Matt Cole, CEO of Strive Asset Management, raised concerns in an open letter regarding Intuit’s restrictive policies, particularly its stance on cryptocurrency. The letter emphasized how disabling accounts due to cryptocurrency content could harm the long-term value for investors.
Mailchimp and Crypto Censorship
In a letter addressed to Intuit’s CEO Sasan Goodarzi and Chairman Susan Nora Johnson on April 14, Cole provided examples related to Mailchimp, an email marketing service. He noted that the Trojan Bitcoin $93,876 Club at USC had its email account disabled due to cryptocurrency content.
Matt Cole: “Intuit’s censorship policies jeopardize the investor value the company seeks to create.”
The Mailchimp account was later reactivated following public backlash.
Risk and Reputation Concerns
Cole stated that Intuit’s corporate practices are part of broader censorship examples that are being overlooked. He criticized that Mailchimp’s usage policy is being weaponized for political purposes.
Matt Cole: “Mailchimp’s Usage Policy is being used as a political weapon.”
It was highlighted that central regulatory bodies are closely monitoring such applications.
Strategic Recommendations and Future Plans
Cole’s letter called for Intuit to reinstate accounts disabled due to cryptocurrency content. He also recommended that Mailchimp revise its content policies to eliminate political biases. Furthermore, Cole proposed that the company consider adding cryptocurrency to its corporate treasury.
Matt Cole: “TurboTax is at high risk of being automated by AI, making additional measures crucial.”
He stressed the need to develop a strategy to address the impacts of AI transformation.
Additionally, Cole’s previous call for a move akin to GameStop’s proposal to convert cash reserves into cryptocurrency suggests a broader financial transformation strategy. It was noted that GameStop had evaluated and taken similar actions in response.
Strive’s campaign focuses on creating long-term value free from ideological approaches in corporate finance and management strategies. This approach has sparked discussions in the sector about potential precautions against current technological transformations and regulatory risks.
The letter, part of a larger financial restructuring effort, could prompt companies to reassess their strategic decisions regarding digital transformation processes. Collective investors and clients are expected to make more informed decisions regarding the impacts of such policies.