Not long ago, like many of you, I read what I feared might be The Next Web’s final article. In late September, TNW’s co-founder announced that the tech conference and news site would be shutting down, no more events, no new stories. It felt like the end of an era; The news hit hard.
But just a few weeks ago, a turning point occurred: technology platform Tekpon acquired 100% of the TNW media and events brand from the Financial Times, ensuring that this nearly two-decade legacy will continue to thrive.
While I was trying to read people’s opinions on this topic myself, I read this comment in an article from a former TNW editor-in-chief who said: “The Next Web shaped my career, my life… it’s very sad to see it die.”
These words stayed with me.
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I was wondering: Why do we always assume that just because one chapter is over, the whole story is over? Yes, acquiring TNW is a difficult legacy, especially with all eyes on us and expectations sky high.
And I admit, doubts crept in: Am I too small for this? Could someone with more experience do it better? Probably. But here I am, rising anyway. Because this isn’t just another blog or another brand; TNW is a vibrant ecosystem, a vibrant community. His story deserves a sequel, and I’m committed to helping write the next chapter.
I also know some of you may be wondering: Who is she? What does she know? How many articles has she written? What does she recommend?
Before I read all the possible titles, I would like to briefly introduce myself.
I’ve been writing since high school and have written thousands of articles. It covers everything from culture, art and hip-hop to design, politics, history and food. At 18, I got my first job as a content writer and pursued another passion alongside writing: becoming a chef.
(Fun fact: I even managed it MasterChef semi-finalsa journey that taught me how to be creative under pressure and how to stay cool when things get heated.)
Now I use my storytelling skills to help companies better understand technology and use it to their advantage. I help companies tell their true stories and find the meaning and flow in every word.
Over the years, I have specialized in combining creative storytelling with the technical precision of a chef’s knife. (My colleagues at Tekpon might say that I can be as sharp as that knife – true to my values and able to cut through the nonsense quickly.) I’m also the “No, we have to do it right” person on the team.
I’ve tested countless software products, interviewed founders, and explored how digital innovation can be a positive force for society. Or not. In other words, I’ve always been about the why behind the technology, the real impact on people’s lives, not just the excitement. This perspective will be behind every story we publish at TNW.
If there’s a place for those who still believe human-written stories matter, tell me where it is. I’m already on the way.
I’m not here to change TNW’s DNA; I am here to strengthen it with fresh energy and a clear vision for the future.
To the loyal TNW readers, to the startup founders who were inspired by us, to the healthy tech skeptics who came to us for a reality check, and to our global audience on every continent: we hear you.
We all know that the world of tech news has changed dramatically. These days, everyone has a megaphone, social media is teeming with hot takes, and AI algorithms can churn out content in seconds. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by this sea of opinions and auto-generated articles. In such a world, the role of a publication like TNW is more important than ever: it must be a filter and not just another flood of content.
We’ll focus on curation and clarity, filtering out the noise so you don’t have to.
Here’s the good news: Despite the flood of AI-written text, readers are actively seeking authentic, human journalism. Every article we publish is written by a human author who owns the facts and provides context, analysis and, yes, a bit of personality.
Our mission is not to algorithmically track every trending headline; It’s designed to help you understand which innovations actually matter and why.
If a story is ubiquitous but lacks substance, we won’t repeat it; We will analyze it or debunk it. When a breakthrough is truly promising, we explain why it matters and how it impacts real people. For us, being a thoughtful filter in the age of information overload (and noise generated by AI) is not just a catchy slogan; It is a responsibility that we accept.
You’ll also notice something about our approach: the emphasis on storytelling and the human side of technology. Technology does not exist in a vacuum; It is developed and used by people with dreams, dilemmas and different backgrounds.
I believe, and I suspect many of you do too, that the best tech journalism goes beyond the gadgets and code to highlight these human stories. Practically speaking, expect more features, interviews and narrative pieces on TNW.
We talk to founders about the messy, human journey of building a startup, not just press releases or funding announcements. We spotlight the engineers, designers, and thinkers who are trying to solve big problems (or even small ones that make a big difference). We will explore the impact of technology on society: the good, the bad and the complicated.
This will not be a place for recycled press releases or superficial takes. It will be a place for conversations and insights.
Importantly, this focus on storytelling does not mean we skimp on accuracy. Being engaging doesn’t mean sacrificing accuracy or depth. My team will continue to prioritize thorough research and fact-checking, those good old-school journalistic values, even as we experiment with new formats and new voices. In short: We won’t publish anything that we wouldn’t want to read ourselves.
Looking forward today means recognizing that how we report on technology is just as important as what we cover. It means committing to journalism that cuts through the clutter, storytelling that puts people at the center, and a vision of the future of technology that is both hopeful and honest. This is my vision for TNW as I take on this role, and I hope it resonates with you.
Now I want to hand it over to you, our community. This is both your TNW and ours. I invite you to join the discussion. Tell us what you’d like to see more (or less of) of. Hold us accountable, let us know if we ever fall short. Share your stories and perspectives with us as they can inspire our reporting.
In the coming weeks you will see this vision take shape on the website. You will see familiar faces and new voices. You’ll find articles that make you think, others that make you smile, and hopefully some that make you proud to be a TNW reader.
Whether you’re a long-time follower who’s stuck with us through thick and thin, a startup founder looking for insights, a skeptic who keeps us honest, or a curious mind tuning in from anywhere in the world – Thanks. We do it for you, and we couldn’t do it without you.
The Next Web is back. We are here to inform you, inspire you, challenge you and sometimes even surprise you. It is an honor to have you on this journey. Here’s to the road ahead, to storytelling, to journalism (the real kind), and to finding meaning for the future together.
Thanks for reading and welcome to the next chapter of TNW. Let’s build it together, day by day, story by story.
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