{"slug":"why-no-network-effect","title":"The company that doesn't want a network effect — until it does","summary":"Protocol first, network second. The patient sequence that wins for category-creating infrastructure.","lede":"Most identity companies in 2026 are racing to lock in a directional network effect. We deliberately chose not to chase that — yet.","date":"2026-05-04","reading_time":"4 min","category":"Brand","tags":["network effects","strategy","protocol","sequence"],"image":"https://cdn.twc.sh/images/igcache/No%20Network%20Effect/1500_900/blog.jpg","url":"/blog/why-no-network-effect.html","wordcount":580,"related":["manav-manifesto","why-open-source","origin-story"],"schema":"Article"}