Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc faced the harsh reality of biotech when he contracted COVID despite being vaccinated. Realizing that philanthropy alone can't fund scientific research through clinical trials or license university IP, Blacc has decided to bootstrap a platform for a cancer drug targeting pancreatic cancer—a disease with a 90% mortality rate.

Joining Rebecca Bellan on TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, Blacc discusses his journey from creator to builder. He highlights the need for peer-reviewed papers before seeking investment, emphasizing that change comes through evidence-based science over quick fixes.

The story of Aloe Blacc is a reminder that no matter your fame or resources, making real advancements in biotech requires patience and rigorous scientific validation. His approach could inspire others to rethink their strategies when it comes to investing in or building something truly impactful.

Listen to the full podcast for insights on how AI is reshaping both the biotech and music industries, and Blacc’s thoughts on what really matters in these sectors.