The Startup That Raised $225 Million To De-Extinct The Wolly Mammoth w/ Ben Lamm (Co-Founder)

In this episode, Shamus Madan converses with Ben Lamm about his journey from early life to becoming the founder of Colossus Biosciences. They discuss the company's mission, the inspiration behind it, and the challenges of biodiversity loss and raising funding. They also talk about balancing investor advice, the role of celebrity involvement, and dealing with regulatory and ethical issues. The episode concludes with Ben's aspirations beyond Colossal Biosciences.

Colossal Biosciences aims to bring back extinct species and restore biodiversity. Prior to Colossal, Ben was the founder of Hypergiant Industries, a leading AI company that works with Fortune 500 clients and the US government. He also founded Conversable, which was acquired by LivePerson, and Chaotic Moon Studios, which was acquired by Accenture. He is a serial entrepreneur, now working to support the restoration of healthy ecosystems. And one of the ways he is working to do that is by bringing back to life the Woolly Mammoth and The Dodo.

Twitter of Host (Shamus Madan): @mbitpodcast

Twitter of Guest (Ben Lamm): @federallamm

Learn more about Colossal here.

(0:00) Introduction: Ben Lamm on the podcast (2:05) Discussion on Ben Lamm's Early Life and Influences (3:48) Ben Lamm's First Business Venture and Transition to Professional Life (6:06) Introduction to Colossus Biosciences and its Mission (10:26) Inspiration Behind Colossus Biosciences and Why Dinosaurs Can't be Brought Back to Life (16:39) The Debate Over Interfering with Biodiversity Loss and Raising Funding for Colossal (22:53) Balancing Investor Advice and Control in Company Operations (25:32) Role of Celebrity Involvement in Raising Awareness and Funding for Colossal Biosciences (27:51) Dealing with Regulatory and Ethical Issues in De-Extinction (32:30) Ben Lamm's Life Accomplishments and Aspirations Beyond Colossal Biosciences (35:44) Wrapping up and where to learn more about Colossal Biosciences