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25 Sept 2026
50m

The Reputation Graph of Silicon Valley | Introducing Cosign

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The a16z Show

Professional reputation in the startup ecosystem often remains trapped in fleeting social media interactions or private networks, creating significant information asymmetry for hiring and investment. Cosign addresses this by building a durable, granular directory of professional signals, allowing users to publicly endorse talent, mentors, and emerging companies. By aggregating public data on career transitions and funding, the platform functions as a "social resume" that prioritizes peer-to-peer validation over static credentials. This system enables more efficient talent discovery, helping operators and founders gain visibility before they become obvious to the broader market. Ultimately, the product aims to formalize the "pay it forward" culture of Silicon Valley, transforming ephemeral endorsements into a persistent, searchable network that facilitates high-intent connections for hiring, investment, and collaboration.

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