For some tech leaders, Burning Man offers a refreshing alternative to boardrooms. This iconic arts festival has transformed into a gathering spot for tech moguls, celebrities, and models seeking an escape in the Black Rock Desert.
Burning Man cultivates an atmosphere of anonymity, allowing public figures to don costumes and go by nicknames, giving them a chance to mingle freely. Notable attendees over the years include Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos. However, these executives are drawn to the event for more than just revelry; many attribute pivotal business insights, including investments and philanthropic ventures, to their experiences at the festival.
OpenAI founder Sam Altman, who has attended multiple times despite his earlier skepticism, credits the event with dramatically reshaping his vision for a post-artificial general intelligence world. On the “Life in Seven Songs” podcast, he described it as a space where people prioritize collaboration and generosity.
Several significant business developments have occurred in the wake of Burning Man experiences:
Jeffrey Katzenberg invested in a drone business after seeing it at Burning Man.
During the 2022 event, Kimbal Musk, brother of Elon Musk, hosted a stunning drone show that captured Katzenberg’s attention. The vibrant display inspired him to explore potential investment opportunities in the project.
The Google founders bonded with a CEO candidate.
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt may owe his role to his participation in Burning Man. Google cofounders Sergey Brin and Larry Page have frequently attended the festival, and after vetting numerous candidates, they found Schmidt’s similar interests at the event propelled him to the top of their list.
Elon Musk gave his cousin a business idea on the way to Black Rock City.
In 2004, while heading to Burning Man, Musk suggested to his cousin Lyndon Rive that he consider a solar panel company. This conversation ultimately led to the founding of SolarCity, which Tesla acquired for $2.6 billion in 2016.
A Facebook cofounder was inspired to be more philanthropic.
In a 2013 Medium post, Facebook cofounder Dustin Moskovitz discussed how his experiences at Burning Man motivated him and his wife to start Good Ventures, a philanthropic foundation. He reflected on how attending the festival often enhances the perspective of those wielding power and resources, fostering a greater commitment to giving back.