Ignite VC: The Intersection of Tech, Biology, and Mental Health with Matias Serebrinsky | Ep102

Ignite: Conversations on Startups, Venture Capital, Tech, Future, and Society

In this episode of the Ignite Podcast, host Brian Bell interviews Matias Serebrinsky, co-founder of PsyMed Ventures and the Business Trip Podcast, with a deep background in startup investment and mental health tech. Matias shares his journey from Argentina to San Francisco, explaining how what was intended as a temporary move turned into a life-altering decision that immersed him in the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Silicon Valley. His early experiences working at companies like PlayStation and Nvidia exposed him to a thriving startup culture, which eventually led him to launch his own company, Cookunity, a marketplace for chefs. Despite its success, Matias reflects on the brutal challenges of running a consumer-focused food business and why he ultimately transitioned away from that sector.

The conversation then shifts to Matias’ current passion—investing in mental and brain health technology through PsyMed Ventures. He highlights how his own personal mental health journey and observing fellow founders' struggles inspired him to focus on this space. Matias explains that mental health disorders, particularly depression, are significant but often misunderstood, and emphasizes the need for precision mental health solutions that address the unique biological causes of mental illness for each individual. He touches on exciting trends like computational biology and neurotechnologies, which aim to modulate brain activity without the use of drugs.

Brian and Matias discuss the future of brain health and the broader implications of technological advancements in mental health treatment. They explore innovations such as non-invasive brain-computer interfaces and the concept of human flourishing, which goes beyond treating mental illness to enhancing human potential. Matias expresses his hope that, over the next few years, we’ll see more emphasis on technologies that allow individuals to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

The episode wraps up with rapid-fire questions about the most promising mental health technologies, longevity science, and the role of venture capital in transforming the mental health sector. Matias offers valuable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, encouraging them to know their identity and audience, and to stay disciplined in their approach.

Chapters:

Introduction to Matias Serebrinsky & PsyMed Ventures (00:01 – 00:26)

Matias’ Move from Argentina to Silicon Valley (00:27 – 01:37)

Early Career at PlayStation and Nvidia (01:38 – 03:44)

Immersion in Silicon Valley’s Startup Ecosystem (03:45 – 05:06)

Entrepreneurial Spark: Founding Cookunity (05:07 – 07:01)

The Brutal Realities of Running a Startup (07:02 – 10:48)

Transition to PsyMed Ventures and Mental Health Focus (10:49 – 12:43)

The Importance of Precision Mental Health (12:44 – 15:49)

Why Mental Health is the Defining Issue of Our Generation (15:50 – 18:35)

Innovations in Neurotechnology and Non-Drug Therapies (18:36 – 22:11)

Specialist vs. Generalist VCs: The PsyMed Approach (22:12 – 26:28)

Portfolio Construction and Disciplined Investing (26:29 – 31:25)

Tech Bio and Computational Biology: The Future of Mental Health Tech (31:26 – 36:26)

Human Flourishing: Moving Beyond Mental Illness to Enhancement (36:27 – 41:31)

The Business Trip Podcast: Inspiring Innovation in Mental Health (41:32 – 45:50)

Rapid-Fire Q&A: The Future of Mental Health Technology (45:51 – 49:48)

Longevity, Aging, and the Science of Rejuvenation (49:49 – 53:45)

Final Thoughts: Advice for Entrepreneurs and Investors in Mental Health (53:46 – 57:34)