Jim Von Ehr donates $100,000 to The Seasteading Institute
Not all nanotechnology entrepreneurs think small. Jim Von Ehr, founder and CEO of Zyvex Labs–a leading nanotech company–recently gave $100,000 to The Seasteading Institute (TSI) toward the goal of creating independent communities on the open ocean.
Said Von Ehr of his gift:
“History teaches us that we see incredible gains for civilization whenever a new frontier is developed. Seasteads represent a freedom frontier unique in the world: offering a chance to provide social, economic and political freedom to its citizens. Humanity will benefit from more places open to liberty, opportunity, free markets and innovation in everything.”
Patri Friedman, founder and executive director of TSI, added “Jim Von Ehr’s passion for freedom, engineering practicality and experience as a technology entrepreneur make him an ideal supporter, and we’re delighted to welcome him.”
The Thiel Foundation will match Von Ehr’s donation, completing their $100,000 matching grant for the first half of 2010. As a result, the Foundation is increasing their grant to match up to $250k of TSI funds raised through Dec. 31, 2010.
Located in Sunnyvale, California–in the heart of Silicon Valley–the Seasteading Institute was created to further the establishment and growth of permanent, autonomous ocean communities, enabling innovation with new political and social systems. TSI is a nonprofit public benefit corporation. For further information, visit www.seasteading.org.
