AGE1

AGE1 Ventures Research Investment Thesis and Philosophy age1 is a venture capital firm dedicated to funding the next generation of contrarian founders building breakthrough longevity biotech companies. The firm's core thesis centers on the transformative shift from "sickcare" to healthcare—moving from treating individual age-related diseases as they occur to actively extending healthy lifespan and preventing the onset of age-related disease altogether. Founded by Laura Deming, who created the pioneering Longevity Fund at age 16, age1 represents the evolution of longevity venture capital. The Longevity Fund established the field of longevity biotech venture investing, achieving 5 IPOs and attracting over $1B in follow-on capital for its portfolio companies. age1 builds on this foundation as a next-generation fund custom-built to invest in and support contrarian founders extending healthy lifespan. The fund's philosophy recognizes that some of the best longevity companies initially don't appear as such, requiring deep expertise to identify breakthrough opportunities early. age1 focuses on the absolute earliest stage—angel round, pre-seed, seed, and Series A—where founder resources and capital guidance have maximum impact. Investment Focus and Sectors age1 invests exclusively in the longevity and healthy aging space, targeting: Therapeutics for age-related disease and aging biology Tools and technologies targeting aging mechanisms Technologies extending healthy lifespan Breakthrough biotech addressing aging at fundamental levels Companies working on neurodegeneration, cellular senescence, and other aging-related challenges The fund recognizes that exceptional founders in this space are building generational biotech companies that could fundamentally reshape human medicine. Investment Stage and Ticket Size age1 operates at the earliest stage of company development: Primary focus: Pre-seed, seed, Series A Secondary focus: Angel round and even pre-idea stage Ticket size: $500,000 to $4,000,000 Check size varies based on round dynamics Investment approach: Prefers to lead rounds to ensure founder-friendly terms Also open to following in strong rounds Well-capitalized to support portfolio through later rounds The fund specializes in earliest-stage biotech, often investing before traditional biotech VCs enter, allowing for optimal founder terms. Fund Status and Capital age1's initial closing achieved $35 million, significantly validating the longevity biotech investment thesis. The fund is actively deploying capital and supporting portfolio companies through multiple rounds, demonstrating both financial capacity and long-term commitment to longevity entrepreneurs. Team and Leadership Founders: Laura Deming - Founder/Co-founder, Former Longevity Fund founder at age 16, studied physics at MIT before becoming a Thiel Fellow at 17 Team Members: Alex Colville - Partner/Investor Additional investment and operational team members supporting portfolio The team brings deep expertise in early-stage biotech, longevity science, and founder support, with Laura Deming's track record of identifying breakthrough longevity founders and companies. Recent Activity and Market Position age1 maintains active engagement with the longevity biotech space: Portfolio: 23 companies across longevity therapeutics and tools 2025 Activity: Published 1st Annual Pharma Aging Report Card (Jul 2025) analyzing pharma company longevity investments Market positioning: Recognized as leading longevity-focused early-stage VC Thought leadership: Active in longevity discourse and industry development The fund's annual report card demonstrates deep engagement with the broader longevity ecosystem and commitment to advancing the field. Historical Track Record The Longevity Fund (age1's predecessor) demonstrated exceptional longevity biotech investing: 5 portfolio companies went public Attracted over $1 billion in follow-on capital Established longevity as a legitimate venture asset class Funded breakthrough companies addressing fundamental aging biology This track record provides strong validation of the longevity thesis and founder selection expertise. Value-Add and Founder Support age1 provides comprehensive founder support: Early-stage specialized expertise in longevity biotech Access to biotech network and scientific advisors Founder-friendly investment terms and conditions Capital guidance through multiple fundraising rounds Partnership in building generational biotech companies Deep understanding of longevity science and translational opportunities