Exploring New Frontiers: Ashlee Vance Launches Core Memory Media Startup

A New Venture in Media

The prolific Bloomberg tech journalist Ashlee Vance has embarked on a new journey by launching Core Memory, a media startup that aims to blend high-quality documentaries with digital content.

Ambitious Goals

With Core Memory, Vance intends to produce not just documentaries but also a YouTube show, a podcast, and a Substack newsletter. This multifaceted approach reflects Vance's diverse career, which includes writing a bestselling biography of Elon Musk, hosting the globetrotting show Hello World, and creating independent documentaries like Don’t Die on Netflix.

Vance stated, “I’m convinced there’s a way to live in both worlds and do it successfully,” highlighting his vision of merging documentary filmmaking with digital journalism.

Focus on Innovation

The startup will delve into futuristic themes, particularly focusing on emerging technologies and science. The first documentary, currently in production, will explore brain-computer interfaces. Vance also plans to produce two annual seasons of a YouTube talk show—one centered on brain science and the other on manufacturing.

A Unique Perspective

Having spent 14 years at Bloomberg and a brief period at The New York Times, Vance has established himself as a prominent reporter for tech innovators. His previous show, Hello World, showcased a variety of topics from lab-grown meat to AI, although he mentions that Core Memory will not have a similar travel budget.

Vance expresses his concerns regarding mainstream tech journalism, stating, “A lot of what I read in the mainstream media on tech feels like activism to me, and people who are very slanted in their point of view.” This indicates his intent to offer a more balanced perspective through his new venture.