Letter from the Editor-in-Chief

      Recently, much like many of you, I read what I feared could be The Next Web’s last article. In late September, the co-founder of TNW announced that the tech conference and news platform would be shutting down, with no more events or new articles. It felt like the conclusion of an era; the news was impactful.

      However, just a few weeks ago, a surprising turn of events occurred: the tech platform Tekpon acquired 100% of TNW’s media and events brand from the Financial Times, ensuring that this nearly two-decade legacy will persist.

      While attempting to gauge public sentiment on this topic, I came across a comment in one article from a former TNW editor-in-chief who said: “The Next Web shaped my career, my life… it’s very sad to see it die.”

      Those words lingered with me.

      I pondered: Why do we often assume that when one chapter ends, the entire story has concluded? Yes, taking over TNW is a significant responsibility, especially with heightened expectations on us.

      I’ll confess, doubts arose: Am I equipped for this? Could someone with more experience handle it better? Perhaps. But I’m stepping up regardless. This isn't merely another blog or brand; TNW is a dynamic ecosystem, a thriving community. Its narrative deserves to carry on, and I am committed to helping craft the next chapter.

      I also understand some of you might be curious: Who is she? What does she know? How many articles has she written? What qualifies her?

      Instead of listing credentials, let me quickly introduce myself.

      I’ve been writing since high school, with thousands of articles to my name, covering a wide array of topics including culture, art, hip hop, design, politics, history, and food. I started my first content writing job at 18, and alongside writing, I pursued another passion: becoming a chef.

      (Fun fact: I even reached the semifinals of MasterChef, an experience that taught me about creativity under pressure and staying composed when things get heated.)

      Currently, I use my storytelling skills to assist businesses in grasping technology and leveraging it effectively. I help companies narrate their authentic stories, distilling meaning and coherence in every word.

      Over the years, I’ve focused on merging creative storytelling with the technical precision akin to a chef’s knife. (My colleagues at Tekpon might say I'm as sharp as that knife—true to my values and quick to cut through the clutter.) I am also the “No, we have to do it right” voice on the team.

      I’ve reviewed numerous software products, interviewed founders, and investigated how digital innovation can positively impact society—or not. To put it another way, I’ve always been concerned with the ‘why’ behind the tech, the genuine effect on people's lives, not merely the hype. That perspective will inform every article we publish at TNW.

      If there’s a place for those who still believe in the significance of human-written stories, let me know where it is. I'm already on my way.

      I’m not here to alter TNW’s essence; I’m here to enhance it with new energy and a clear future vision.

      To the committed TNW readers, to the startup founders who sought our inspiration, to the discerning tech skeptics who relied on us for a reality check, and to our global audience across continents: we hear you.

      We all acknowledge that the tech news landscape has transformed significantly. Today, everyone has a loudspeaker, social media is flooded with opinions, and AI algorithms can generate content in seconds. It can be overwhelming amidst this torrent of perspectives and automated articles. In this environment, the role of a publication like TNW is more crucial than ever: to serve as a filter rather than just another flood of content.

      We will emphasize curation and clarity, sifting through the noise so you don’t have to.

      Here’s the good news: despite the overwhelming amount of AI-generated text, readers are on the lookout for genuine, human journalism. Every article we publish will be written by a human who is responsible for the facts and who provides context, analysis, and a touch of personality as well.

      Our mission is not to chase every trending headline based on algorithms; it’s to help you discern which innovations truly matter, and why.

      If a story is ubiquitous but lacks substance, we won’t repeat it; we’ll examine it or debunk it. If a breakthrough has real potential, we’ll discuss why it’s significant and how it affects real lives. Being a thoughtful filter in this age of information overload (and AI-generated noise) is not just a catchy phrase for us; it’s a responsibility we take seriously.

      You’ll also notice something different in our approach: a focus on storytelling and the human dimension of technology. Technology isn’t developed in isolation; it’s created and utilized by people with aspirations, challenges, and varied backgrounds