason

                    @1776_NJ

                  30 Apr 2025

                I just hired a 14 year old kid at the bike shop. He showed up on time. Built 8 bikes in 5 hours without complaining or even asking a question. Didn’t make a single mistake putting any bikes together. Organized his tools and cleaned up at the end of the day.

What do you think is different about the way he is being raised? The first person to guess correctly wins.


I don't disagree!


How does he know?!!!?

Shawn Hendrix

                    @TheShawnHendrix

                  30 Apr 2025

                Guys women are not complicated. They just want you to get them goats and build them a goat house. Ladies am I right?


Create! Apply to Flux today! Applications due May 11th.

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…


What does the internet look like in 10 years?


I dream about the people I work with a lot -- but last night I had the first dream about managing a secondaries process 😆


Fudge

Kyle Harrison

                    @kwharrison13

                  30 Apr 2025


Happy May! Just 10 more days to apply to Flux!

Let your wily ideas spring forth and bloom


One of the questions that has been very telling as a litmus test during the Thiel Fellowship and 1517 is "did I have more or less energy after interacting with this person?" Bring your energy -- emotional resonance matters even more than content.

NIMI VASHI (bio/acc to infinity & beyond)

                    @nimivashi15

                  1 May 2025

                Everyone makes this mistake often while getting on the first call with people be it for a job interview, a business development deal or fundraising.

It has nothing to do with how hard you have prepped or your numbers.

It is not a skill you can learn.

It is not about saying the right things.

It is all about the one thing that matters: Your Energy.

So many people, especially PhD students talk about their own work with such low enthusiasm in the first 5 minutes of a conversation that the person listening starts thinking "why should I care?"

I know you might have been beaten down by academia but you are also creating first impressions on someone who can help you get the next opportunity.

We all have made these mistakes.

In truth, first impressions last very long and are very strong.

People will go the extra mile for you if they like you and it is purely the energy you bring to the conversation.

So the next time you go into a conversation don't just focus not just on what you say but the energy you bring to the table!

Happy Networking 😊 .


Friend: I'm amused to say that I failed to drop out of my masters program, and will wrest my degree from them in two weeks.

Me: You dropped out of dropping out!


We're so cooked 🍳

Arye Lipman

                    @aryelipman

                  2 May 2025

                Highway 1 in Big Sur has been closed for 838 days. In that time China has built 3500 miles of high speed rail, and California hasn't been able to fix a quarter mile of highway.


Friday, Friday, gotta apply to Flux on Friday! Gotta geek out for the weekend!

Inspired builders, mad scientists - apply by May 11th!

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…


1517 does just this with our $1K grant program, angel checks ($100K), and teen camp (free of charge)!

Reid Hoffman

                    @reidhoffman

                  2 May 2025

                Replying to @paulg
                More young people want to explore entrepreneurship, and we should build more platforms to support that.

We should also ditch incentive structures that make high schoolers feel like they need to be unicorn founders to get into college. That’s not healthy.


From a Flux applicant:

"Capital here isn’t merit-based, it’s proximity-based, it's referral-based and it's privilege-based. That’s why programs like Flux Capacitor and funds like 1517 stand out. You’re not just betting on ideas, you’re enabling access.

I aim to keep building, learning and growing. I want to say thank you, for carving out space where conviction, not connections, leads."

Apply to Flux today! Applications due May 11.

Danielle Strachman 💗 🐈 💃 🪴 🎸 🎨 🐕

                    @DStrachman

                  2 May 2025

                Friday, Friday, gotta apply to Flux on Friday! Gotta geek out for the weekend!

Inspired builders, mad scientists - apply by May 11th!

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…

                      ALT  Rebecca Black GIF


DM me your email and I'll make sure you get the application when it comes out this summer! 1517.substack.com/p/2e-part-…

Replying to @aquinasheard23 @socraticexp


Opportunties for teens to build and learn by doing!

Grants: 1517fund.com/medici-project

Angel Checks: 1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…

Teen Camp: 1517.substack.com/p/2e-part-…


I'm glad that we give children the opportunity perform in the arts and music. Can you imagine telling this young lady to wait?

We should do the same for budding scientists and encourage them to hone their craft.

If you've got wily ideas, I don't care if you're 10, 20, or 100. I want to learn about them through Flux today! Apply by May 11th.

Massimo

                    @Rainmaker1973

                  2 May 2025

                10-year-old Victory Blinker who set the Guinness World Record for the youngest opera singer in the world sings Mozart’s 'Der Holle Rache,’ considered one of the most difficult arias to sing.


That's what I'm talkin' about!!!

I see you (the 3 people who started applications tonight!)!


Oh brother where art thou, let us hear your vibe!

Eitelkeit@idlekite
                  2 May 2025

                I must be quiet about it no longer. My herculean task, my superpower, is working this contraption


Nice! Keep it coming!


When you feel the need to be a keyboard warrior, that's probably a good sign to go touch some grass!


8 more days to apply to Flux!

First: Open the application ✅
Second: Pour your dreams onto the page ✅
Third: Hit submit ✅

1517 is the marriage of brilliant ideas and resources (we have the resources, you have the brilliant ideas) and we can't wait to learn about yours!

1517 Fund

                    @1517fund

                  1 May 2025

                create.

                        ALT  alt-text via GPT — "In a black-and-white photo, a young woman with a joyful expression stands in a laboratory. She holds two large flasks filled with liquid, symbolizing her involvement in scientific work. Behind her, an intricate setup of lab equipment and glassware adds to the ambiance of discovery. The word "create" is prominently displayed at the bottom, while a logo featuring a connected design and the number "1517" are placed in the corners, suggesting a theme of innovation and exploration."


Some ideas just can’t wait!

1517 kickstarts young maker’s projects with $1K and we kickstart companies with $100K.

Flux applications due by May 11!

Michael Dell 🇺🇸

                    @MichaelDell

                  3 May 2025

                41 years ago today, I was supposed to be studying for freshman finals. Instead, I started @DellTech with $1,000 and a dream. What an amazing journey it’s been thanks to our incredible team, customers, and partners. The next 41 will be even bigger and more fun power by AI and beyond. Onward! 🚀


Apply by May 11th here, there’s no time like the present!

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…


Young, reckless and rebellious?

Be like Han, apply to Flux today!

Danielle Strachman 💗 🐈 💃 🪴 🎸 🎨 🐕

                    @DStrachman

                  4 May 2025

                Some ideas just can’t wait!

1517 kickstarts young maker’s projects with $1K and we kickstart companies with $100K.

Flux applications due by May 11!


Wholesome is so in fam!


She’s my favorite Girardian scholar!

MacKenzie Fisher (MK)@philosofounder_
                  4 May 2025

                You’re not a contrarian... You just picked a different costume from the same mimetic rack. Techbros love this label, and wear it like armor. But most aren’t thinking with transcendence. They’re just copying the dominant model—in reverse. That’s not originality. That’s mirrored mimesis.

ex. Drop out. Move to SF. Say you're “building the future of AI.” Post tpot memes. Tweet “founder energy.”

You didn’t escape the herd. You became the herd.
You’re not free. You’re in rival mode. “Contrarian” just means you’re still obsessed with the crowd—just the tech crowd.

If your identity is built on rejecting others, they still own you. Real contrarians aren't reactive. They create introspectively. Not from envy, but from truth.

Girard doesn’t say “stop imitating.” He says you can’t.
The key question is: who are you imitating—and why?
You're not free because you zigged while others zagged.
You're free when your desires stop being shaped by rivalry. #SeekTranscendence

Read Girard. Or keep LARPing as a faux thinker...


Been meaning to see which farms are closest to me in Oakland!


We are getting team pics redone this week — I hope to feel like this on the inside and emanate this on the outside.

WholesomeMemes

                    @WholesomeMeme

                  3 May 2025


She’s gonna use the doorbell folks!!!

Anna Mitchell

                    @annarmitchell

                  4 May 2025

                i’m gonna bring back calling on friends like a Jane Austen character. show up unannounced in the afternoon, spill the latest goss over tea, then head out. no texts, just vibes.


Relish this!!!!

parm🔬

                    @parmita

                  4 May 2025

                I’m at a stage in life where I feel love for everything and everyone


I want all of them!

🕊@dearlyfemme
                  4 May 2025

                cattoo


The fact that no one is answering with a sandwich is what makes SF not a great food city.

gabe

                    @allgarbled

                  4 May 2025

                What is the best sandwich you can get in San Francisco ?


Charge up for Monday!

Augustus Doricko

                    @ADoricko

                  5 May 2025

                Charging up for a big day tm


But god forbid you bring tent shade or a table to Dolores — rangers on you like white in rice.

gabe

                    @allgarbled

                  5 May 2025

                I was at Dolores park for an hour today and I think I literally got 10 different people trying to sell me mushrooms, molly, lsd, weed. They are a nuisance at this point. Kind of out of control


Gn!

leȯ

                    @soleoado

                  4 May 2025


Huge congrats!!!

Ruben Harris

                    @rubenharris

                  5 May 2025

                Today marks my 15th year being sober.

On May 5, 2010—just a few days after graduating college—I totaled my car, got four tickets, and got arrested. That was my wake-up call.

Since then, I’ve been investing in myself—physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. Breathwork, fitness, presence. All the things that were difficult to focus on when I was drinking.

This weekend, at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual meeting, Warren Buffett reminded us: “The best investment you can make is in yourself.”

He wasn’t just talking stocks. Compounding works in life too—if you stick with it.

Here’s to the next 15.


The only man who knows how to get the job done 💗🕷

Sergio ABL

                    @Sergiohead3

                  5 May 2025

                Replying to @ReddCinema
                The only solution remaining is burning down the house


I am as small as my printer not working correctly.

Dylan O'Sullivan

                    @DylanoA4

                  5 May 2025

                Robert Anton Wilson, remember that


Damn, THAT is a sandwich!


Last week to apply to Flux!

$100K investment to kickoff R&D in wily science and tech projects!

Follow on with $1M into the ones that go the distance and are aiming for the stars.

Applications due May 11th.

1517 Fund

                    @1517fund

                  23 Apr 2025

                Are you the pioneer who can make an angel dance on their pin?

Apply to 1517's Flux with the foundational work you wish to do. Link below 👇

                        ALT  A person using CAD on a DAC1


Apply to Flux here:

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…

Applications due May 11


Retweet and share with friends -- last call for Flux!

Leave not a wily scientist or maker stone unturned! Last call for Flux -- applications due May 11.

Bring me your wily and weird.

We'll start with a $100K investment and follow on with $1M for those reaching the stars!

1517 Fund

                    @1517fund

                  30 Apr 2025

                "all geniuses are foreigners"


Apply to Flux today! Applications due May 11th:

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…


Investing is for the dogs!

VCs Congratulating Themselves 👏👏👏

                    @VCBrags

                  5 May 2025

                🧢🐕


I first read this as age based lol

Michelle Fang 🌁

                    @michelleefang

                  5 May 2025

                Plugging you into 40+ SF tech events (Config + Stripe Sessions edition!) ⚡

A list of what's happening this week (May 5 - May 12) ⬇


When I was 20, something like Flux didn't exist.

I went into clinical research and reality set in that my day to day would not be working with patients and having a-ha moments, utilizing my genuine creativity. I'd be in a windowless room, faxing paperwork to NIH.

So I left.

I yearned for something more than that -- something messy and less sterile with feedback loops that were tangible that accelerated learning.

Flux is for those that yearn to experiment, make messes, and change the course of the future.

Apply by May 11th - you have nothing to lose and the world has everything to gain!


Apply to Flux by May 11th! We can't wait to learn more about what you want to build and experiment with.

$100K investment at the start of the program and we reserve $1M for our founders making incredible progress and reaching for greatness!

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…


Lol


gn

Into The Forest Dark@ElliottBlackwe3
                  5 May 2025

                Good night, dear Kindred Spirits and Magical Dreamers. Tonight I will leave you with this illustration by Margaret W. Tarrant.


It’s for anyone building towards a very different future!


We love to hear from anyone that needs support or funding at any time. Some people do well with an application deadline but we are here 24/7.


It’s meatballs all the way down.

Dan Brooks@DangerBrooks
                  6 May 2025

                My wife's coworker used a phrase no one understood and then insisted it was a common expression. The expression was "it's all spaghetti for the spaghetti machine."


Rollin', rollin', rollin'
Though the streams are swollen
Keep them doggies rollin'
Rawhide (du-da-dam)

$100K to build your dreams could soon be yours!

Apply to Flux by May 12th -- where the goods are odd and the odds are good!

Keep those applications rolling in!


Apply to Flux by May 12th -- where the goods are odd and the odds are good!

Start your application today:

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…


Because they can't control you!


This is the kind of obsessed genius I want applying to Flux.

Applications due May 11th

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…

Steve 🇺🇸

                    @SteveLovesAmmo

                  6 May 2025

                This father recorded his son’s baby noises for an entire year to produce AC/DC’s Thunderstruck.

Legendary.


She looks like the fae queen she was always meant to become -- and wise fae absolutely dgaf.


gn

tuck your kitties in for me

Posts Of Cats

                    @PostsOfCats

                  6 May 2025

                I'd give that cat anything he wanted.🥺


This is it...all of it.


One of these things is not like the other…

𝗥𝗢𝗖𝗞𝗬

                    @TheWarKitchen

                  7 May 2025


If I get rich from what someone does, it means that they are extraordinarily rich, and that the masses benefit from their inventions and outcomes. Win win win.


Getting rich from doing good (like funding people who would otherwise not be given a shot), should be good and encouraged.

Helping people and being poor just makes it so less people are helped.

This is a virtuous cycle in the short and long run.


gm

Punch Cat

                    @PunchingCat

                  6 May 2025


Flux, flux, flux of the jungle! Flux for you and me! Flux, flux, flux of the jungle. Watch out for that tree...

...and the deadline of May 11th! This Sunday!

$100K and the chance to take the swing of a lifetime.

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…


Saw these pop up on my phone recently -- probably one of my fav nights in SF! Thank you Danielle!

Danielle Fong 🔆

                    @DanielleFong

                  7 May 2025

                remember that time at the laser tower?
— my phone


This is true for children and adults <3

Michael Strong

                    @flowidealism

                  7 May 2025

                When I began Socratic conversations with children decades ago, I overindexed on the "perfect" question.

Hundreds—if not thousands—of sessions later, I know:

It’s about keeping the conversation going until you hit a hot topic.

Once, I asked a five-year-old if she’d noticed any tech changes in the last few weeks.
“Nope.” Dead end.

So I tried again: “If you could invent anything, what would it be?”
Her eyes lit up: “A house with sparkly bunk beds, a kitchenette, and a clubhouse just for kids.”

I followed her spark: “Who gets in the club?”
She thought, then said, “Ages 2–15—under-twos cry for no reason, and sixteen-year-olds are almost grown-ups.”

Next: “What if a five-year-old cries for no reason?”
Her wisdom: “Depends on whether it really is ‘no reason.’”

And when I said, “Who decides?”
Our chat dove headfirst into rules, votes, and governance.
Territory she owned completely.

Had I stopped at tech, I’d have missed her voice and risked communicating that she lacked ideas.

Instead, by asking questions, we struck gold.


A wonderful, I feel seen, compliment:

“You wouldn’t be interested in making a (caring) genius out of everyone and being able to herd such genius cats, eh?”


Fae queen vibes all the way!

TERFs ‘r’ us ©

                    @Terfs_R

                  7 May 2025

                Women are allowed to age.
Women are allowed to skip the paint.
Women are allowed to evolve.

And we do not need anyone’s permission.

End of.


New album “Hidden Treasures” drops this summer.

Advik Kapoor

                    @heyadvikkapoor

                  7 May 2025

                Replying to @DStrachman @William_Blake
                i mean.....


Get that money!!!

ari dutilh

                    @aridutilh

                  7 May 2025

                We need 100x more non-dilutive microgrants and fellowships for young people building!

This past quarter, we’ve seen 10% growth in programs, a 43% increase in growth rate 📈🧵

                        ALT  Top programs by applications


I’m too old to know what this means, but I’m retweeting it.

1517 Fund

                    @1517fund

                  7 May 2025

                Ohhh…
Husbant…
You forgot apply flux by May 11th
Now we are homeress in polar night….


Proud of our grantees!

Mo Monuments

                    @MoMonuments

                  7 May 2025

                would you donate to a 500 ft Colossus of George?


You gotta have the best in your corner when you get started. Shea was early at True Ventures and we knew we needed some institutional knowledge when we started 1517.

Shea is that rare combination of high level and tactical. You'll see that in her writing as well!

If you're an emerging GP, Venture Fund Blue Print has a lot of great and actionable reads!

venturefundblueprint.com/art…


Don't Stop Believin'! (In yourself!)

Get that Flux application in by May 11th!


Apply here by May 11th!

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…


Belief capital starts with belief in yourself! Put yourself out there to get what you need.

Apply to Flux for $100K investment to build your sci fi dreams. We'll follow on with $1M into projects that can hit cruising altitude with great progress and great people!


Also side perks include doing karaoke with our team -- we are unafraid to be unabashedly bad.


If you look at the suicide rates, they aren’t just metaphorically killed either. Many campuses push students off campus before such an event so they don’t have to count them as another death tool.


All out war is breaking out in San Francisco

mass

                    @Memetic_Theory

                  7 May 2025

                mother f*ckers


I think we need someone to be stationed at the swing 24 hrs. Young men could get some sense of what it means to keep a flame going.


Hide Yo Nerds!

Apply to Flux by May 11th - application in the comments.

$100K investment to build your wily dreams and we'll follow on with $1M shortly after for those shooting for the stars!

1517 Fund

                    @1517fund

                  7 May 2025

                Dont tell no nerds about no Flux. 1517's in town.

                        ALT  1517 Fund - Hide Yo Nerds


Flux application here, applications due May 11: 1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…

About Flux here: 1517.substack.com/p/1517-gar…


It’s also only an 8 hour day


I am not making the right content!

Posts Of Cats

                    @PostsOfCats

                  7 May 2025

                "You're so beautiful" tail goes up. Kitty understood.


Great Scott! Only 3 more days until the Flux application closes.

$100K investment to bring your garage science to life!

Apply to Flux by May 11th!!


Apply to Flux by May 11th!

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…


Let's keep that meat on your bones! Apply to Flux and get your life back!

1517 Fund

                    @1517fund

                  8 May 2025

                Y'all can either spend years praying for the postdoc curse to go away.

Or, you can escape the purgatory called academia by applying to Flux.

create.

                        ALT  The meme shows a skeleton representing someone who has spent 20+ years as a postdoc. The text reads, "Future me after having spent 20 years on postdocs"


Show me your decks!

Sheel Mohnot

                    @pitdesi

                  8 May 2025

                I have been SHOCKED at how many roof decks there are in NYC compared to SF, despite SF’s milder weather.

The reason: regulation. I tried adding a deck to my place in SF and found multiple layers of well-meaning regulation that would turn a simple project into a bureacratic obstacle course, so I didn’t proceed.

1) Because the building is over 50 years old, I need a historical review. That means hiring a consultant to produce a Historic Resource Evaluation, assessing architectural style, historical significance, and more. The Planning Department then has to sign off.
2) Next comes neighbor notification- I have to alert nearby properties, and even people who can’t see the deck can request a discretionary review that delays or blocks the project.
3) And the deck must be invisible from the street to avoid “disrupting neighborhood character,” which severely limits size, layout, and usability.

In NYC? You need a permit but if you aren’t changing use of the building there is no review.

In SF, we treat our entire city like it’s an artifact in a museum of imagined history. You’d think a city obsessed with outdoor space and climate action might allow more use of its sunniest real estate. But the bias is toward inaction, preservation, and process over outcome…

So we have stagnation (and a little less fun)


Right of passage!


You've graduated!!!!


Only 2 more days to apply for Flux!

Danielle Strachman 💗 🐈 💃 🪴 🎸 🎨 🐕

                    @DStrachman

                  8 May 2025

                Hide Yo Nerds!

Apply to Flux by May 11th - application in the comments.

$100K investment to build your wily dreams and we'll follow on with $1M shortly after for those shooting for the stars!


Excited to read this one!!!

Hitchhiker from the Future - Time War

                    @leo_guinan

                  9 May 2025

                Just submitted some plans to build a time machine.

LFG!


Learn more about Flux while you still have 2 days to apply!

632nm

                    @632nmPodcast

                  10 May 2025

                In this episode of the 632nm podcast, we sit down with 1517 Fund’s (@1517fund)  Danielle Strachman (@DStrachman)  and Michael Gibson (@William_Blake)  to explore their Flux program, a unique pre-seed fellowship backing wild, unorthodox scientific and technical ideas. They share how they’ve helped founders transform “garage science” projects—like nuclear batteries, quantum computing prototypes, and cutting-edge materials—into serious startups. Along the way, they discuss the pitfalls of chasing academic prestige, the power of genuine curiosity, and how to leverage minimal resources for big ambitions.


You can just do things! Break out of systems and apply to Flux by Sunday, May 11th.


I don't know what the announcer voice is all about, but it is seriously cracking me up! Love the episode! Thank you Michael and team!

Replying to @632nmPodcast @1517fund @William_Blake


Build your agency muscle!

Apply to Flux by May 11th


Apply here by May 11th:

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…


Incredible!

Replying to @632nmPodcast @1517fund @William_Blake @elevenlabs


We're on a mission from god.

Start Fluxing tonight! Applications due May 11


Now this is vibe coded!

Augustus Doricko

                    @ADoricko

                  10 May 2025

                “Mr. Doricko, please check your docusign” my employees beg

“No, not this time” I murmur as I wade into the rave-mode environmental chamber to inspect our radar


My fav Girard scholar! Follow her!

MacKenzie Fisher (MK)@philosofounder_
                  10 May 2025

                I always say: “Social media is a marketplace of models.”— Why?

Girard teaches: ‘If our desire to be like a model is strong enough, we’ll want what the model has or be who the model is. Push it far enough, and we become rivals with our models—or with each other as we compete to imitate them.’- I See Satan Fall Like Lightning (pg.72)

Every scroll on your feed is a silent transaction: not just of content, but of desire. You’re not just consuming images, you’re absorbing models. (on social networks we are the commodity)

Ask not what you’re consuming, but who you’re becoming. Ask yourself who you are, and see if your actions are in alignment!

We cant ever cure ourselves of imitation. But we can transcend by discerning which desires are borrowed and which are truly our own.


One more day to apply to Flux! Get your application in tomorrow!

$100K investment to work on your wily ideas over the summer!


Applications are still open! Shoot your shot by 11:59pm on May 11th!


Ringing the dinner bell for all the nerds!

Get your Flux applications in by tomorrow! Last call!


$100K investment to take your wily science forward!

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…


If you have a big idea in science/engineering and want to take a shot at it in zero-red tape mode, apply to Flux!

632nm

                    @632nmPodcast

                  10 May 2025

                Applications for the second Flux cohort are open until midnight on Sunday May 11th.

If you have a big idea in science/engineering and want to take a shot at it in zero-red tape mode, this is one of the best opportunities out there.

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…

@1517fund


(This is not a grant! It’s an investment in a C corp!)


Make friends in high places!

mass

                    @Memetic_Theory

                  10 May 2025

                hey i made the news!


Severance is good.

Thinking about how we all silo parts of ourselves and what that does to our self-ness and under what pretext or context this occurs is worth the inquiry.

The camera and color work (and acting) is very well done too.

Replying to @Grimezsz @Plinz @Seraph_Notitia @AlmostMedia


Favorite article of the year!!!

'“I will keep doing this until the sun swallows the Earth,” he vowed.'

sfstandard.com/2025/05/10/my…


Incredible!!!!

Hamayal Choudhry

                    @HamayalC

                  10 May 2025

                it’s plastic and wires but it feels alive


Saturday Night's Alright for Fluxing!

You still have over 24 hours to get your Flux application in.

$100K investment to work on your wily and weird projects this summer.


Applications due May 11th at 11:59pm pacific:

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…


Big big hugs!! Shake it off!!!


Cenich hen? Hado na lín, aníron cen i path lín na Flux!


left


Last day for Flux applications!

Apply by midnight tonight!

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…


Sorry for the loss Jim :(


Mr. T says:

“Have a Happy Mother’s Day and then stay up late to get your Flux application in by midnight!”

Carol Roth

                    @caroljsroth

                  9 May 2025

                A shoutout to the moms out there, courtesy of Mr. T


Apply by midnight here!

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…


Yeah I love new places. I actually don't like Starbucks but I love going to chains in other countries to see what's on the menu!


“Bump” has got to be the worst email for urging someone to respond — send actual information “this week…”, a couple good bullets, and another request to chat is way better.

Attention is a precious resource and “bump” wastes it.


Shatter the [human imposed] boundaries and you’ll find out what reality truly is — extraordinary!

Jim O'Shaughnessy

                    @jposhaughnessy

                  11 May 2025

                The future belongs to those who can see the invisible connections between seemingly disparate systems. Those who understand that true innovation isn't incremental but transformative. Don't be afraid to break something valuable to build something invaluable.

                      ALT  Flower Moon GIF by Trevor Anderson


fr (also forum culture)


Bumps all the way down


We love the founders we work with! 1517 is a calling for us and we want to help you with yours!

parm🔬

                    @parmita

                  11 May 2025

                My amazing investors at @1517fund changed my life by believing in me so early into this mission. They are the founders of the Thiel fellowship, and run possibly the most successful early stage VC in the world.

The idea was to literally measure cells without lysing (killing) them. That’s like dreaming to walk on the moon. But I held the scientific grounding to have a plan. To build it out. And they are the major investor of the pre seed.

It is ACTUALLY beginning to work out, and when it fully does, I will look back and wonder how they were able to have the careful eye to support scientifically groundbreaking ideas day in and day out.

Not just this, but they’re the kindest people ever. When my grandfather passed away recently, @DStrachman insisted she sit with me on a bus at the 1517 trip this year, and genuinely made the worst day of my life better.

There’s few people like Michael and Danielle.

And if you are a scientist, on your own wild mission. You need to apply to Flux to find out.

Flux Capacitor - $100k for scientists looking to turn experiments to a startup.

Apple at the link below.


She’s THE queen!

Replying to @H2Colby @parmita @1517fund @William_Blake


@henrymarkarian


"The game is far more brutal if you're young. A young scientist with their own lab who sets their own research direction is unheard of."

Steer your own ship with Flux. Applications due at midnight tonight.

1517 Fund

                    @1517fund

                  11 May 2025

                Why Bell Labs Worked.

ps — apply to Flux!


All wily makers and scientists welcome to apply!

Get it in by midnight tonight:

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…


Also, young here basically means under 30 lol.


So my house has been under a renovation for a year and it's been time to pick paint colors -- very impressed with how much chatgpt has helped in the process here.


Heck yeah! Also badass -- renos yourself is no joke! Mad props.


This restaurant has clearly read Unreasonable Hospitality!

Nick Gray

                    @nickgraynews

                  12 May 2025

                This restaurant I’m at has a stack of free Mother’s Day cards cards inside the Men’s restroom


Check out @zeldapoem's work!


Procrastinators unite!

4 hours left for Flux applications!

Danielle Strachman 💗 🐈 💃 🪴 🎸 🎨 🐕

                    @DStrachman

                  11 May 2025

                "The game is far more brutal if you're young. A young scientist with their own lab who sets their own research direction is unheard of."

Steer your own ship with Flux. Applications due at midnight tonight.


Is chatgpt freezing and losing track of what you were doing the new "I didn't push save" in 1997?

Because that's how it feels. FML


Flux applications are open for another 3 hrs!


He's still workin' it!!

Replying to @trickylabyrinth @William_Blake


As an early bird type, I hate that it's true, but it's true!

3 more hours left! You ADHD bunnies get YO THANG ON!

1517.smapply.us/prog/flux_ca…


2.5 hours left to apply for Flux!

Kayode

                    @Kayodeodeleye

                  12 May 2025

                Replying to @DStrachman
                Procrastinators who end up putting in stellar effort are super stars


Less than 2 hours to apply to Flux -- don't get trapped in a system that sustains on scarcity!