Unseen Upside: Investments Beyond Their Returns

Artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare, unleashing new investment opportunities. From cancer screening to drug discovery, AI promises to augment clinical decision-making and improve care. We’ll explore the surging ecosystem of medical AI innovations, from the emerging tech landscape to practical deployment. But what are the challenges facing real-world implementation? Which applications show the most promise? Join us as we investigate how artificial intelligence can change healthcare for the better while examining what it will take to do it well. Guests include: Bob Nelsen, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Arch Venture Partners Daphne Koller, Founder and CEO at insitro David Baker, Ph.D., Director at the Institute for Protein Design and Professor of Biochemistry at University of Washington Theresa Hajer, Partner and Managing Director of Venture Capital Research at Cambridge Associates Unseen Upside: Investments Beyond Their Returns is developed in partnership with PRX, an award-winning podcast media company. Cambridge Associates is a global investment firm that works with endowments, foundations, healthcare systems, pension plans, and private clients to implement and manage custom investment portfolios that aim to generate outperformance and maximize their impact on the world. Cambridge Associates delivers a range of portfolio management services, including outsourced CIO, non-discretionary portfolio management, staff extension, and asset class mandates.

Autoimmune diseases like lupus impact over 5 million patients globally, but treatment options remain limited. Now, decoding the once mysterious "dark genome" could bring new therapies. Over 90% of our DNA was once considered "junk"—but we’ve learned this dark matter regulates gene expression and human disease. This episode takes you to the pioneers who are unlocking the dark genome's potential to correct root causes of complex conditions like lupus. We'll chat with those illuminating this uncharted territory and developing novel approaches. Guests include: Rosana Kapeller, M.D., Ph.D., Co-Founder, President, & CEO at Rome Therapeutics Steve Kafka, General Partner at S32 Keri Mastrogiacomo, mother of a Lupus patient Katherine Cavanagh, Associate Investment Director at Cambridge Associates  Unseen Upside: Investments Beyond Their Returns is developed in partnership with PRX, an award-winning podcast media company. Cambridge Associates is a global investment firm that works with endowments, foundations, healthcare systems, pension plans, and private clients to implement and manage custom investment portfolios that aim to generate outperformance and maximize their impact on the world. Cambridge Associates delivers a range of portfolio management services, including outsourced CIO, non-discretionary portfolio management, staff extension, and asset class mandates.

Obesity is a global health crisis, with over 650 million adults affected worldwide. This drives massive economic and disease burdens. Yet new treatment options like GLP-1 drugs offer hope. This episode analyzes the investment landscape and future of obesity therapeutics, focusing on transformational GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic that curb appetite. Join us as we investigate the promise and challenges of emerging anti-obesity drugs, learn about one patient’s journey taking them, and discover what the future of weight loss medicine could look like. You'll hear from leaders in the space as well as a current patient taking these medications. Guests include: Rod Wong, Founder, Managing Partner, and Chief Investment Officer at RTW Investments Raymond Stevens, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer at Structure Therapeutics Dean Dimizas, Partner and Managing Director at Cambridge Associates Kathleen Mikaelian, Patient Unseen Upside: Investments Beyond Their Returns is developed in partnership with PRX, an award-winning podcast media company. Cambridge Associates is a global investment firm that works with endowments, foundations, healthcare systems, pension plans, and private clients to implement and manage custom investment portfolios that aim to generate outperformance and maximize their impact on the world. Cambridge Associates delivers a range of portfolio management services, including outsourced CIO, non-discretionary portfolio management, staff extension, and asset class mandates.

Precision oncology represents an exciting shift in cancer treatment from a one-size-fits-all approach to personalized care based on each patient's unique cancer and molecular makeup. In this episode, we'll explore how precision oncology is transforming the landscape of cancer care and improving outcomes at leading hospitals like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We'll discuss the latest precision diagnostic technologies enabling doctors to analyze a tumor's molecular profile and match targeted therapies to save lives. Join us as we investigate the promise of precision medicine to make cancer treatment more effective and more equitable. Guests include: Rick Shadyac, President and CEO at ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a Cambridge Associates client Matt Gevaert, Co-Founder and Board Member at Kiyatec Jason Robart, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Seae Ventures Jeff Blazek, Partner and Head of the Northeast & Midwest Endowment & Foundation Practice at Cambridge Associates, who works with ALSAC/St. Jude as one of his clients, in partnership with Anurag Pandit, CIO of ALSAC/SJCRH, and the Investment Department. Unseen Upside: Investments Beyond Their Returns is developed in partnership with PRX, an award-winning podcast media company. Cambridge Associates is a global investment firm that works with endowments, foundations, healthcare systems, pension plans, and private clients to implement and manage custom investment portfolios that aim to generate outperformance and maximize their impact on the world. Cambridge Associates delivers a range of portfolio management services, including outsourced CIO, non-discretionary portfolio management, staff extension, and asset class mandates.

Thanks to medical advances, we're living longer lives but with that comes rising rates of Alzheimer's disease. Currently 6 million Americans have Alzheimer's, and that could triple by 2050. This episode explores emerging innovations offering hope against neurodegenerative diseases. We'll discuss promising new drugs that could slow cognitive decline and the strides scientists are making towards understanding causes and developing therapies—and how these breakthroughs are giving hope to one family fighting to save their mom. Episode two explores the history of Alzheimer’s, its current challenges, and the promising therapies made possible by innovation and investment. You’ll hear from: Dr. Asa Abeliovich, Neurologist, Molecular Geneticist, and Founder and CEO at Leal Therapeutics Carl Gordon, Managing Partner and Head of Global Private Equity at OrbiMed Ham Lee, Co-Head of the Healthcare Practice at Cambridge Associates Randi Casciano, Director of Global Public Relations at Cambridge Associates Unseen Upside: Investments Beyond Their Returns is developed in partnership with PRX, an award-winning podcast media company. Cambridge Associates is a global investment firm that works with endowments, foundations, healthcare systems, pension plans, and private clients to implement and manage custom investment portfolios that aim to generate outperformance and maximize their impact on the world. Cambridge Associates delivers a range of portfolio management services, including outsourced CIO, non-discretionary portfolio management, staff extension, and asset class mandates.

The mental health crisis is growing, especially among Gen Z (91% report anxiety or depression). This episode explores innovations in mental healthcare access, new therapeutic approaches for young people and families, and how hospitals are striking creative partnerships to tackle this emergency. Tune in to learn what’s working and showing promise in mental healthcare, glimpses of what the future could look like, and where persistent gaps remain. Hear from leaders Melody Dickerson (VHC Health); Emily Melton (Threshold Ventures); Naomi Allen (Brightline); and Bridget Sproles (Cambridge Associates).

The fashion industry accounts for up to 10% of global carbon dioxide output and roughly 2.6 million tons of clothing returns end up in US­­­ landfills each year instead of being resold. Meanwhile, the shipping for these returns account for around 16 million tons of CO2 emissions—and fast fashion is making things worse. But what if deep tech could help to cut down on returns? Amid the rise of conscious consumerism, one company is using video game technology and AI generated avatars to help online shoppers try on clothing virtually before they buy, in the hopes of making the fashion industry more sustainable. We’ll learn more from Christine Marzano (BODS); Carle Stenmark (VMG Partners); Jennifer Varekamp (MassArt); and Annachiara Marcandalli (Cambridge Associates).

Humans have fantasized about flying cars for decades, but they’ve yet to leave the pages of our sci-fi books...or have they? Join us as we visit Joby Aviation out in Marina, California to witness their eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft take flight. With plans to operate like ubers in the sky, eVTOLs are the closest thing we have to flying cars—and they could be a commercial reality by 2025. The companies creating them promise a faster and greener mode of transportation, but who’s investing in them? Are they safe? And how will they change our transportation infrastructure? We’ll discuss these questions and more with Eric Allison (Joby Aviation); Andrew Beebe (Obvious Ventures); and Doug Carlson and Alex Innes-Whitehouse (pilots affiliated with Cambridge Associates).

According to scientists, 30,000 species per year are being driven towards extinction and 50% of all species could be extinct by 2050 due to climate change. But what if there was something we could do, in addition to conservation, to change this trajectory? That’s what the scientists and engineers at Colossal Biosciences are working towards: reversing extinction. Using CRISPR and advanced gene editing techniques, they plan to bring back the woolly mammoth and the dodo bird to help combat climate change and complement existing conservation efforts. Join us to discuss this topic with Ben Lamm (Colossal Biosciences); Tom Chi (At One Ventures); and John Calvelli (Wildlife Conservation Society).

Harnessing fusion power has been an elusive goal of physicists and researchers for decades. However, recent scientific advances are helping to make that goal a reality. Described as a star in a bottle, fusion is what powers our sun and stars, offering us the prospect of limitless clean energy. But here on earth, it has presented unresolved engineering challenges—until now. Commonwealth Fusion Systems is on the brink of delivering commercial fusion energy thanks to their revolutionary magnet. But how does a safe, limitless, carbon-free, fusion power plant operate? What does it look like? How and when will this technology be replicated to meet the world’s energy needs? We’ll learn more from Bob Mumgaard (Commonwealth Fusion Systems); Katie Rae (The Engine); and Theresa Hajer (Cambridge Associates).

Season three of Unseen Upside: Investments Beyond Their Returns by Cambridge Associates explores the innovations turning science fiction to fact and the people investing in them. Powered by the global network of Cambridge Associates, discover the investments being made that will redefine our future. Join us to uncover the Unseen Upside.

We’ve all dreamt of traveling to outer space and recently, that dream has been more tangible than ever. But for those of us without a seat on the next rocket, how will space innovation improve our lives here on Earth? It turns out that the microgravity environment of orbit provides manufacturing capabilities that aren’t possible on earth. It allows us to create things—think artificial organs, life-saving pharmaceuticals, fiber optic cables, and other products—that are superior to those created on our planet. In this episode, we explore the growing Space Economy with Delian Asparouhov (Varda/Founders Fund); Tess Hatch (Bessemer Venture Partners); Alex Readey (Cambridge Associates); and a seven-year-old aspiring astronaut.

Oceans make up 72% of the earth’s surface and have absorbed around 40% of carbon emissions since 1840. As such, investors are increasingly putting capital to work in ocean-based businesses to both mitigate climate change and enhance the Blue Economy—but how? In this episode, we visit Running Tide in Portland, ME to see this concept in action. They use advanced aquatic growing systems and data science to grow shellfish and kelp forests. The result? A highly nutritious, sustainable protein and a natural carbon removal system. Join us to dissect this topic with Marty Odlin and Adam Baske (Running Tide); Marc von Keitz (Grantham Foundation for Protection of the Environment); Sidney McLaurin (Material Impact); and Sarah Edwards (Cambridge Associates).

Fire is often a marker associated with the worst effects of climate change. But what if fire could actually be harnessed to help reverse it? In this episode, we meet Diamond Foundry, a company revolutionizing the diamond industry with their affordable, lab-created diamonds—free from the myriad of problems associated with the mining process. We’ll learn about the social and environmental impacts of this exploding industry and how investors are rethinking the carbon footprints of their portfolios. We’ll hear from Mona Akhavi (Diamond Foundry); James Joaquin (Obvious Ventures); Dame Caroline Mason (Esmee Fairbairn Foundation); and Simon Hallett (Cambridge Associates).

For most of human history, we’ve been cutting down trees. However, the acceleration of carbon credit markets and the societal demand for climate solutions are pushing us to re-think our relationship with them. So how can investors earn a compelling return from planting trees while helping to sequester carbon and increase biodiversity? We’ll travel to Broadclyst, England to experience the innovation surrounding reforestation and how one organization has the lofty goal of planting 20 million trees in less than 10 years. We’ll hear from Mark Wishnie (BTG Pactual); Peter Vermeulen (The National Trust); Phillip Smart (The Killerton Estate); and Annachiara Marcandalli (Cambridge Associates).

Livestock take up nearly 80% of global agricultural land yet produce only 20% of the world’s supply of calories—so how can we make feeding people more efficient? In this season two premiere of Unseen Upside, we visit an alternative protein company in Boulder, Colorado called Meati. There, we explore how a nutrient-rich fungi called mycelium is changing the game when it comes to protein consumption. It’s better for people and the planet—yet somehow doesn’t compromise on flavor. We’ll learn about the future of nutritional ecosystems from Sam Kass (Acre Venture Partners); David Chang (Momofuku); Tyler Huggins (Meati); and Chavon Sutton (Cambridge Associates).

Season two of the Unseen Upside podcast by Cambridge Associates explores elements of our natural world—and beyond—with the innovators and investors aiming to enhance and protect our future. Powered by the global network of Cambridge Associates, host Luke Charest will explore the investments being made that will improve our lives in unexpected ways. Join us to uncover the Unseen Upside.

Consumers are demanding more from brands than ever before, but how are brands rising to the occasion? In this episode of Unseen Upside, Cambridge Associates’ Global Head of Private Investments, Andrea Auerbach, looks at how technology, coupled with evolving consumer preferences, are impacting how both startups and incumbent brands market themselves. We also speak with Jenny Gyllander, Founder of Thingtesting and Robin Tsai and Wayne Wu, both General Partners at VMG Partners.

In this episode of Unseen Upside, we look at how technology is transforming healthcare for both the provider and the patient—and making it more equitable. Sami Inkinen, CEO and Co-Founder of Virta Health will discuss how his company is treating and reversing diabetes through an app on your phone. We also speak with Jasmine Richards, Cambridge Associates' Head of Diverse Manager Research; Tuoyo Louis, Co-Founder of Seae Ventures; and Rochelle Witharana, CFO of The California Wellness Foundation.

In this episode of Unseen Upside, we’ll explore how non-fungible tokens (NFTs)—and the blockchain technology that supports them—are enabling a revolution in how artists and creators earn a living. You’ll hear from Cambridge Associates’ Joe Marenda and Kenneth Tom; Dawn Harflinger, President & CEO of Queen Lili`uokalani Trust in Hawaii; Maria Shen, Partner at Electric Capital; and Cooper Ray, a photographer based in New York City.