Never married (was in relationships 2014-2022 and 2023-2024)
Love dogs - grew up with cats and dogs, had a cat in an earlier relationship, frequently dogsit a friend's pomsky in DC. Would like to get a dog in the next year or so (first project with a partner??) 🐕
Car-free - mostly get around on Capital Bikeshare, Veo scooters, and walking 🚲
What I do:
I run an international nonprofit building open source economic simulation software. We have DC headquarters, London staff, and some remote team members. I travel about once a month for conferences, meetings, and fundraising.
London with my cofounder Nikhil
Work takes significant time and energy - I founded this, raised money for it, and care deeply about the mission. That said, I have some flexibility with my schedule and make time for what matters.
Who I am:
Truth-seeking and curious - developing strong epistemics is very important to me. I love researching topics after discussions and sharing what I've learned. I value when my partner does the same and want to build this together
Direct and honest - I say what I mean and value clear communication
Affectionate - I love cuddling and physical closeness 🤗
Impact-oriented about AI - committed to effective altruism since 2012 (took the GWWC pledge in 2019). I think AI will transform the world dramatically soon, which motivates me to shape positive change AND find a partner to experience this unprecedented transformation with - to build a family and community around it
Extroverted on balance - I go to professional events in DC and enjoy meeting people, though I also love cozy time at home with my partner
Optimizer - generally quite frugal but willing to invest in things that really matter
Looking for long-term, monogamous relationship - someone to build a life and family with
Outside of work:
Music - I used to play saxophone semi-professionally in soul, funk, blues, R&B, and pop bands (wedding bands, etc.). These days I mostly mess around on guitar and singing - will probably get a keyboard again soon. I also have an unusual skill: 90th+ percentile whistling 🎵
Spending time with other curious people - I enjoy conversations with people who are intellectually engaged and learning
Being outside - biking around DC on Capital Bikeshare (was once a top 10 Bike Angel!), walking, hiking (not super athletic but enjoy being in nature) 🚲
Coding side projects - built several in 2024 for fun using AI coding agents (see my Substack post)
Don't drink, smoke, or use drugs/cannabis (don't mind if you do, except cigarettes)
I've evolved from Wirecutter recs to asking ChatGPT to predict the QALYs of different purchasing and life decisions - like which mattress or humidifier to buy
Invest in health optimization - like temperature-controlled mattresses because I've struggled with sleep this past year
We might be a good fit if you:
Want kids - this is important to me
Love truth-seeking and learning together - you enjoy researching topics and sharing what you've learned, building strong epistemics as partners
Are intellectually curious - deep conversations about ideas energize you
Value making a positive impact and appreciate (or are curious about) effective altruism
Are comfortable with ambitious work - you understand my travel/work intensity and are driven about your own work
Love dogs (or at least are open to getting one together!)
Are direct, kind, emotionally mature, and self-aware
Enjoy walkable, urban, car-free living
Value both independence and deep connection - plus physical affection
Are probably 30-42 years old
Together we could: Rack up Capital Bikeshare Bike Angels points exploring DC, optimize toaster purchases, and get a dog 🚲🐕
Where I've been:
Palo Alto → Berkeley → Hayward → SF → Mountain View → Singapore → Mountain View → SF → Oxnard → Boston → Oxnard → DC
Trevi Fountain with my mom
Within DC alone I've lived in 9 different neighborhoods - did short-term rentals to explore before recently signing a normal lease. Grew up splitting time between the Bay Area (dad) and Eugene, Oregon (mom).
Note: I'm not currently dating new people, but I made this doc to share with someone I'm getting to know. If you're reading this, it's because I wanted you to learn more about me!
(For the boring professional stuff and my socials: maxghenis.com)
