From Pharmacist to Space Investor: Junaid Mian’s Journey to the Final Frontier
Junaid Mian is a pharmacist, entrepreneur, and investor. He’s currently a Principal, Life Sciences at SpaceFund, where he’s looking to invest into startups that will be commercializing past, present and future space-based research to increase human healthspan, lifespan, and well-being.
Thank you so much for joining us!
How did you break into tech investing?
I dove into tech investing as a healthcare investor because of my pharmacy background. On December 21st, 2015, the Falcon 9’s historic return to its launch pad left me in awe, sparking a realization of the potential for a booming space economy. With declining launch costs, I saw the opportunity for unimaginable startups to take flight. I knew the growth of this industry would drive unprecedented value for investors and humanity alike. Knowing the versatility of my investing framework, in 2018, I took the leap and invested in three trailblazing space startups, including Axiom, marking my foray into tech investing.
What is it that excites you about investing in the space economy?
Space is more than exciting. It’s invigorating! It’s the only unlimited sector in its upside potential: unlimited real estate, unlimited energy, unlimited resources. This isn’t hyperbole. This fact about space means that it will fundamentally push humanity forward.
What has been your biggest challenge when it comes to finding the “right deals”?
The vertical that I’m creating, which I’ve tentatively named Space Health for Dual-Use for the sake of this article, is new. With that said, I can’t answer your question at this time.
What major trends do you expect to see in the space economy over the next 5 years that excites you?
Space Health for Dual-Use will be a significant trend in the space economy ecosystem because of the many commercial space stations coming online and the aging population here on Earth.
If you had to share, “words of wisdom,” with a Founder who’s about to start their own startup, what would they be?
Read the articles on our website at SpaceFund.com or on Medium at @SpaceFund and come up with your own “words of wisdom.”
How can our readers follow you on social media?
You can follow me on Twitter at @junaidmianrph and on LinkedIn at junaidmianrph
This was very insightful. Thank you so much for joining us!
