However, I'd have one criticism of this (which I've had of other projects including some I've been associated with), and it's that if you're trying to make something radically different than what exists (be that in society, or in the blockchain or metaverse worlds), then it's a bit weird to structure your venture in exactly the same ways as these other things.
Besides Stephenson's word, there is nothing in the presentation that suggests that this is any different from the other initiatives out there.
If ousting commercial interests is a goal, shouldn't this be structured in a much more decentralized way rather than having a corporate startup with a bunch of investors? I'm sure Stephenson doesn't need the money, and I'm sure that would inspire a bunch of hackers to contribute much more than the current structure.