Uncle Nearest, Vertical Integration, and the conundrum of total ownership

In a world where AI is redefining what it means to "own" something, the traditional notion of controlling your entire supply chain feels almost quaint. Yet vertical integration—owning every step from raw materials to final sale—is experiencing an unexpected renaissance. The twist? While AI enables companies to outsource and automate more than ever, some founders are doubling down on total ownership, while others are discovering new hybrid models powered by artificial intelligence. I find that other industries adjacent to media offer both clues and examples, and what Fawn Weaver has done with Uncle Nearest is one of the best around to describe both the advantages and costs of complete ownership.