Inflation, once the spark for VC’s rise, now fuels its crisis. Today, VCs scramble as the dollar loses its grip — not just from eroded purchasing power, but because money no longer guarantees safety, comfort or joy for anyone outside the 1 percent. For the masses, it’s losing relevance; for the elite, it’s a tool to steer society’s fate.
As money’s meaning shifts, so do success metrics. In 2026 tech, attention — not revenue – is the primary driver of capital, based on my experience. We’re seeing nonsensical valuations for pre-product or barely profitable startups, simply because they faintly signal that they’ll, at some point, capture mindshare, even if revenues suggest otherwise. OpenAI’s Sam Altman recently dismissed an investor for questioning the company’s spending commitments compared to revenues saying, “If you want to sell your shares, I’ll find you a buyer.” Altman’s assuredness signals a seismic shift in capital flows.
Take Polymarket and Kalshi: They raised billions on the promise of prediction markets revolutionizing speculation for all, despite relatively small revenues. OpenAI partners with the U.S. government; the NYSE stakes Polymarket. Many investors aren’t chasing dollars anymore — they’re after power. VC, like other industries, has pivoted: Attention is the world’s top currency. Here’s why.
The Importance of Intelligence in the Digital Age
Picture a world without money. A world where life revolves around creation, not survival. Elon Musk calls this “the age of abundance,” powered by a newly liberated, AI-enabled world. But admission to this utopia is hefty.
Social media spread illusions of fake wealth, killing the satisfaction of “hard-earned money” post by post, like by like. More consumers live screen-bound lives. Subscriptions, overconsumption and isolation are markers of an exhausted civilization. Depression rates in the U.S. are rising. In this void, online culture can be viewed as the prime way to influence and monetize consumers.
Businesses had to pivot. Success meant engaging customers online — where they spend time. It’s an efficient sales channel. This is late-stage capitalism’s final act, from credit’s “magic money” to impulse buys through Apple Pay. Without an online presence, you’re invisible. Attention is currency; control it, and you’re in a better position to thrive. Investors are taking note.
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Dollar devaluation only adds fuel to this fire. Businesses risk vanishing if they lose attention. As they say, prior performance isn’t indicative of future success. Because of this, some investors have redefined the concept — and the signs of — ROI. Investors are concerned, now more than ever, with finding businesses that will sustain mindshare.
That said, from this moment onward, I believe chasing money’s a game of diminishing returns, literally. Attention is the new currency and information, in today’s digital market, reigns supreme.
AI is an arm’s race to the perpetual elite. Its victors will channel, analyze and productize intelligence — often via “investments” that grant them data or access. ChatGPT offers convenience to users, but zeitgeist control for influential stakeholders.
Conclusion
Money used to be a presumably objective — but more importantly fair — measure of one’s power, freedom and influence. Inflation diminishing its relevance changed the rules for key players in society. In 2026, for VCs, success means mastering an evolving game, not just playing blind. Even the best of players will lose if they’re unable to adapt to these rapid changes.
For founders, attention proxies future dominance. Spend yours wisely, and make sure to pitch opportunities through investors’ lens by signaling your business’s ability to sustain attention.
The information provided here is not investment, tax or financial advice. You should consult with a licensed professional for advice concerning your specific situation.
