Good Morning,
Welcome to another installment of our longevity investment round-up, bringing to light the revolutionary strides being made in the quest for extended, healthier living.
From Age1 VC’s fresh focus on biotech for life span extension to Spotify founder’s intriguing foray into age deceleration with Epiterna, there’s an undeniable momentum building. Furthermore, Alan Patricof, a seasoned investor known for his tech bets, has cast his visionary gaze upon the expanding longevity market, emphasizing not just life extension but the quality and services for those golden years.
While there’s an array of approaches, they converge on one aspiration: enabling a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life for all.
Let’s dive deeper …
Longevity Not Only for ‘Rich Old Billionaires Trying to Live Forever’ – Age1 VC (Mercury News)
Venture capitalist Alex Colville, alongside The Longevity Fund’s Laura Deming, has initiated a new venture firm named Age1, focusing on biotech firms seeking to advance the science of extended healthy living. Having garnered initial backing worth $35 million, the firm aims to explore the potential of extending human life spans.
Contrary to the perception of longevity science being a pursuit for the wealthy elite, Colville emphasizes that many young professionals see its broader potential, offering everyone the chance to maintain good health for longer durations. Age1 primarily invests in longevity biotechnology companies, including one called Loyal, which develops drugs targeting multiple age-related diseases to promote healthier lives.
Renowned Investment Visionary, Alan Patricof, Provides Longevity Outlook (Opp Today)
Esteemed investor Alan Patricof, known for early bets on tech giants like Apple and AOL, has turned his gaze to the promising longevity sector. In a recent On The Money interview, Patricof underscored the growing demand in services for the aging population, emphasizing the potential in retirement homes, senior day care, and assisted living facilities. Highlighting the innovative approach of SafeRide Health, which offers specialized transport for older individuals, he sees the industry responding to the increasing lifespan trends.
Additionally, Patricof predicts a shift in retirement norms, with many choosing to work longer, thus necessitating more supportive services. While he touched upon the caution needed in AI valuations, his optimism for the longevity market was unmistakable. Patricof’s insights underscore a bright future for investments in longevity-focused solutions.
Spotify’s Daniel Ek Makes Longevity Move (Sifted)
Prima Materia, an investment firm established by Spotify founder Daniel Ek and early backer Shakil Khan, has committed €10m to Epiterna, a Swiss startup focusing on age deceleration. This marks Prima Materia’s third startup investment, with Epiterna being their sole investment in this venture. Epiterna, led by scientist Alex Ocampo, is building a platform to assess the anti-aging effects of medicines.
Prioritizing accessibility, the startup uses approved small molecule drugs to develop affordable products. Current tests span various organisms, with canine clinical trials anticipated next year in Europe. Regulatory acceptance poses challenges, but the goal is a user-friendly, cost-effective treatment, initially for dogs, with human solutions later. Other startups, like Loyal and Rejuvenate Bio in the US, are exploring similar avenues.
In this edition, the quest for extended, quality living takes center stage. Whether it’s Age1’s pursuit of biotech solutions for healthy longevity or Epiterna’s efforts to decelerate aging affordably, the drive for accessible longevity solutions is palpable. Even renowned visionaries like Alan Patricof acknowledge the ever-growing demand in the longevity sector, pointing to an evolving retirement paradigm. Longevity should provide promise for all, blending innovation, investment, and aspiration.
Get ready for takeoff,
The Longr Reads Team
“Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art.”
Stanisław Jerzy Lec, Poet
Longr Reads’ of the Week
- The quest to live to 140 (Financial Times)
- A global roadmap to seize the opportunities longevity (Nature)
- Why do women live longer than men? (Time)
