I mentioned this in the Lex interview, but it is official now: Keen Technologies, my new AGI company, has raised a $20M round, led by @natfriedman and @danielgross, with @patrickc, @tobi, @sequoia, @CapitalFactory, and Jim Keller participating.
This is explicitly a focusing effort for me. I could write a $20M check myself, but knowing that other people's money is on the line engenders a greater sense of discipline and determination. I had talked about that as a possibility for a while, and I am glad Nat pushed me on it.
I am continuing as a consultant with Meta on VR matters, devoting about 20% of my time there.
@ID_AA_Carmack This strikes me as a very curious forcing function. Why do others money matter more than your own?
@ID_AA_Carmack That’s sort of the opposite of what I’d expect. Having one’s own money on the line is incredibly focusing I think, unless $20M is not a lot of money to the operator I suppose.
@ID_AA_Carmack Anyway, it's good to have a chance to write a $20M check on your own. I believe this is also the reason why other people invest in your new venture. Best wishes for your new journey! :)
@ID_AA_Carmack Keen is cool. Johnny5 would have been epic though.