Imagine stepping into a world where the skyline is a seamless blend of nature and cutting-edge architecture, where the hum of electric vehicles and the whisper of AI-driven drones replace the noise of conventional traffic.
This is not a scene from a sci-fi blockbuster; it’s the vision of Praxis, a futuristic startup on the brink of transforming fiction into reality.
Praxis has raised $525 million to build this city that combines the latest technology, including cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence (AI). The goal is to create a futuristic city where these technologies can thrive.
Founded in 2019 by Dryden Brown and Charlie Callinan, Praxis is an ambitious startup aiming to create a utopian city focused on cryptocurrency, AI integration, and a tech-driven libertarian lifestyle.
Praxis’ vision is to build a new kind of city along the Mediterranean coast, designed to be a technological haven where residents will use cryptocurrency as the primary currency and innovative technologies such as green energy and AI systems to power daily life.
The idea for Praxis emerged as a result of the founders’ disillusionment with modern cities, which they felt lacked shared values and vitality.
They envisioned a city built around “hero futurism” with a neo-Gilded Age aesthetic, emphasizing innovation, entrepreneurship, and minimal government intervention. The city would have limited taxes and laws, aiming to attract top tech talent and entrepreneurs seeking freedom from traditional governance structures.
Praxis has garnered financial backing from investors, including Peter Thiel’s Pronomos Capital, Balaji Srinivasan, and other major crypto and venture capital firms. It initially raised $19.2 million, with more funds expected as the project progresses.
Despite this, many view the project as overly idealistic, with the Financial Times saying in a 2022 article “The city Praxis dreams of does not exist. Perhaps it never will But the interest has sparked suggests that tech’s focus on building virtual worlds is not enough. Even digital nomads want to be together in real life.”
While Zaha Hadid Architects was announced to oversee the design, their absence from the project’s promotional materials, especially its website raised concerns about transparency and accountability in the design process.
Additionally, Pansy Schulman, writing for Architectural Record, highlighted this absence and questioned the project’s commitment to thoughtful urban design.
The project has reportedly attracted over 2,000 citizens and has a waiting list of 50,000 people. Praxis hopes to start operations around 2026, although the actual location of the city has yet to be determined.
The company aims to recruit new members through exclusive events in tech hubs like Los Angeles, Miami, and San Francisco, with the promise of a radically new kind of urban life.
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Praxis is collaborating with Zaha Hadid Architects, a renowned firm, to design the city’s layout. Their approach combines futuristic styles with traditional elements, ensuring the city can easily expand over time. Leading the project is David Weinreb, a key developer who previously partnered with billionaire Bill Ackman to create other cities.
Praxis acknowledges the support of major investors, including Paradigm, Bedrock, Apollo Projects (headed by Max and Sam Altman), Winklevoss Capital, and tech expert Balaji Srinivasan. These contributors are instrumental in turning the dream into reality.
Additionally, Praxis is hosting its inaugural event, Arkham x Praxis Campus, in the Dominican Republic from November 5th to 8th. This gathering will unite visionary leaders to discuss and shape the future of digital sovereignty—a concept focused on leveraging technology to grant people more freedom and control over their lives.
