In 'Secrets of Sand Hill Road,' Scott Kupor demystifies the role of venture capital in the startup lifecycle. He explains how VCs decide where and how much to invest, and provides practical advice on topics such as storytelling in fundraising, handling 'down rounds,' and managing VC involvement in day-to-day operations. The book is filled with firsthand experiences, insider advice, and practical takeaways to help entrepreneurs get the best possible deal and grow their startups effectively.
For Blood and Money tells the story of an upstart biotechnology company in California that developed a one-in-a-million cancer drug using a BTK inhibitor, which showed remarkable efficacy in treating a vicious type of leukemia. The book delves into the world of biotech start-ups, detailing the roles of scientists, doctors, investors, and patients in the high-stakes game of drug development. It explores the complexities of bringing new drugs to market, the reasons behind their high costs, and the influence of profit-driven venture capitalists on the future of medicine.
In 'Voltaire's Bastards,' John Ralston Saul dissects the contradictions, delusions, and illusions that have brought the world to the brink of confusion and crisis. The book examines the theology of power embedded in modern conceptions of Reason, arguing that the ascendancy of Reason has led to a world dominated by technocrats and elites who control knowledge and information. Saul critiques the hypocrisies of democracy, the obsession with efficiency and expertise, and the failure of modern societies to address critical issues such as war, economics, and environmental degradation. The book is a call to rethink traditional institutions and notions as we move into a new era[3][4][5].
My guest today is Tal Zaks. Tal is a physician-scientist turned biotech executive and investor who served as Moderna's Chief Medical Officer during their COVID-19 vaccine development, giving him an extraordinary perspective on one of modern medicine's pivotal moments. His combination of medical expertise, platform innovation experience, and investing acumen allows us to explore the interconnected challenges of turning scientific breakthroughs into viable medicines while generating venture-scale returns. We dive deep into lessons from Moderna's mRNA platform, examine how emerging technologies might reshape drug development, and the fundamental question of what it means to make people healthier. For investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the future of medicine, this discussion provides a window into both the immense potential and profound challenges of advancing human health. Please enjoy my conversation with Tal Zaks.
For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here.
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Invest Like the Best is a property of Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Invest Like the Best, visit joincolossus.com/episodes.
Follow us on Twitter: @patrick_oshag | @JoinColossus
Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).
Show Notes:
(00:00:00) Welcome to Invest Like the Best
(00:08:37) State of Medicine Today
(00:09:44) Investment and Innovation in Medicine
(00:13:14) Challenges in Biotech Investment
(00:17:18) Personalized Cancer Vaccines
(00:22:58) Investing in Biotech: Process and Considerations
(00:28:38) Multidisciplinary Approach in Pharma
(00:41:35) COVID-19 Vaccine Development
(00:46:27) Funding and Manufacturing Challenges
(00:48:01) Unprecedented Vaccine Safety Measures
(00:50:38) Public Perception and Trust Issues
(00:53:54) Future of mRNA and Nucleic Acid Medicines
(00:58:04) Personalized Medicine and Data Collection
(01:04:48) AI's Role in Healthcare
(01:08:34) Investment Strategies in Therapeutics
(01:14:57) The Human Element in Medical Innovation
(01:21:58) The Kindest Thing Anyone Has Ever Done for Tal
Invest Like the Best with Patrick O'Shaughnessy 
