Why everyone in tech is suddenly talking about LARPing

Business Insider | 12-09-2026 11:09am |

In the tech startup world, the term 'LARPing' is increasingly used to describe founders who prioritize social media clout over building successful companies. Originally an acronym for live action role play, 'LARP' now denotes posers or fakers. Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan warned against it, saying 'Be earnest, don't larp.' The trend reflects concerns about authenticity and substance in startup culture.

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