What’s Next Venture Summit Marks 20th Year as Thought Leaders Chart the Future of the Longevity Economy

LAFAYETTE, CA, APRIL 18, 2023 – Mary Furlong & Associates (MFA), producer of the longest running conference in the longevity economy, announced its 20^th annual What’s Next Longevity Venture Summit on June 14–15. With the theme The 2030 Horizon: Charting a Course for Longevity Investors and Entrepreneurs, the conference will bring together thought leaders, including active investors, entrepreneurs, incubators, nonprofits, government agencies and large companies focused on the $8.3 trillion longevity economy for keynote speeches, incisive panel discussions and two business competitions.

“We are proud to bring this industry-leading summit to the longevity market for the 20^th year,” said Mary Furlong, founder and president of MFA. “With more than 300 attendees, the event not only delivers access to investors who are actively funding in the longevity space, but also provides a blueprint for deal flow. This platform for connecting the longevity ecosystem is critical in creating success in challenging environments like those facing entrepreneurs today.”

Highlights of the conference include keynotes and sessions with experts in longevity and investing, including: Mark Mahaney, leading investment analyst and author; Safwan Shah, founder and CEO of PayActiv; Zeigler’s Dan Hermann; Todd Haim, SBIR Chief at NIA; Christine Brocato, Vice President of Strategic Innovation, Common Spirit Health; and Dr. Allison Sekuler, President & Chief Scientist,  Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation. Other sessions focus on what investors are looking for, non-dilutive funding opportunities, women leading in longevity and healthcare, going to market in the longevity economy, the future of AI and older adults, and much more.

As part of the 20^th anniversary, Furlong asked 20 longevity thought leaders about their strategies 20 years ago, the biggest changes and their visions for the future. Dan Hermann, president & CEO and head of Investment Banking for Zeigler, focused on the dramatic growth of the longevity market. “I’ve personally been working around senior living for 30 plus years, and when we raised our first Ziegler Link-age Fund nearly 10 years ago, the idea of investing exclusively in technologies and services touching on aging and longevity was novel,” Hermann said. “Today, large tech players like Apple, Amazon, and Uber are all taking note in light of the undeniable demographic shifts. When you think about the imbalance between those needing care and those able to provide it, the need for technology is clear.” Hermann continued, “In the next 5, 10 and 20 years, I fully expect we will see continued innovation and technological breakthroughs to support healthy aging for older adults, no matter where they live.”

Business Competitions

There will also be two competitions for entrepreneurs: The $10,000 Business Plan Competition “Where Innovation Meets Investment in the Longevity Market” and the AARP AgeTech Collaborative Social Connection Pitch Competition.

The What’s Next Longevity Venture Summit will take place at the Claremont Club & Spa, Berkeley, California on June 14-15. Sessions will be recorded for on-demand viewing. Sponsors include: AgeTech Collaborative from AARP, Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation, GetSetUp, Ageless Innovation, Posit Science, Discover Live, Everest Health Partners, TCARE, Keen Insurance Services, The Perfect Companion, Ziegler Link-Age, LifeBio, Home Instead, an Honor Company, UpLyft, Elevance Health, and Prufrock Ventures.

Those who register before May 15 will save with early bird rates. Click here to learn more.

Learn more about Mary Furlong & Associates at maryfurlong.com.