Networking, education and business competitions bring entrepreneurs, thought leaders and investors together to discuss evolving longevity market. Keynotes include Age Wave's Dr. Ken Dychtwald & Maddy Dychtwald.
Mary Furlong & Associates (MFA), producer of the longest running conference in the longevity economy, announced its 20th 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 20th 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 20th 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: What's Next Longevity Venture Summit $10,000 Business Plan Competition, "Where Innovation Meets Investment in the Longevity Market" and the AARP AgeTech Collaborative Social Connection Pitch Competition. Judges will evaluate entrants on whether the solution solves an important problem or unmet need, the quality of the founders and team, market fit and future impact for the solution's success in the marketplace.
We are focusing the pitch competition on social connection because of the enormous mental and physical impacts of social isolation on older adults. The need to alleviate social isolation and loneliness was made clear during the pandemic," said Amelia Hay, Vice President, AgeTech Collaborative™ from AARP. "We're looking for technology solutions that inspire engagement and connection to enable older adults to thrive."
"MFA has collaborated with AARP for 20 years, and we are proud to continue our joint effort with the AgeTech Collaborative™ from AARP on this critical initiative," said Mary Furlong, founder and CEO of MFA and producer of the longest running conference focused on the longevity economy. "Our collaboration has grown out of our mutual longstanding commitment to supporting the $8.3 trillion longevity marketplace, including thought leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, incubators, nonprofits and government agencies. Past winners have gone on to grow successful companies that are changing the way we age."
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.