Ep152: Jens Eckstein on Investing in Healthy Aging
Jan 10, 2024
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Jens Eckstein, investment partner at Hevolution Foundation, shares insights on investing in healthy aging, discussing the challenges in longevity research, personalized interventions for healthy living, and the importance of promoting longer, healthier lives. The conversation also touches on the significance of genetic approaches, funding strategies for young scientists, and the economic benefits of extending healthy aging for society.
Investing in healthy aging offers opportunities for promoting longevity and well-being.
Transitioning from academia to biotech venture capital involves honing skills and navigating complexities.
Exploring bioscience innovations reveals challenges and limitations in drug development for aging therapies.
Deep dives
Introduction and Background of Jan Zegge
Jan Zegge, an investment partner at Hevalution Foundation and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, shares insights on his interest in healthy aging, the evolution of the field over the past 20 years, and opportunities for enhancing longevity and well-being.
Transition to Chemistry and Biochemistry
Jan Zegge's journey from studying in southern Germany to transitioning into biochemistry after a laboratory accident emphasized the hands-on appeal of chemistry, leading to a focus on enzyme reaction mechanisms, drug discovery, and drug design.
Professional Ventures in the United States
Zegge's move to the United States for a PhD at Harvard University, followed by a post-doc in San Francisco, marked a shift towards biodeuminescence research and drug mechanism exploration, culminating in his entry into the biotech industry.
Venture Capital Experience at TVM
Working under Stephen Hoffman at TVM, Zegge honed his venture capital skills, navigated the complexities of the field, and gained valuable insights through the Kauffman Fellowship program, contributing to his expertise in the biotech investment landscape.
Involvement with SearchReasons and Biotech Innovation
Zegge's involvement with SearchReasons and his role in exploring bioscience innovations underscored the challenges and opportunities in promoting longevity-focused therapeutics, with insights into the complexities and limitations of drug development in the aging space.