Nathan Benaich

Nathan Benaich is a prominent figure in the venture capital and technology sectors, serving as the Founder and General Partner of Air Street Capital, a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in AI-first technology and life science companies. He is also known for his role in leading Spinout.fyi, an initiative aimed at enhancing the university spinout ecosystem by providing open, anonymized data on deal terms related to university spinouts.

Education and Background

Benaich holds both an M.Phil and a Ph.D. in computational and experimental cancer research from the University of Cambridge, where he was a Gates and Dr. Herchel Smith Scholar. He also earned a BA in biology from Williams College. His academic work has involved significant research into cancer mechanisms, utilizing both experimental and computational methods to explore how to mitigate the spread of cancer.12

Contributions and Initiatives

1. Spinout.fyi: This platform serves as the world's largest open-source database of university spinouts, aiming to improve transparency in the spinout process and assist founders in navigating negotiations with university Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs). Benaich initiated this project to address the challenges faced by university spinouts, particularly in Europe, where he believes there is significant potential for innovation that remains untapped.34

2. State of AI Report: Benaich co-authors this annual report, which provides insights into the advancements and trends within the artificial intelligence sector. He also writes a monthly newsletter titled "Guide to AI," which discusses developments in AI technology and its implications.12

3. The Research and Applied AI Summit: He founded this community to connect entrepreneurs and researchers in the AI field, fostering collaboration and innovation.1

4. RAAIS Foundation: As the Managing Trustee of this UK-registered charity, Benaich supports initiatives that advance education and research in artificial intelligence for societal benefit, including offering grants for open-source projects and educational initiatives.12

Benaich's work is characterized by a commitment to enhancing the commercialization of scientific research and fostering a more supportive environment for university-based entrepreneurs.