From PlayStation to Psychedelics: A Brain Health VC's Pivot | Matias Serebrinsky

The Nucleate Podcast welcomes Matias Serebrinsky, co-founder of Psymed Ventures. Raised in Argentina by a physician father and an economist mother, he shares how his early life influenced his comfort with risk and his drive to do work that helps others. Matias shares his path from Sony marketing to starting CookUnity, and eventually to building a venture fund focused on brain and mental health. The conversation provides a look into the latest trends in neurotech and brain health investing, from psychedelic therapeutics to precision psychiatry and RNA therapies. Matias offers plenty of advice for entrepreneurs on pitching their startup ideas and how to pair technical knowledge with business acumen. Be sure to also check out his podcast, Business Trip, to learn more about the intersection of neuroscience and technology. Time Stamps 0:38 Introduction to Matias and his early career 8:17 Why he pivoted into the neuroscience industry and medtech 10:06 The investment approach that led to a $1.2B psychedelics deal 18:21 Psymed's lens for evaluating new technologies 27:08 The latest trends across neurology and brain health 34:54 What qualities to look for in a strong scientific founder 37:58 The Psymed elevator pitch 42:40 Advice for entrepreneurs on how to pitch effectively 48:07 Introduction to the Business Trip podcast hosted by Matias Serebrinsky and Greg Kubin 50:14 Quick fire questions