The Brothers Who Live One Life — The Incredible Adventures of David and Daniil Liberman

Added: Aug 27, 2023

The brothers were exposed to their parents' scientific work from a young age, surrounded by piles of papers and data. They observed their parents challenging the status quo and questioning the current understanding of science. This influenced their own thinking and approach to problem-solving. At the age of 18 or 19, the Liberman brothers presented an idea to the Russian Parliament to combat corruption by making government expenses transparent and storing the data on people's machines. However, their presentation was shut down, and they were warned by a deputy that their idea went against the interests of powerful individuals who would not hesitate to harm them. Realizing that their top-down approach was not feasible, the brothers decided to focus on building their own businesses and gathering resources. They started an internet service provider (ISP) to provide affordable internet access to their neighborhood. They went door to door, convincing their neighbors to sign up for internet service, and used the money to buy equipment and connect the households. After the ISP, the brothers ventured into the gaming industry, inspired by their love for online games like Ultima Online. They raised funds and built a gaming studio, but faced challenges and eventually went bankrupt in 2009. However, they learned valuable lessons from this experience and decided to start an animation studio. The brothers developed a unique production process that allowed them to create a half-hour animated show in just one week. They received support from IBM, who provided them with equipment, and they secured a deal with Channel One, the largest TV network in Russia, to produce a political satire show. The success of the show gave them the financial means to pay off their debts and transition to the United States. The Liberman brothers decided to move to the United States in 2010, establishing a presence in Los Angeles. They believed that Russia, being run by former KGB officials, would not change unless there was a revolution. They saw the United States as a better environment for their ideas and aspirations. In the second part of the podcast, the Liberman brothers discuss their transition from the entertainment industry to the technology sector. They developed a transparent banking platform for nonprofits, but realized that the market was not ready for it. They recognized the limitations of the nonprofit sector and the changing preferences of younger donors. They decided to focus on technologies that could transform society and eventually found their way to Silicon Valley. The brothers share their unique approach to life and work, where they live as one entity with shared email addresses, social media accounts, and even a single king-sized bed. They explain that their close bond and shared intuition have been advantageous in their business endeavors, allowing them to work seamlessly together and make decisions more efficiently. They also discuss the challenges this dynamic presents in romantic relationships and their plans to create a living arrangement that accommodates both their bond and potential partners. The brothers then talk about their current focus on AI and coding education. They explain their belief that coding is a language that can be learned by anyone, and they discuss their efforts to make coding more accessible and less intimidating. They describe their approach to teaching coding, which involves starting with natural language and gradually transitioning to coding language. The conversation then turns to the topic of Snapchat and the Liberman brothers' involvement in the company. They discuss how they helped Snapchat address a decline in users by identifying and addressing a problem with the Android version of the app. They explain that the slow performance of the Android app was causing users to abandon the platform, and they describe how they brought this issue to the attention of Snapchat's engineering team. The brothers also discuss their parents' work in the field of biology and their groundbreaking discoveries in the area of quantum biology. They explain how their parents' interdisciplinary approach to science has influenced their own work and thinking. The Liberman brothers go on to discuss their unique investment model called Libermans. The Libermans' model aims to convert individual income into securities, allowing individuals to attract investment and accelerate their growth potential. They argue that the current financial system is biased towards equity and shares of companies, rather than individual income, which has led to a wealth disparity and limited opportunities for young people. The Libermans trace the origins of the current financial system to the growth of pension funds in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Due to the financial struggles of public pension funds, regulations were put in place to protect these funds, leading to a shift in investment preferences towards equity and shares. This shift, combined with the growth of student debt, has resulted in a decrease in opportunities for young people to start businesses and accumulate wealth. The Libermans propose that by investing in individual income as equity, rather than traditional companies, the economy can experience significant growth. They argue that this investment model can provide capital for young people to pursue higher education, start businesses, and create new opportunities. They believe that by shifting the focus from shares and equity to individual income, the economy can become 10 times larger, leading to increased prosperity for all. The Libermans acknowledge that their investment model challenges the traditional notion that struggle and suffering are necessary for success. They argue that many successful entrepreneurs come from upper-middle-class backgrounds and have not experienced significant financial struggles. They believe that by relieving some of the financial pressures, such as student debt, individuals can focus on their growth and potential, leading to greater success in the long run. The brothers emphasize the importance of education and communication in creating change. They believe that many people are unaware of the choices they have when it comes to investing their money. They suggest that people should take the time to research and understand the impact of their investments, and to consider investing in companies that align with their values. David and Daniil also discuss the potential for technology to facilitate sustainable investing. They suggest that there could be a startup that makes it easier for pensioners to invest in sustainable companies. They believe that by raising awareness and providing accessible options, more people will choose to invest in companies that have a positive impact on the world. The brothers share an experiment they conducted with their own retirement accounts. David changed his investments to include more sustainable companies, while Daniil left his investments as they were. David's account has earned 30% more than Daniil's, demonstrating that sustainable investing can be financially beneficial. They conclude by encouraging listeners to consider their own investments and to think about the future they want to leave for future generations. They believe that investing in sustainable companies is not only morally right but also financially advantageous. They urge people to educate themselves, ask questions, and take action to create a more sustainable future.