VitaDAO
VitaDAO is a pioneering decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) dedicated to funding and advancing early-stage longevity research. As a leader in the decentralized science (DeSci) movement, VitaDAO uses blockchain technology and IP-NFTs to fund research projects and create a community-owned portfolio of longevity assets. Notable for being the first DAO to receive investment from a major pharmaceutical company (Pfizer Ventures).
Investment Thesis
VitaDAO funds early-stage longevity research that traditional funding sources often overlook. They focus on projects targeting the fundamental mechanisms of aging with potential for significant healthspan extension. Their decentralized model enables rapid, community-driven funding decisions using IP-NFTs (Intellectual Property Non-Fungible Tokens) for research commercialization.
Team / Governance
Core Contributors & Stewards
- Tyler Golato - Co-Founder
- Tim Peterson, PhD - Scientific Lead
- Laurence Ion - Operations Lead
- Catthu - Token-holder Representative
Notable Investors
- Pfizer Ventures - First pharma company to invest in a DAO
- Shine Capital
- L1 Digital
- Balaji Srinivasan - Angel investor
- Joe Betts-LaCroix - Longevity entrepreneur
Focus Areas
- Longevity & Aging Biology
- Senolytics & Senescent Cell Clearance
- Epigenetic Reprogramming
- Immune System Rejuvenation
- Mitochondrial Health
- Neurodegenerative Disease
- Metabolic Health
Notable Portfolio Companies & Projects
- Matrix Biosciences - First biotech spinout (October 2023, $300K)
- Turn Biotechnologies - mRNA therapeutics for longevity
- Rubedo.Life - Prodrug discovery platform
- GERO - AI and physics-based aging research
- Oisín Biotechnologies - Genetic medicines for sarcopenia ($50K)
- ApoptoSENS - CAR-NK cells targeting senescent cells ($253K)
- ImmuneAGE Bio - Immune system rejuvenation
- BE Therapeutics - Brain tissue replacement
- Zoe Biosciences - PAI-1 antibody therapeutics
Funding History
- January 2023 - $4.1 million fundraising round (Pfizer Ventures, Shine Capital, L1 Digital)
- Deployed - Over $4 million to fund 24+ research projects
- Treasury - Community-governed VITA token treasury
Unique Model
- Uses IP-NFTs for research funding and IP commercialization
- Partnership with MoleculeDAO for IP infrastructure
- VITA token for governance and community participation
- Decentralized peer review for project evaluation
Sources
- VitaDAO website: https://www.vitadao.com
- VitaDAO Discourse forum: https://gov.vitadao.com
- DeSci Foundation coverage
- Pfizer Ventures press release
Portfolio Companies
| Name | Location | Founded | Categories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matrix Biosciences | Rochester, New York, USA | 2023 | therapeuticsbiotech+3 |
| Turn Biotechnologies | Mountain View, California, USA | 2018 | therapeuticsbiotech+3 |
| Rubedo Life Sciences | Sunnyvale, California, USA | 2019 | therapeuticsbiotech+3 |
| ExcepGen Inc | - | - | therapeuticsbiotech+3 |
| GERO | Singapore | 2015 | ai-drug-discoverylongevity-research+2 |
| Oisín Biotechnologies | Seattle, Washington, USA | 2016 | biotechlongevity+3 |
| ApoptoSENS | United States | 2022 | biotechlongevity+3 |