Colin and Earendil

2026-01-27 · Source: Armin Ronacher's Thoughts and Writings · Field: Technology & Digital — Entrepreneurship & Start-ups, Software Development & Engineering, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

On January 27, 2026, a new company named Earendil was announced, co-founded by Colin and an unnamed partner in Vienna. The company has incorporated as a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) with a founding charter focused on crafting software and open protocols, strengthening human agency, bridging division, and cultivating lasting joy and understanding. The founders, who met in Vienna and share values despite different backgrounds, emphasize their commitment to ethical business practices and open-source principles. They view Vienna, a city distinct from Silicon Valley, as their shared base, providing a necessary counterbalance to prevailing industry mindsets. The company aims to navigate current societal and technological changes, including the impact of artificial intelligence, by adhering to core values and principles to positively influence the future.

Key takeaway

For entrepreneurs considering new ventures, establishing a clear founding charter and incorporating as a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) can embed core values and societal impact directly into your business model. This approach, exemplified by Earendil, allows you to proactively shape your company's direction and demonstrate commitment to ethical practices from inception, rather than reacting to challenges later.

Key insights

Earendil, a new PBC, aims to build open software and protocols while upholding human agency and societal values.

Principles

• Incorporate shared values into company foundation.
• Prioritize ethical conduct and societal benefit.
• Embrace open-source principles.

Method

The company incorporated as a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) with a founding charter to guide its mission, focusing on open protocols and strengthening human agency.

In practice

• Consider Vienna as a startup hub.
• Explore PBC structure for new ventures.

Topics

• Earendil
• Benefit Corporation
• Open-Source Software
• Human Agency
• Ethical Technology

Best for: Entrepreneur, Software Engineer, AI Ethicist

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Armin Ronacher's Thoughts and Writings.