Today, I’m launching Brilliant Minds, a new fund dedicated to investing in founders over 60. It’s a longevity intervention with a twist. While many focus on drugs and novel technologies to combat aging, I've observed a significant factor in the decline of people's (brain) health: societal pressure that leads them to withdraw, despite being energetic and wise. There's a substantial societal stigma that we need to address, and we require more tangible use cases to really move the needle. My new fund focuses on entrepreneurs over 60 across various industries, not just in longevity. It's about investing in their broad experience and innovative potential. The next unicorn will be built by a “retired” founder 🚀. This launch doesn’t mean I’ll stop investing in younger founders. I'll continue to support them as an angel investor. 'Brilliant Minds' simply adds a new dimension to my investment portfolio, focusing on the unique potential of older entrepreneurs. You can read more about it here: https://lnkd.in/eS2DAAMZ #longevity #fund
Linda Duff
3mo
I’m right with you on this! I’ve just launched a new business, Your Life’s Work, for women aged 50-70 plus to activate their higher potentials, put their unique talents to work to make a powerful impact. Research shows women in this age group often have unrealised ambitions, more energy along with wisdom, big hearts, education and skills. I’m age 65. More of phoenix than unicorn! :)
Tom B.
3mo
Great idea! If Longevity field is going to fight to add 10+ years of healthy aging (and based on our research, we will be successful!) then doesn't it make sense that the people who will be most impacted by aging research, those of us over 60, should be front and center in that fight?
Gabriel Faria
3mo
Kiran Mathur Mohammed, yes it is quite a bold move; there is a bit of a paradox as people are living longer and are healthier but yes there is also an ageism/stigma I have noticed since i left full time employment. As she noted there is an excellent opportunity to extract value from this group. While this could be through their own entrepenurship ventures, I think the real value will come from pairing them with young entrepreneurs to combine they unique strengths. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/gabriel-faria-8683842060_redesigning-retirement-activity-7172226781553393664-Re-I?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios
Brad Topliff
3mo
Love this. Younger founders are blessed (and cursed) with optimism and drive that can blind. A 24-year-old can’t have 20 years of field research and experience. The answer is having a mix of generations not a median age of success. I’d love to introduce you to Howard B. Esbin, PhD, Katerina Stroponiati (and myself, of course).
Cheryl Kellond 💎
3mo
I love the bold thinking. It’s become so rare in venture that I initially thought it was an April Fools lead in to some other commentary. Bravo!!!
Nimi Vashi
3mo
Investing where others discriminate is the best thesis you can have! I don't think anything matches the experience these individuals would have. Looking forward to some well thought out companies being built!
Bernard Siegel
3mo
How about over 70? 😀
Colleen Madsen
3mo
Seems most of these opportunities are typically focused on tech-based initiatives only.
CEO at FIELD Neurotech, Behavioral Engineer
3moVery cool fund, Katerina. Bravo.