Silicon Valley Billionaires
Bet Billions on Living Forever
Jeff Bezos · Sam Altman · Peter Thiel · Larry Page · Bryan Johnson
The $120B longevity industry, key companies, stocks & ETF guide — 2026
200+ Startups
$120B by 2030
Altos Labs $3B
Cellular Reprogramming
🗓️ 5, May, 2026
“It’s been said that young people dream of being rich, and rich people dream of being young. That paradox is one that Silicon Valley’s billionaires may feel acutely — and they have the resources to do something about it.”
— MIT Technology Review
📋 Contents
① The Longevity Investment Boom — Overview
② Key Billionaires & Their Bets
③ Market Size & Growth Trends
④ 3 Investment Pillars
⑤ Key Private Companies (Unicorns)
⑥ Global Public Stocks (7)
⑦ Korean Stocks (7)
⑧ Korean ETFs (7)
⑨ Global ETFs (7)
⑩ Rankings & Investment Strategy
① The Longevity Investment Boom — Overview
Something extraordinary is happening at the intersection of extreme wealth and extreme science. The world’s richest technology entrepreneurs — the architects of Amazon, Google, PayPal, and OpenAI — have collectively redirected hundreds of millions, and in some cases billions, of dollars toward a single audacious goal: defeating human aging.
This is not the first time Silicon Valley has tried to disrupt a seemingly immovable industry. But longevity science presents a uniquely compelling opportunity: it sits at the intersection of three of the most powerful forces in modern technology — artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and genomics — while being driven by the most universal human motivation of all: the desire to live longer and healthier.
The numbers are staggering. Over the past 25 years, more than 200 longevity startups and nonprofits have attracted nearly 1,000 investors, raising cumulative funding exceeding $12.5 billion. In 2024 alone, private investment in longevity science more than doubled to $8.49 billion across 325 deals. The global anti-aging market, valued at approximately $85 billion in 2025, is projected to approach $120 billion by 2030. And these figures represent only the beginning — some projections place the total addressable longevity market at $600 billion or more by 2035.
$12.5B+
Cumulative VC Raised (25 yrs)
200+
Active Longevity Startups
$85B
Anti-Aging Market (2025)
$120B
Projected Market (2030)
$8.49B
2024 Private Investment (1yr)
1.6B
People 65+ by 2050 (UN)
② Key Billionaires & Their Bets
Larry Page
Google Co-Founder
Launched Calico Labs in 2013 — Google’s (Alphabet’s) longevity research and development lab. Calico employs elite scientists with generous budgets focused on understanding the biology of aging. Also involved in cellular reprogramming research. Despite questions about public output, Calico remains one of the best-funded longevity labs in the world.
Yuri Milner
DST Global / Breakthrough Prizes
Co-founder of Altos Labs alongside Jeff Bezos. The scientific conference that launched Altos was hosted at Milner’s Palo Alto mansion. His Milky Way Research Foundation previously funded three-year grants to leading longevity researchers. Milner views longevity science through a philanthropic and scientific lens, not purely financial.
Bryan Johnson
Braintree / Blueprint Protocol
Reportedly spending $2 million/year on his own body — an extreme biohacking protocol called “Blueprint” designed to reverse his biological age. Also backs OS Fund, investing in entrepreneurs working on breakthroughs in aging, genomics, and molecular biology. The world’s most visible human guinea pig for longevity science.
Eric Schmidt + Vinod Khosla
Former Google CEO + Khosla Ventures
Both invested in NewLimit, a cellular age reversal company whose investor roster includes at least 9 billionaires. Khosla Ventures is broadly active across longevity biotech, while Schmidt has co-invested with Palantir’s Joe Lonsdale and Sun Microsystems’ Vinod Khosla in a tightly connected Silicon Valley longevity investment network.
③ Market Size & Growth Trajectory
| Year | Anti-Aging Market | Longevity Biotech | Private VC (Annual) | Key Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | ~$50B | $25B | ~$3B | Altos Labs $3B raise; cellular reprogramming enters mainstream |
| 2023 | ~$65B | $25B | ~$3.5B | GLP-1 longevity thesis emerges; XPRIZE $101M challenge |
| 2024 | ~$75B | $31.6B | $8.49B | Investment doubled; FDA approved 50 new drugs incl. first “longevity therapeutics” |
| 2025 | ~$85B | ~$31.6B | Growing | Biotech stocks best year since pandemic (+28–36%); FDA clears 46 new drugs |
| 2030E | $120B+ | $46.9B | CAGR 8–25% | TAME trial results; senolytics scaling; gene therapy CAGR 11.6% |
| 2035E | $314B–$600B+ | $63B | — | Mass commercialization; green ammonia reprogramming to consumer |
Sources: Mordor Intelligence, MRFR, Gabelli, AltStreet Investments, Motley Fool (2025–2026)
④ The 3 Investment Pillars of Longevity Science
PILLAR 1 · ~$5B invested
🔄 Reversing / Slowing Aging
The most-watched category. Core concept: use “reprogramming” (Yamanaka factors) and other technologies to restore cells to a youthful state. Over 80 companies including Altos Labs, Retro Biosciences, and Juvenescence are working toward this goal. The 2024 monkey study (Cell) showing 6-year brain age reversal with metformin underscores the scientific foundation here.
Key tech: Cellular reprogramming, senolytics, epigenetic reprogramming, CAR-T for aging
PILLAR 2 · ~$5B invested
💊 Treating Age-Related Diseases
Views aging as the root cause of cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes. Instead of treating each disease separately, this approach targets the underlying aging biology. GLP-1 drugs (Ozempic/Wegovy) represent this pillar’s first commercial success — now labeled “potential longevity therapeutics” by Nature Biotechnology. Nearly 60 biotech companies have raised nearly $5 billion in this space.
Key tech: GLP-1/GIP agonists, senolytics, AMPK/mTOR drugs, cancer immunotherapy
PILLAR 3 · Fastest growing
📊 Immediate Healthspan Tools
Consumers wanting to implement anti-aging strategies now. Capital has flowed heavily into health trackers, supplements, diagnostics, and personalized medicine. Oura raised $200M for its health ring (2024), Function Health raised $53M for full-panel blood testing. Digital longevity (epigenetic clocks, wearables) is forecast to grow 12.78% annually — fastest of any platform.
Key tech: Epigenetic aging clocks, AI diagnostics, NAD+ supplements, precision nutrition
⑤ Key Private Unicorns — The Pre-IPO Landscape
| Company | Funding | Technology & Focus | Key Backers | IPO Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altos Labs | $3.0B | Cellular rejuvenation via epigenetic reprogramming using Yamanaka factors. Aims to reverse injury, disability, and age-related disease. “Rejuvenation” is the company’s exact stated goal. | Jeff Bezos, Yuri Milner, 8VC (Lonsdale) | High potential; likely 2027–2029 |
| Retro Biosciences | $180M+ | Adding 10+ healthy years via cellular reprogramming + plasma interventions. Uses AI to accelerate drug discovery. Targets autophagy enhancement and telomere extension. | Sam Altman ($180M personal) | Pre-IPO; seeking $1B raise |
| NewLimit | Undisclosed | Reversing cellular age. Founded by Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and investor Blake Byers. At least 9 billionaires on cap table including Eric Schmidt and Vinod Khosla. | Eric Schmidt, Vinod Khosla, Joe Lonsdale | Early-stage |
| Calico Labs (Alphabet) |
$750M+ | Google’s longevity R&D lab. Elite scientists with generous budgets studying aging biology, cellular reprogramming, and drug discovery. Partnership with AbbVie for drug development. | Larry Page / Alphabet | Likely stays private (Alphabet subsidiary) |
| Insilico Medicine | $400M+ | AI-native drug discovery for aging and age-related diseases. Launched new AI platform in Q4 2024 to accelerate longevity drug discovery. Has drugs entering Phase II clinical trials. | Multiple VC, BOLD Capital | IPO filed; HK listing |
| BioAge Labs | $200M+ | Biomarker-driven drug discovery for aging. Uses large biobank datasets to identify the biology of aging and develop targeted therapeutics. Lead programs in metabolic aging and frailty. | a16z, NFX, BOLD Capital | IPO candidate 2026–2027 |
⑥ Global Public Stocks — 7 Investable Now
| Company / Ticker | Longevity Focus & Investment Case | Key Metric | Risk | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ③ AbbVie (ABBV) NYSE · USA |
Botox® (anti-aging aesthetic) + Juvederm® dermal fillers + SkinMedica® skincare. Allergan division is the dominant aesthetic longevity platform. Partnership with Calico Labs (Larry Page) for drug development. Immunology pipeline has aging applications. | Rev: ~$60B Div: ~3.5% |
Low | ★★★★☆ |
| ④ Regeneron (REGN) NASDAQ · USA |
VEGF Trap platform with eye disease and cancer applications. Dupixent® (atopic dermatitis) growing rapidly. Human Genetics Center using genomics to discover age-related disease pathways — potentially the most advanced human genetic research platform among public companies. | Rev: ~$14B Op. Margin: ~35% |
Low-Med | ★★★★☆ |
| ⑤ Amgen (AMGN) NASDAQ · USA |
Biotechnology giant with obesity drug (MariTide), bone health, and cancer immunology. MariTide monthly injection for obesity is a GLP-1 competitor. Acquired Horizon Therapeutics for rare disease pipeline. Diversified healthspan play with 3.5% dividend yield — defensive income + longevity growth. | Rev: ~$36B Div: ~3.5% |
Low | ★★★★☆ |
| ⑥ Geron Corp (GERN) NASDAQ · USA · Small-cap |
Telomerase inhibitor imetelstat for myelodysplastic syndromes — first FDA-approved drug targeting a core aging mechanism (telomere biology). Pure-play longevity biotech. High risk/reward: binary clinical outcomes but represents the cutting edge of translating aging science to approved therapeutics. | Market Cap: ~$1.5B Pre-revenue |
High | ★★★☆☆ |
| ⑦ Alphabet / Google (GOOGL) NASDAQ · USA · Mega-cap |
Owns Calico Labs (Larry Page’s longevity R&D lab). DeepMind’s AlphaFold revolutionized protein structure prediction — directly enabling drug discovery for aging. Alphabet is the only mega-cap tech company with a dedicated longevity subsidiary. AI + longevity synergy is unique to Alphabet’s portfolio. | Market Cap: ~$2T Calico: indirect |
Low | ★★★★☆ |
⑦ Korean Beneficiary Stocks — 7 Key Companies
The Korean government designated 2026 as the “Year of Bio Industry Leap,” alongside semiconductors and defense as the nation’s 3 core strategic sectors. K-Biotech hit a record KRW 21 trillion (~$15.5B) in technology exports in 2025.
| Company / Code | Longevity Focus & Strengths | Key Metric | Cap Size | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Biologics 207940 · KOSPI |
World’s largest biologic CDMO (contract development and manufacturing). As longevity biologics scale, Samsung Biologics is uniquely positioned as the manufacturing backbone. ADC (antibody-drug conjugates), cell/gene therapies, and aging-targeting biologics will require Samsung Bio’s capacity. Q5 plant expansion underway. | Rev: ~KRW 4.5Tr Op. Margin: ~30% |
Large | ★★★★★ |
| Celltrion 068270 · KOSPI |
Global biosimilar leader with self-developed pipeline entering immune-oncology and novel biologics. Celltrion’s Yuflyma (adalimumab biosimilar) capturing global market share. Moving beyond biosimilars into novel biologics for age-related inflammatory diseases. Strong US/EU commercial presence. | Rev: ~KRW 2.8Tr Div: ~1.5% |
Large | ★★★★☆ |
| Hugel 145020 · KOSDAQ |
Korea’s Botox king and fast-growing aesthetic longevity pure-play. Letybo® (botulinum toxin) approved in EU and USA, competing directly with Allergan/Botox. Global aesthetic anti-aging market is the most commercially immediate segment of longevity investing. Premium margins, asset-light model, strong FCF. | Rev: ~KRW 400Bn Op. Margin: ~40% |
Mid | ★★★★★ |
| HLB 028300 · KOSDAQ |
Cancer immunotherapy platform — rivoceranib (anti-VEGFR2) targeting hepatocellular carcinoma. Longevity investing at its core = extending healthy life by defeating cancer. HLB’s US commercialization ambitions, Elevar Therapeutics pipeline, and multiple Phase III data readouts make it a high-risk/reward longevity play in oncology. | Pipeline stage High volatility |
Mid | ★★★☆☆ |
| Alteogen 196170 · KOSDAQ |
Proprietary ADC (antibody-drug conjugate) platform technology that multiple global pharma giants are licensing. ALT-B4 (hyaluronidase) enables subcutaneous delivery of IV biologics — critical for making longevity biologics patient-friendly. Multiple multi-billion dollar licensing deals signal the platform’s global strategic value. | License income growing rapidly |
Mid | ★★★★☆ |
| Medytox 086900 · KOSDAQ |
Botulinum toxin pioneer competing in the global aesthetic longevity market. Has proprietary liquid botulinum toxin formulation (Coretox/MT10109L). US FDA approval pathway ongoing. Like Hugel, positioned as a direct beneficiary of the global aesthetic anti-aging market expansion. Trading at discount to Hugel — potential catch-up play. | Rev: ~KRW 200Bn FDA approval pending |
Small-Mid | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ligachem Biosciences 141080 · KOSDAQ |
ADC (antibody-drug conjugate) platform technology for cancer — ConjuALL linker technology licensed to AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and others. ADC is the hottest area of oncology/longevity drug development globally. Multiple tech transfer deals secured in 2024–2025. K-Biotech’s crown jewel in precision oncology with aging implications. | License deals accumulating |
Mid | ★★★★☆ |
⑧ Korean ETFs — 7 Domestic Products (KRX-Listed)
| ETF Name | Code | Provider | Longevity / Bio Exposure | Type | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KoAct 바이오헬스케어액티브 | 462900 | Mirae Asset | ~KRW 500Bn AUM — largest active bio ETF. Alteogen, Ligachem, ABL Bio, Ollipix — the core K-Biotech platform tech companies. First active bio ETF; manager focuses on global longevity trends. | Active | ★★★★★ |
| TIGER 코스닥150바이오테크 | 261070 | Mirae Asset | KOSDAQ top biotech companies. 1-yr return 50%+. Includes Alteogen, Ligachem Bio — directly benefits from K-Biotech’s global technology transfer supercycle of 2025–2026. | Passive | ★★★★★ |
| TIGER 기술이전바이오액티브 | New 2026 | Mirae Asset | Listed March 17, 2026. Focus on K-Biotech companies with global technology transfer (licensing) deals — ADC, GLP-1/obesity, RNA editing. Bottom-up selection of platform tech companies most likely to secure multi-billion licensing agreements. | Active | ★★★★★ |
| KODEX 바이오 | 244580 | Samsung AM | KRX biotech sector index. Includes Samsung Biologics, Celltrion, and KOSPI biotech names. Broader, more defensive exposure including large-cap stability. Lower volatility than pure KOSDAQ biotech. | Passive | ★★★★☆ |
| TIGER 헬스케어 | 143860 | Mirae Asset | Broad Korean healthcare sector — pharma, med devices, biotech, hospital chains. Most diversified domestic health exposure. Longevity megatrend exposure via aging population healthcare demand growth in Korea and Asia. | Passive | ★★★★☆ |
| KBSTAR 헬스케어 | 266410 | KB Asset | Healthcare index tracking KOSPI/KOSDAQ health names. Includes medical devices and aesthetic med-tech (Hugel, Classys) — direct aesthetic longevity market exposure alongside pharma/biotech. Good diversification from TIGER options. | Passive | ★★★★☆ |
| HANARO 헬스케어 | 298560 | NH-Amundi | Healthcare sector ETF with different index methodology from TIGER/KBSTAR. Useful for portfolio diversification within the Korean healthcare longevity theme. Includes long-term care, hospital management, and digital health companies. | Passive | ★★★☆☆ |
⑨ Global ETFs — 7 U.S.-Listed Products
| ETF Name | Ticker | AUM | Longevity Exposure & 2025 Performance | ER | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPDR S&P Biotech ETF | XBI | ~$8B | Equal-weighted biotech; 100+ holdings. 2025 return: +35.9% — best year since pandemic. Reduces single-stock binary risk. Most liquid biotech ETF; ideal core holding. | 0.35% | ★★★★★ |
| iShares Biotechnology ETF | IBB | ~$10B | Market-cap weighted; 300+ holdings incl. Amgen, Gilead, Regeneron, Vertex. 2025 return: +28%. Mega-cap heavy = less volatile than XBI. Defensive longevity exposure for risk-averse investors. | 0.45% | ★★★★★ |
| ARK Genomic Revolution ETF | ARKG | ~$800M | Actively managed; CRISPR, gene editing, genomic medicine. Holdings: Exact Sciences, 10x Genomics, Veracyte. 2025 return: +23% (recovering from −28% in 2024). High-conviction longevity genomics focus. | 0.75% | ★★★★☆ |
| Tema Oncology ETF | CANC | ~$200M | Pure-play cancer therapeutics. 2025 return: +42.9% — best performing biotech ETF. Cancer is the leading longevity target: defeating cancer = direct healthspan extension. ADC platform plays, checkpoint inhibitors, and cell therapies. | 0.75% | ★★★★★ |
| Global X Genomics & Biotech ETF | GNOM | ~$300M | Genomics + biotech combined. 2025 return: +18.7%. Includes gene therapy, CRISPR, and precision medicine companies. Thematic intersection of Silicon Valley AI investment (AlphaFold, etc.) and longevity biotechnology. | 0.50% | ★★★★☆ |
| Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF | BBP | ~$150M | Commercial-stage biotech only (≥1 FDA-approved product). 10-yr CAGR: +10.85% vs XBI’s 6.46% — proving commercial-stage is safer. Reduces binary clinical risk. Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, AbbVie via index weighting. | 0.79% | ★★★★☆ |
| VanEck Biotech ETF | BBH | ~$1.0B | Concentrated top-25 biotech holdings. Amgen, Gilead, Regeneron, Vertex — all with longevity adjacency. Lower expense ratio for a focused portfolio. More defensive than XBI but more concentrated than IBB. Quality biotech exposure. | 0.35% | ★★★★☆ |
⑩ Top Pick Rankings & Investment Strategy 2026
🌍 Global Stock Rankings
| Rank | Stock | Rating | Thesis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Eli Lilly (LLY) | ★★★★★ | Best combination of proven revenue ($60B), the world’s leading longevity drug (tirzepatide), oral GLP-1 pipeline widening moat, and analyst target implying 38%+ upside. The only company where “longevity therapeutics” already generate real revenue at scale. |
| 🥈 | Novo Nordisk (NVO) | ★★★★★ | Contrarian value play. Down 70%+ from peak despite GLP-1 market remaining massive. Wegovy is still one of the world’s best-selling drugs. The selloff presents a rare opportunity to own a proven longevity drug at a discount. 2.5% dividend provides income floor while waiting for re-rating. |
| 🥉 | AbbVie (ABBV) | ★★★★☆ | Global aesthetic longevity leader (Botox/Juvederm/SkinMedica) + Calico partnership (Google/Larry Page) + strong immunology pipeline. 3.5% dividend provides safety floor. The only company with both commercial longevity aesthetics AND deep science R&D partnership simultaneously. |
| 4th | Alphabet (GOOGL) | ★★★★☆ | The only mega-cap tech with a dedicated longevity subsidiary (Calico). DeepMind’s AlphaFold is the biggest AI-biology breakthrough in history. Indirect but powerful longevity play — AI + biology convergence thesis plays out through Alphabet’s unique portfolio. |
🇰🇷 Korean Stock Rankings
| Rank | Stock | Rating | Thesis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Samsung Biologics (207940) | ★★★★★ | Every longevity drug that gets approved will need to be manufactured. Samsung Biologics is the world’s CDMO backbone. As the longevity drug wave crests, Samsung Bio wins regardless of which specific drug succeeds. 30% operating margin, expanding Q5 capacity — defensive growth play. |
| 🥈 | Hugel (145020) | ★★★★★ | Pure-play aesthetic longevity — the most commercially immediate part of the market. US+EU Letybo® approvals mean Hugel now competes globally against Allergan/Botox. ~40% operating margin is exceptional. Growing global aesthetic anti-aging market + premium brand positioning = long runway. |
| 🥉 | Alteogen (196170) | ★★★★☆ | Platform technology licensor — ALT-B4 enables subcutaneous delivery of IV biologics, critical for patient-friendly longevity drugs. Multiple big-pharma licensees accumulating. Longevity biologics need Alteogen’s delivery technology to reach commercial scale. Royalty stream model. |
| 4th | Ligachem Bio (141080) | ★★★★☆ | ADC platform licensing to AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and others. ADC is the hottest category in cancer/longevity drug development. K-Biotech’s 2025 technology export supercycle featured ADC prominently. Multiple billion-dollar deals in pipeline — each announcement is a catalyst. |
📐 Longevity Portfolio Strategy by Investor Type
| Profile | Allocation | Suggested Holdings |
|---|---|---|
| Conservative | 5–8% | LLY + NVO + IBB ETF + KODEX 바이오 |
| Moderate | 10–15% | LLY + ABBV + Samsung Bio + Hugel + XBI + KoAct 바이오헬스케어 |
| Aggressive | 15–25% | LLY + NVO + Hugel + Alteogen + GERN + CANC + ARKG + TIGER 기술이전바이오액티브 |
The Big Picture — Why Now?
The confluence of three forces is making 2026 a pivotal year for longevity investing: (1) Scientific credibility — the 2024 Cell monkey study, the first FDA-recognized “longevity therapeutic” drug class, and TAME trial progress have moved longevity from science fiction to validated biology. (2) Capital commitment — $12.5B+ raised by 200+ companies, with Silicon Valley’s most successful entrepreneurs putting their personal fortunes on the line. (3) Demographic inevitability — 1.6 billion people over 65 by 2050; adults 60+ already consume 37% of US healthcare spending. The demand floor is structural, not cyclical.
For investors, the opportunity spans the risk spectrum: from defensive dividend-payers like Eli Lilly and AbbVie, to mid-risk platforms like Samsung Biologics and Hugel, to high-conviction moonshots in ARKG or CANC. The longevity revolution is not a question of if — it is a question of when and who wins.
⚠️ Investment Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Longevity biotech involves significant risk, including binary clinical trial outcomes (70% Phase III failure rate), regulatory delays, and high capital intensity. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Individual securities and ETFs mentioned may experience significant losses. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. All financial data approximate as of May 2026.