Conservative donors create alternative business networks to bypass liberal gatekeepers
Parallel economy emerges to fund right-wing causes
Rockbridge members brainstormed "parallel economy" of conservative-friendly businesses at 2022 summit
Key People
5
Chris Buskirk
Rockbridge co-founder and 1789 Capital leader
Leads $150 million venture fund creating conservative business ecosystem outside mainstream oversight
Omeed Malik
Investor and former Democrat turned conservative
Co-leads 1789 Capital after switching political affiliations to align with donor network interests
Rebekah Mercer
Conservative heiress and Trump megadonor
Co-leads venture fund while backing Trump campaigns, demonstrating coordination between business and political investments
Tucker Carlson
Media personality and first major investment
Received $15 million from conservative venture fund after Fox News departure, proving donor safety net for aligned voices
Blake Masters
Venture capitalist and Thiel protégé
Participated in parallel economy brainstorming while running for Senate with billionaire backing
Claims & Perspectives
Misleading
Misleading
1789 Capital $150 million fund proves parallel economy is economically viable alternative to mainstream business
$150 million represents tiny fraction of overall venture capital market, demonstrating niche rather than viable alternative economy [1]. Tucker Carlsons Last Country raised $15 million through SAFE note, not traditional equity investment, suggesting higher risk profile [2]. Parallel economy serves political branding more than economic necessity—conservative businesses still operate within mainstream financial, regulatory, and distribution systems while claiming ideological independence.
False
False
Conservative venture funds invest based purely on ideological alignment rather than profit potential
1789 Capital focuses on entrepreneurship, innovation, and growth (EIG) while targeting profitable sectors affected by ESG policies [1]. Omeed Malik told TechCrunch that Last Country avoids traditional media pitfalls by using subscription model rather than advertising dependency [2]. Conservative investors seek returns through contrarian positioning—betting against ESG restrictions creates profit opportunities rather than charitable ideological support.
False
Parallel economy operates independently from mainstream financial and regulatory systems
PublicSquare operates like Amazon while requiring businesses commit to conservative values, using identical mainstream infrastructure [1]. 1789 Capital operates as traditional Palm Beach venture fund using standard SEC regulations and banking systems [2]. Parallel economy rebrands existing capitalist structures with ideological marketing rather than creating alternative economic systems—conservative businesses still depend on mainstream payment processing, legal frameworks, and financial markets.
Disputed
Disputed
Donald Trump Jr joining 1789 Capital represents conflict of interest between government and private investment
Trump Jr. will not join administration, avoiding direct conflict, but maintains advisory role to father while investing in companies expecting regulatory benefits [1]. 1789 Capital co-founders have Trump campaign donation history and Rockbridge Network connections, creating indirect influence channels. Venture capital position allows private profit from public policy decisions without formal ethics oversight required for government positions.
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