How a Former Coinbase CTO’s Multi-Million-Dollar Dream for Tech Founders Triggered a Shutdown from Malaysian Authorities—And What It Means for the Future of Innovation
When America seems to be teetering on the precipice of collapse, what’s a visionary former Coinbase CTO to do? Build a new country, of course! Balaji Srinivasan’s bold experiment in Malaysia—a pricey $1,500-a-month Network School tucked inside a nearly deserted ghost city—wasn’t just about luxury gyms or longevity guru-crafted meals; it was an ambitious attempt to create a sovereign digital community from scratch. But, as you might guess, the road to utopia isn’t without its potholes: moldy rooms, scarce nightlife, and apparently, a severe shortage of women sparked grumbles, while a politically sensitive Instagram post ignited investigations and an eventual shutdown. Yet, undeterred, Srinivasan marched on—signing a fresh deal to plant his techno-optimist flag in Kazakhstan. Can the dream of a new nation founded on online ingenuity and radical sovereignty withstand real-world challenges? Let’s dive deeper into this daring odyssey. LEARN MORE.
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Balaji Srinivasan believes America is heading toward collapse. So he set out to build his own country instead. The former Coinbase CTO spent two years running the Network School in a ghost city in Malaysia, where founders paid $1,500 a month for room, board and classes on a campus that also included a high-end gym and meals designed by longevity guru Bryan Johnson, according to the Wall Street Journal. The plan called for online communities to pool resources and eventually declare sovereignty.
But residents complained of moldy rooms, no nightlife and a lack of women. An Instagram post claiming the school housed Israeli citizens, which Malaysia restricts without special permission, triggered a government investigation. Officials found no foul play, but shut the project down anyway over separate licensing issues.
Srinivasan hasn’t slowed down. Hours later, he posted a video signing a deal to open a new campus in Kazakhstan.
I am pleased to announce that a memorandum of understanding has been signed between the Republic of Kazakhstan and Network School.
Our new campus will become a haven for global techno-optimism, with expedited visas, streamlined redomiciliation, and active recruitment of talent. pic.twitter.com/R20i8UAYoc— Balaji (@balajis) July 21, 2026
Balaji Srinivasan believes America is heading toward collapse. So he set out to build his own country instead. The former Coinbase CTO spent two years running the Network School in a ghost city in Malaysia, where founders paid $1,500 a month for room, board and classes on a campus that also included a high-end gym and meals designed by longevity guru Bryan Johnson, according to the Wall Street Journal. The plan called for online communities to pool resources and eventually declare sovereignty.
But residents complained of moldy rooms, no nightlife and a lack of women. An Instagram post claiming the school housed Israeli citizens, which Malaysia restricts without special permission, triggered a government investigation. Officials found no foul play, but shut the project down anyway over separate licensing issues.
Srinivasan hasn’t slowed down. Hours later, he posted a video signing a deal to open a new campus in Kazakhstan.
I am pleased to announce that a memorandum of understanding has been signed between the Republic of Kazakhstan and Network School.
Our new campus will become a haven for global techno-optimism, with expedited visas, streamlined redomiciliation, and active recruitment of talent. pic.twitter.com/R20i8UAYoc— Balaji (@balajis) July 21, 2026
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