When a Student Exposes the System: Theo Baker on Stanford, Venture Capital and the 'Ruling' Class

Colleagues, a tech-world dispatch: student-reporter Theo Baker’s probe led to Stanford’s president resigning and inspired How to Rule the World.

Summary:
— Baker found dubious images in research papers and pushed for an investigation.
— The book reveals 'inside Stanford': closed networks, class rituals and a talent pipeline feeding venture capital.
— Simultaneous shocks — FTX’s collapse and an AI boom — amplified the competition for talent.

Why it matters: concentration of money and access among young 'stars' without safeguards threatens scientific integrity and startups.

How should academia balance openness with elite gatekeeping?

#startups #venturecapital #education #cybersecurity