When we were raising our seed round for @Cocoon_HQ in 2019, it was common for investors/press to react with skepticism before we even discussed our idea.

At the time, social was "over".

If your app didn't have an in-line, collaborative spreadsheet, well..."thanks for coming by"

While there certainly had been a 'nuclear winter' phase for social startups, it was clear to us that the the radiation dissipated, and it was once again safe – necessary – to roam the social landscape.

Just like Brenden Fraser before us.

We would often describe this metaphor in meetings. To convince anyone of Cocoon, they first had to believe it was even possible to build a new social app in 2019. They had to believe it was safe to leave the blast shelter.

Many didn't.

And so it's really interesting to observe the landscape now, where one app – Clubhouse – has basically single-handedly opened the blast doors and forced people to realize that *yes*, the air is clear out here. Social is viable.

It's obvious now.

Obvious, but not different. The air has been this way. Most people just won't remove their own helmet until someone else proves the air is breathable.

And so the tweets, the articles, the money will all flow freely now. But only after a few brave souls took those first breaths.

It's a good reminder that if you believe something to be true, nothing is better proof than great execution.

I'm thankful for @joinClubhouse in this way – they proved it. And that benefits all of us roaming this social wilderness, breathing this rarefied air.