Technological Tastemakers

Funs Jacobs

Technological Tastemakers explores the intersection of creativity, technology, and culture. What does it mean to build something iconic when AI can build anything? The answer lives in three forces: Built by Creatives. Run by Agents. Fueled by Culture. Essays and conversations hosted by Funs Jacobs. Next-Gen Brand Architect with 15+ years of building brands. Most recently Sr. Innovation Director at .Monks, one of the world's largest creative technology companies, where he led innovation for some of the world's biggest brands.

  1. Apr 16

    The Creative Renaissance: Why Human Taste Is the Last Unfair Advantage in the Age of AI (Full Essay)

    I just wrote the most important piece of my career. This episode is a full reading of my essay The Creative Renaissance: Why Human Taste Is the Last Unfair Advantage in the Age of AI. Over the last 15 years, I've built brands across music, sports, gaming, and advertising. Most recently as Sr. Innovation Director at .Monks. This essay is everything I believe about where the world of brands, creativity, and technology is heading. It covers how Apple, Gucci, and Supreme all lost their creative soul. Why AI has turned brand building into an optimization engine for mediocrity. The Sea of Sameness and why every brand is starting to look, sound, and feel the same. How AI agents are removing the biggest excuse creatives ever had. Why human connection and physical community will become the most valuable thing in business. And the framework I believe will define the next generation of iconic brands: Built by Creatives. Run by Agents. Fueled by Culture. This is not a doom story. This is a call to build. In a world run by machines, the only thing left is human taste. Read the full essay: www.funsjacobs.com Follow the journey:Instagram: @funsjacobsInstagram: @technologicaltastemakersSubstack: Technological TastemakersWhatsApp Community: The Tastemakers Collective

    40 min

  2. 12/11/2025

    52 Weeks. 52 Articles. My Biggest Learnings | Feature 52

    Celebrating 52 Weeks of Insight: Reflections and Future Plans In this special episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs marks the one-year milestone of his weekly newsletter with Episode 52, reflecting on the journey, learnings, and impact of consistent writing. He explores the challenges of finding new topics weekly, the frustration with social algorithms, and the spectrum of feedback. Funs also discusses how writing has changed his perspective on news, shares his plans to take a break in 2025, and hints at new directions for 2026. He invites listeners to a community meetup in Amsterdam and thanks all subscribers for their support. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 01:15 Reflecting on One Year of Writing 03:43 The Challenges of Weekly Writing 04:46 Personal Growth and Learnings 05:38 The Loneliness of Content Creation 06:40 Impact on Perspective and Content Evolution 08:23 The Newsletter's Central Role in Life 09:16 Accountability and Future Plans 11:31 Thank You and Signing Off About Band of Insiders Band of Insiders is a future forward platform and community for curious marketers, brand leaders, and founders who want to stay ahead of the curve. We explore the cultural and technological shifts shaping business—from AI to blockchain, gaming to Gen Z behavior—and what they really mean for you. Hosted by Funs Jacobs: Dutch innovation strategist with 10+ years of experience in advertising, music, sports, and tech. Now based in Bali, Funs helps brands around the world spot what’s next and act on it, fast. Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly deep dives and rapid signals: www.funsjacobs.com Join the WhatsApp community for real-time drops and discussion. Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/funsj⁠ Connect on Instagram: @funs.eth or @band.of.insiders Email: funs@hey.com

    13 min

  3. 12/04/2025

    The Most Important Company in the World | Feature 51

    The Rise of Nvidia: From Gaming Giant to AI Powerhouse In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs dives into the incredible journey of Nvidia, a company that has evolved from a gaming chip manufacturer to a critical player in the AI industry. The discussion covers Nvidia's history, the challenges it faced, and how it managed to dominate multiple computing sectors, including gaming, cryptocurrency, and artificial intelligence. Special focus is given to Nvidia's founder, Jensen Huang, and his vision for parallel computing. The episode also touches on the geopolitical implications of the technology race, the dependencies on key infrastructure players like TSMC and ASML, and the future outlook of AI computing. This comprehensive deep dive highlights the strategic moves and innovative culture that have made Nvidia indispensable in today's digital economy. 00:00 Introduction to the Band of Insiders Podcast 00:34 Unveiling the Focus: Nvidia's Impact on AI 02:32 The Humble Beginnings of Nvidia 06:37 Nvidia's Early Struggles and Breakthroughs 09:09 Nvidia's Role in the Cryptocurrency Boom 11:39 Nvidia's Pivotal Role in AI Development 15:01 The Triangle of AI Compute Infrastructure 20:24 The Future of Compute and Energy 21:21 Closing Thoughts and Farewell About Band of Insiders Band of Insiders is a future forward platform and community for curious marketers, brand leaders, and founders who want to stay ahead of the curve. We explore the cultural and technological shifts shaping business—from AI to blockchain, gaming to Gen Z behavior—and what they really mean for you. Hosted by Funs Jacobs: Dutch innovation strategist with 10+ years of experience in advertising, music, sports, and tech. Now based in Bali, Funs helps brands around the world spot what’s next and act on it, fast. Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly deep dives and rapid signals: www.funsjacobs.com Join the WhatsApp community for real-time drops and discussion. Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/funsj⁠ Connect on Instagram: @funs.eth or @band.of.insiders Email: funs@hey.com

    22 min

  4. 11/27/2025

    Goodbye Subscriptions? Meet x402 | Feature 50

    The Future of Online Payments: How x402 Will Revolutionize the Digital Economy In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, Funs Jacobs discusses the emergence of the x402 payment protocol and its potential to revolutionize the internet. Jacobs explores how the historical absence of a native payment system in the web, termed 'the original sin of the internet,' led to the dominance of ad-based models and subscription services. With x402, agents can now make microtransactions directly within HTTP requests, enabling new business models and more honest economic exchanges. Jacobs outlines how this innovation will impact AI agents, digital services, and consumer behavior, emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt to this new paradigm. The episode concludes with a call to action for companies to start integrating per-use-value models and leveraging x402 to shape the future of the internet. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:09 The Rise of AI Agents and Predictions 02:10 The Original Sin of the Internet 05:12 The Return of HTTP 402 and x402 Protocol 08:37 How x402 Transforms AI Agent Capabilities 12:44 Rethinking Business Models in an x402 World 15:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts About Band of Insiders Band of Insiders is a future forward platform and community for curious marketers, brand leaders, and founders who want to stay ahead of the curve. We explore the cultural and technological shifts shaping business—from AI to blockchain, gaming to Gen Z behavior—and what they really mean for you. Hosted by Funs Jacobs: Dutch innovation strategist with 10+ years of experience in advertising, music, sports, and tech. Now based in Bali, Funs helps brands around the world spot what’s next and act on it, fast. Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly deep dives and rapid signals: www.funsjacobs.com Join the WhatsApp community for real-time drops and discussion. Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/funsj⁠ Connect on Instagram: @funs.eth or @band.of.insiders Email: funs@hey.com

    17 min

  5. 11/20/2025

    If You Care About Freedom, You Should Care About This | Feature 49

    Live from Buenos Aires: The Real Power of Ethereum and Blockchain In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs broadcasts live from Buenos Aires, Argentina, sharing his experiences at the Devconnect Conference. The podcast delves into the essence of Ethereum, detailing its decentralized platform and the vision of its creator, Vitalik Buterin. Funs explores the impact of blockchain technology on Argentina's economy, particularly in tackling hyperinflation and fostering crypto adoption. The episode also touches on the importance of privacy in the digital age and the role of zero-knowledge technology. Combining personal insights and industry knowledge, Funs offers a comprehensive look at the transformative potential of blockchain. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:48 Live from Buenos Aires: Devconnect Conference 02:32 Understanding Ethereum: A Deep Dive 05:32 Ethereum by the Numbers 07:13 Crypto Adoption in Argentina 10:24 My Personal Crypto Journey 13:14 The Importance of Privacy in Blockchain 16:56 Closing Thoughts and Farewell Disclaimer: Nothing in this article is financial advice. Always do your own research and make decisions based on your own situation. For me, this space is about technology, freedom, and long-term impact. It goes far beyond investment. About Band of Insiders Band of Insiders is a future forward platform and community for curious marketers, brand leaders, and founders who want to stay ahead of the curve. We explore the cultural and technological shifts shaping business—from AI to blockchain, gaming to Gen Z behavior—and what they really mean for you. Hosted by Funs Jacobs: Dutch innovation strategist with 10+ years of experience in advertising, music, sports, and tech. Now based in Bali, Funs helps brands around the world spot what’s next and act on it, fast. Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly deep dives and rapid signals: www.funsjacobs.com Join the WhatsApp community for real-time drops and discussion. Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/funsj⁠ Connect on Instagram: @funs.eth or @band.of.insiders Email: funs@hey.com

    19 min

  6. 11/13/2025

    Brands Forgot About Gaming. Big Mistake | Feature 48

    The State of Gaming in 2025: A Deep Dive into the Biggest Cultural Platform In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs explores the immense growth and cultural impact of the gaming industry in 2025. While AI dominates headlines, gaming quietly remains a major force, with nearly half the global population identifying as gamers. Funs delves into key statistics, player demographics, significant cultural moments, and the integration of AI in gaming. He emphasizes the importance for brands to engage with gaming not just as a marketing strategy but as a means to foster deep, interactive customer relationships. Jacobs also touches on major industry milestones, including record-breaking player counts and unprecedented mergers and acquisitions. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:00 The Evolution of Gaming 05:51 The Numbers: Gaming's Massive Growth 09:46 The Players: Who's Really Gaming? 11:56 Cultural Impact: Gaming in Pop Culture 14:17 Gaming and AI: The Future is Here 16:52 Brands and Gaming: A New Frontier 18:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts About Band of Insiders Band of Insiders is a future forward platform and community for curious marketers, brand leaders, and founders who want to stay ahead of the curve. We explore the cultural and technological shifts shaping business—from AI to blockchain, gaming to Gen Z behavior—and what they really mean for you. Hosted by Funs Jacobs: Dutch innovation strategist with 10+ years of experience in advertising, music, sports, and tech. Now based in Bali, Funs helps brands around the world spot what’s next and act on it, fast. Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly deep dives and rapid signals: www.funsjacobs.com Join the WhatsApp community for real-time drops and discussion. Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/funsj⁠ Connect on Instagram: @funs.eth or @band.of.insiders Email: funs@hey.com

    20 min

  7. 11/06/2025

    A True Story That Proves AI Is Worth the Hype | Feature 47

    AI and Medical Breakthroughs: The Inspiring Story of Every Cure In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs shares an inspiring story about the nonprofit organization Every Cure. Founded by Dr. David Fajgenbaum, Dr. Grant Mitchell, and Tracey Sikora, Every Cure leverages artificial intelligence to find new uses for existing medicines. The episode discusses the broader potential of AI to revolutionize healthcare by repurposing FDA-approved drugs to treat currently untreatable diseases. Funs delves into the personal journey of Dr. Fajgenbaum, who used AI to discover a life-saving drug for his own rare condition, and highlights several other success stories. This episode aims to spread positive, hopeful stories about the real-world impact of AI in critical industries like healthcare. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:54 The Promise and Frustration of AI 03:13 Introducing Every Cure: A Nonprofit Revolutionizing Medicine 03:45 Dr. David Fajgenbaum's Inspiring Journey 07:02 How Every Cure Utilizes AI 09:17 Real-World Impact and Success Stories 11:26 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action About Band of Insiders Band of Insiders is a future forward platform and community for curious marketers, brand leaders, and founders who want to stay ahead of the curve. We explore the cultural and technological shifts shaping business—from AI to blockchain, gaming to Gen Z behavior—and what they really mean for you. Hosted by Funs Jacobs: Dutch innovation strategist with 10+ years of experience in advertising, music, sports, and tech. Now based in Bali, Funs helps brands around the world spot what’s next and act on it, fast. Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly deep dives and rapid signals: www.funsjacobs.com Join the WhatsApp community for real-time drops and discussion. Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/funsj⁠ Connect on Instagram: @funs.eth or @band.of.insiders Email: funs@hey.com

    14 min

  8. 10/30/2025

    5 Ways To Find Your Next Great AI Hire | Feature 46

    How to Hire AI-Native Talent for Your Business In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs delves into how businesses can find and hire AI-native employees. With a focus on the cultural revolution accompanying the technological advances of AI, Jacobs outlines five key strategies for identifying candidates who can effectively integrate AI into their workflows. He emphasizes the importance of context engineering, critical thinking, curiosity, and the ability to manage AI agents. Jacobs also shares insights from his career and offers practical tips for bringing the right talent into organizations looking to thrive in an AI-driven world. 00:00 Introduction and Gratitude 00:46 Today's Topic: Finding AI Native Employees 01:35 Host's Background and Experience 03:12 The Importance of AI in Hiring 03:56 Five Ways to Identify AI Talent 04:15 1. Beyond Basic AI Usage 05:41 2. The Power of Context Engineering 07:46 3. Avoiding AI Dependency 09:33 4. Valuing Curiosity Over Credentials 11:08 5. Managing AI Agents 13:00 Summary and Closing Thoughts 13:49 Final Remarks and Call to Action About Band of Insiders Band of Insiders is a future forward platform and community for curious marketers, brand leaders, and founders who want to stay ahead of the curve. We explore the cultural and technological shifts shaping business—from AI to blockchain, gaming to Gen Z behavior—and what they really mean for you. Hosted by Funs Jacobs: Dutch innovation strategist with 10+ years of experience in advertising, music, sports, and tech. Now based in Bali, Funs helps brands around the world spot what’s next and act on it, fast. Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly deep dives and rapid signals: www.funsjacobs.com Join the WhatsApp community for real-time drops and discussion. Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/funsj⁠ Connect on Instagram: @funs.eth or @band.of.insiders Email: funs@hey.com

    16 min
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About

Technological Tastemakers explores the intersection of creativity, technology, and culture. What does it mean to build something iconic when AI can build anything? The answer lives in three forces: Built by Creatives. Run by Agents. Fueled by Culture. Essays and conversations hosted by Funs Jacobs. Next-Gen Brand Architect with 15+ years of building brands. Most recently Sr. Innovation Director at .Monks, one of the world's largest creative technology companies, where he led innovation for some of the world's biggest brands.

Information

  • Creator
    Funs Jacobs
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Funs Jacobs
  • Show Website
    Technological Tastemakers