Venmo

Andrew Kortina reflects on why work is tied to dignity and how that belief is shaped by culture, while questioning whether it remains useful as technology creates more abundance. He argues that useful technologies may be invented regardless of any one person's effort, yet that belief cannot be a universal excuse to avoid contributing. Kortina criticizes Silicon Valley companies for selling work as a source of meaning, even as he describes the satisfaction and focus that craft can bring. He also explains Fin's human-powered assistant service, its operational challenges, and how Venmo's long-term payments strategy led to its sale.