loader from loading.io

Francisco Gimenez (8VC) on Spotting Biotech Unicorns Others Miss

Driving Alpha

Release Date: 07/16/2025

Bridging government and venture capital with Yanev Suissa of SineWave Ventures show art Bridging government and venture capital with Yanev Suissa of SineWave Ventures

Driving Alpha

What happens when a venture capitalist brings a deep understanding of government into the startup world? Yanev Suissa, Founder and Managing General Partner of SineWave Ventures, has done just that, carving out a powerful niche by helping commercial-first startups break into government markets. His journey from NEA to the Bush and Obama administrations gives him a perspective few investors can match. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:42 Introduction and Guest Overview 01:24 Yanev Suissa's Background and Career Path 02:19 The SineWave Ventures Model 03:33 Navigating the...

info_outline Inside Cathay Innovation: Simon Wu on industry-powered venture capital show art Inside Cathay Innovation: Simon Wu on industry-powered venture capital

Driving Alpha

What if your venture capital firm could plug you directly into the world's most influential corporations; unlocking growth, customers, and global scale overnight? That’s exactly what Simon Wu does as a Partner at Cathay Innovation. Leading U.S. investments at the $2.5B global VC, Simon’s work sits at the intersection of innovation, industrial strength, and strategic capital. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:41 Introduction to Alpha Partners and Guest Simon Wu 01:33 The Origin Story of Cafe Innovation 03:06 Growth and Expansion of Cafe Innovation 05:59 Unique Corporate...

info_outline A new power dynamic in venture with Paige Hendrix Buckner from All Raise show art A new power dynamic in venture with Paige Hendrix Buckner from All Raise

Driving Alpha

In venture capital, power isn’t just about capital,  it’s about who gets to decide where it flows. Paige Hendrix Buckner, CEO of All Raise, is redefining who sits at the decision-making table. With a background spanning public policy, education, and founder support, she’s leading a movement to shift both the culture and the calculus of VC, proving that diverse check-writers create better outcomes. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:42 Welcome to the Driving Alpha Podcast 00:52 Meet Paige Hendrix Buckner: CEO of All Raise 01:38 Paige's Journey: From Education to...

info_outline How corporate venture capital drives startup growth with David Horowitz from Cerity Partners Ventures show art How corporate venture capital drives startup growth with David Horowitz from Cerity Partners Ventures

Driving Alpha

What if your investor could also be your first customer, biggest champion, and gateway into a massive market? David Horowitz, Partner at Cerity Partners Ventures and a corporate VC pioneer, has spent over 20 years proving that venture capital can do more than write checks, it can open doors. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:43 Introduction and guest welcome 01:21 David Horowitz's early career and venture capital journey 04:49 founding Touchdown Ventures 06:38 The evolution and success of Touchdown Ventures 08:16 Cerity Partners merger and wealth management 13:16...

info_outline How AI is redefining enterprise with Eric Benhamou of Benhamou Global Ventures show art How AI is redefining enterprise with Eric Benhamou of Benhamou Global Ventures

Driving Alpha

Can AI truly transform the enterprise, not just improve it?  Eric Benhamou, legendary tech CEO and founder of Benhamou Global Ventures, believes it already is. He reveals how his firm is leading the charge with “Enterprise 5.0”, a new era defined by full-stack, AI-native solutions. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:43 Intro to Alpha Partners 01:00 Meet Eric enhamou: A Pioneer in Tech 02:09 Understanding Enterprise 5.0 04:26 Case Study: Events and AI Accessibility 07:37 Selling to Enterprises: Insights from a Fortune 500 CEO 09:42 The Global Edge: Investing...

info_outline Heather Hartnett (Human Ventures) on finding human alpha: how strategic connection is reshaping VC show art Heather Hartnett (Human Ventures) on finding human alpha: how strategic connection is reshaping VC

Driving Alpha

What if your greatest edge as a VC wasn’t data or deal flow, but your network?  Heather Hartnett, CEO and General Partner of Human Ventures, is proving that authentic human connection can drive real alpha. From startup studio to powerhouse VC platform, she’s built one of New York’s most trusted early-stage ecosystems.   Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:40 Introduction to the Driving Alpha Podcast 00:51 Meet Heather Harnett: CEO and Co-founder of Human Ventures 00:57 Heather's Career Journey and Achievements 02:21 The Founding Story of Human Ventures 02:39...

info_outline How Trust Ventures Unlocks Value in Regulated Markets, with Salen Churi show art How Trust Ventures Unlocks Value in Regulated Markets, with Salen Churi

Driving Alpha

What if the biggest venture opportunities aren’t in the next SaaS tool, but in the markets everyone avoids? Salen Churi, founder and general partner at Trust Ventures, is proving that regulation-heavy industries hold the keys to outsize alpha. A former law professor turned VC, Salen helps startups turn red tape into competitive edge.   Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:40 Introduction to Driving Alpha Podcast 01:58 Salen Churi’s Background and Family History 03:30 The Intersection of Innovation and Regulation 05:41 Founding Trust Ventures 12:29 Case Studies: Oklo...

info_outline How Ira Weiss from Hyde Park Venture Partners built Midwest VC success with ShipBob & Audit Site show art How Ira Weiss from Hyde Park Venture Partners built Midwest VC success with ShipBob & Audit Site

Driving Alpha

Can a PhD in accounting build a top-tier VC firm in the heartland, and beat the coastal giants?  Ira Weiss did just that. As founding partner of Hyde Park Venture Partners and a professor at Chicago Booth, Ira has quietly helped turn the Midwest into a serious startup engine, backing breakout companies like ShipBob and Audit Site before they were household names. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:48 Introduction to Driving Alpha 01:00 Guest Introduction: Ira Weiss 01:14 Ira's Academic and Professional Journey 01:50 Hyde Park Venture Partners 03:07 Personal Connection...

info_outline From Techstars to AI trends: Brad Feld of Foundry VC on building enduring legacies show art From Techstars to AI trends: Brad Feld of Foundry VC on building enduring legacies

Driving Alpha

Brad Feld isn’t just a name in venture capital; he’s one of the architects behind the startup ecosystem as we know it. From launching Techstars to mentoring hundreds of founders and fund managers, his legacy is rooted in building, not boasting. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:48 Introduction to Driving Alpha 01:38 Brad Feld's Journey and Achievements 03:38 Reflections on Life and Career 05:51 The Future of Foundry Group 08:02 Mentorship and Its Impact 10:52 Influential Mentors in Brad's Life 15:17 The SoftBank Connection 23:29 Star Wars vs. Star Trek 27:58...

info_outline From Google to Geek Ventures with Ihar Mahaniok: backing immigrant founders in AI & Robotics show art From Google to Geek Ventures with Ihar Mahaniok: backing immigrant founders in AI & Robotics

Driving Alpha

What happens when a Google and Facebook engineering leader turns his focus to helping immigrant founders dominate in AI and robotics?  Ihar Mahaniok, Founder and Managing Partner of Geek Ventures, has invested in over 100 startups, including five unicorns, and is now channeling his experience into backing the next generation of world-changing entrepreneurs. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:41 Welcome to Driving Alpha Podcast 00:51 Meet the Guest: Ihar Mahaniok of Geek Ventures 01:38 Ihar's Journey: From Coding to Angel Investing 03:26 Building Geek Ventures: Focus on...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

Francisco Gimenez, Partner at 8VC, shares his unconventional journey from Stanford PhD to venture capital, where he leads investments in Bio-IT and enterprise AI. Known for his technical background and sharp instincts, Francisco has been pivotal in backing startups pushing the boundaries of biotech and healthcare innovation.

 

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • 00:48 Introduction to Driving Alpha

  • 01:18 Meet Francisco Gimenez: A Journey from Academia to Venture Capital

  • 02:45 Francisco's Early Career and Academic Background

  • 04:02 Joining Formation Eight and Transition to 8VC

  • 06:18 Investing in Visionary Founders and Unique Companies

  • 08:26 Challenges and Insights in Deep Tech and Biotech Investing

  • 12:15 The Importance of Problem-Oriented Founders

  • 19:51 Exciting Companies and Future Prospects

  • 20:41 Engineering Principles in Biologics

  • 22:26 Innovative Cell Biology Tools

  • 23:36 Biological Foundation Models and AI

  • 24:52 VC Perspective on Biotech and Pharma

  • 26:00 Challenges in Biotech Innovation

  • 33:50 NIH Funding and Indirect Costs

  • 39:13 Advice for Aspiring VCs and Founders

  • 42:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 

In this episode,

Francisco unpacks how he spots the kinds of biotech companies others overlook, those “end-of-one” startups tackling massively complex problems with groundbreaking approaches. He explains why he focuses on founders driven by a deep obsession with solving difficult problems, rather than chasing trends or easy wins.

The discussion explores the future of biotech, with insights into companies like Big Hat Biosciences and Seleno Therapeutics, pioneers at the intersection of AI and biology. Francisco explains why applying engineering and iterative design principles to the life sciences is unlocking new frontiers in drug development. He also offers his take on NIH funding controversies and shares why decentralized biotech innovation could spark the next wave of transformative therapies.