The Case for Betting on Radical Innovation

Preaching to the choir.

Welcome to the first of three posts on Positron’s mission and methods. Since you’re a scientist-entrepreneur, tech-savvy limited partner, or fellow VC, this topic may feel familiar (hence the subtitle)—but it sets the stage for deeper analysis. In Part 2, we’ll identify where breakthroughs are most urgent. In Part 3, we’ll explain how Positron accelerates that progress. These posts build on our longer Positron Investment Thesis & Manifesto, available for a deeper dive1.

The Prosperity Miracle - how did we get here?

Despite popular perception2, humanity has never before enjoyed such widespread wealth and comfort. In a span of just a few centuries, we have gone from subsistence farming to unprecedented prosperity — a transformation so rapid it’s almost miraculous. Life expectancy3, literacy rates4, and living standards have all climbed dramatically, as documented by the likes of Hans Rosling5, Steven Pinker6, and Hannah Ritchie7. Extreme poverty8 and child mortality9 have plummeted, education has spread, and billions now enjoy health care, convenience, and opportunities that medieval monarchs would envy10.

…Read further on our substack.