Longevity.Technology: The time is right for specialist Longevity investment
Garri Zmudze, Sergey Jakimov, and Ilya Suharenko launch a new fund for longevity research: LongeVC.
Announcements
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2 min
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Jul 27
Women help build a more inclusive longevity space. Their dedication, talent, and ability to make an impact stand out.
March, women’s history month, brought notable women from diverse sectors to the top of our news feeds. It also sheds light on some troubling statistics. A TechCrunch report from Dominic-Madori Davis revealed VC funding for women decreased since 2021.
While 2022 was a turbulent year for VC, no single group should suffer more than others. March and women's history month have passed. It remains essential to celebrate (and invest in) women shaping the future year-round.
Modern healthcare does not always treat women fairly. Female reproductive diseases like endometriosis can take more than seven years to diagnose. Women also receive different cardiac care and pain management options. While active physician discrimination still happens, many of these findings have historical roots. We can trace them back to earlier medical beliefs and research studies.I see a similar path in the venture capital world. The venture capital world excluded women for many years. Their lack of history has led some investors to see them as “risky.” This is dangerous thinking. We need to establish a new norm in VC where all founders receive the consideration they deserve.Dwindling investment in worthy founders is often on my mind. While managing a VC and advising startups, I interact with inspiring women daily. It is not their gender that sets them apart. It is their dedication, talent, and resilience in the face of industries working against them. I’d like to introduce you to just a few of the incredible women building the longevity world.
I see a similar path in the venture capital world. The venture capital world excluded women for many years. Their lack of history has led some investors to see them as “risky.” This is dangerous thinking. We need to establish a new norm in VC where all founders receive the consideration they deserve.
Dwindling investment in worthy founders is often on my mind. While managing a VC and advising startups, I interact with inspiring women daily. It is not their gender that sets them apart. It is their dedication, talent, and resilience in the face of industries working against them. I’d like to introduce you to just a few of the incredible women building the longevity world.
Lisa Ireland is the President and CEO of the Longevity Science Foundation. She leads the nonprofit’s mission to fund longer and healthier lives. Before joining the LSF, she spent more than 25 years coordinating impactful nonprofits.
In less than a year, she has leveled up the Foundation’s operations and attracted key donors across the longevity space. I admire Lisa's tenacity in leading the LSF and boldly entering the longevity world. Her thoughtful management and organization will bring more people into the longevity conversation.
Mental health matters. Dina Burkitbayeva and her team at Freedom Biosciences are transforming how we approach treating conditions like depression. Her work on psychedelic compounds will change lives.
In her previous role at PsyMed Ventures, Dina supported several deals in the early psychedelic space. Her awareness of scientific breakthroughs is admirable. Dina represents the knowledge and drive founders need to succeed in emerging technology.
I couldn’t write an article on longevity women without mentioning my long-time colleague and friend Evelyne Yehudit Bischof, MD, MPH, FEFIM. She is one of the world’s leading longevity physicians. Evelyne stands apart for her thoughtful and individualized approach to longevity care.
Evelyne is not only a fantastic physician but is dedicated to advancing the entire field of longevity medicine. She co-founded the Healthy Longevity Medicine Society to create more collaboration and standards. Most recently, she joined Prof Tzipi Strauss to launch the Healthy Longevity Center at Sheba Medical Center to implement these practices.
Everyone is talking about AI. But did you know that it can also improve your skin care choices? Anastasia Georgievskaya leads Haut.AI, a startup delivering AI solutions for personalized wellness choices. She works with top brands to improve the customer experience and support an informed approach to skincare.
Most recently, Anastasia led Haut.AI to launch SkinGPT. SkinGPT is a generative AI tool that simulates skincare product outcomes. It encourages younger people to think about skin aging and make beneficial choices. Anastasia operates at the bleeding edge of technology.
Educating the public about cutting-edge biotech is as important as building it. Jessica Hamzelou is a senior reporter at MIT Technology Review covering biomedicine and biotech. Journalists play an essential role in making any industry more accessible.
Jessica has reported on key topics within longevity, ranging from investor conferences to aging clocks. Her work communicates industry advancements in a clear and relatable way. I look forward to future coverage from her and encourage you to check out the articles I linked above.
Oriana Papin-Zoghbi leads one of LongeVC’s portfolio companies, AOA Dx. AOA Dx is developing a less-invasive and more effective way to diagnose ovarian cancer. Its solutions will encourage early detection and save lives.
Her work extends beyond the scientific realm. AOA posts thoughtful content and real-life stories from ovarian cancer patients and survivors. She is raising awareness for a deadly disease and inspiring other women to monitor their bodies and have critical conversations with their doctors.
Longevity is a worldwide effort. Women like Oriana, Jessica, Anastasia, Evelyne, Dina, and Lisa are building its future. It’s time to move past gendered barriers and support people for their ideas, not their demographics. Reach out to me in the comments or send me a DM to connect with LongeVC and learn more about our women-led portfolio companies.
