Billionaires Abandon Burning Man 2023: What’s Behind the Exodus?
UPDATE: The absence of billionaire attendees at the 2023 Burning Man festival has sparked speculation about a potential exodus of tech titans from the iconic event. As of Friday afternoon, notable figures like Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and Josh Kushner have yet to make an appearance, raising questions about the future of this elite gathering.
Burning Man, traditionally a haven for the wealthy and influential, has become synonymous with figures such as Musk, the Google cofounders, and other tech elites who were once regulars at the festival. In previous years, their extravagant RV setups and private jet landings at the Black Rock City airport made headlines. However, this year, the landscape appears different.
Developing reports suggest that the absence of these high-profile attendees may be tied to personal commitments rather than a shift in the festival’s reputation. A spokesperson for Kushner noted that he has been focused on Thrive Capital’s involvement in key funding rounds, including for Databricks and OpenAI. Additionally, Kushner’s wife, supermodel Karlie Kloss, is in her third trimester of pregnancy, likely keeping him occupied.
CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman, who has attended Burning Man multiple times, is now navigating parenthood with a six-month-old baby. The ongoing “AI talent wars” are also likely competing for his attention, making a desert getaway less feasible.
Other notable absentees include Joe Gebbia, cofounder of Airbnb, who has recently been appointed as the nation’s first-ever chief design officer. His new role adds to the mounting responsibilities for these once-dedicated Burners.
Meanwhile, the festival itself has faced challenges. Last year’s event descended into chaos due to flooding, and this year, ongoing storms have intermittently closed the gates to Black Rock City. The conditions have raised concerns among potential attendees, possibly contributing to the lack of big-name appearances.
While some could argue that the increasing fame of these billionaires has diminished their connection to the festival, the possibility remains that they are attending incognito. Many attendees don elaborate costumes and aliases, blending into the vibrant crowd. However, Musk, known for his high-profile presence, has not yet shared any updates about his attendance this year.
The ongoing evolution of Burning Man raises critical questions about its future in the tech elite’s social calendar. With its anti-commercial ethos paradoxically attracting some of the world’s wealthiest individuals, the festival’s identity may be shifting in ways we are only beginning to understand.
As the festival progresses, all eyes will be on whether these high-profile figures choose to make a last-minute appearance or if their absence signifies a larger trend among tech billionaires distancing themselves from the event.
Stay tuned for further developments as the story unfolds.
