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The Triumph of the Geeks

How a new generation of entrepreneurs upgraded the most important software of all: the company.

Arena Magazine <[email protected]>

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Monday, September 14, 2026

The company promotes Plaid's secure data connectivity, highlighting its use in ChatGPT's personal finance experience. This service provides users with insights grounded in their real accounts and goals. Plaid's technology is showcased as a key component of intelligent finance, giving people control over their data while offering personalized financial guidance.

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Telling the Great American Story, in Print!

The Triumph of the Geeks

How a new generation of entrepreneurs upgraded the most important software of all: the company. By Andrew McAfee.

Today's email is presented by Plaid

People expect financial tools to understand their actual situation. Powered by Plaid's secure data connectivity, ChatGPT's personal finance experience gives people insights grounded in their real accounts, tied to their own goals, and everyday decisions. People stay in control of their data while getting answers built around their real financial life — that's intelligent finance.

At a conference about a decade ago in Silicon Valley, I ran into venture capitalist Steve Jurvetson during a break. “Hey, what’s new?” I asked. He responded with the zeal of a true believer. “Andy, I’ll tell you what’s new. What’s new is that SpaceX is going to bathe the world in cheap internet connectivity via satellite.” As near as I can recall, my response was, “Wow, that is so interesting. I need some more coffee.”

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