International Longevity Month

What makes October such a great choice for “International Longevity Month’?

Personally, I believe watching leaves turn colour with seasonal changes is nature’s reminder that we all have cycles. We all have peaks of vibrance then pauses to refuel. Sometimes, we even have our own version of hibernation to then burst out once again in the spring rejuvenated with vim and vigour. Autumn leaves drop. We don’t panic and ponder ‘will I ever see a green leaf on that tree again’?

We trust nature’s process. We trust the rhythm. We trust in the renewal.

October is a prelude to the hunker down feeling due to fewer daylight hours and consistently chillier days. As Longevity Month, October can be the time to reflect on nature’s rhythm as well as our own. Let’s honour our cycles. I challenge everyone to be thinking about how you will care for your body and mind during the forthcoming dormant season. As author C.S. Lewis stated, ‘you are never too old to set another goal, or to dream a new dream.’

How will you proactively mitigate physical and mental decline? How will you set yourself up for success in the spring? How will you ensure you flourish with agility, strength and purpose? Who do you need to connect with today? It feels like the right time to pause the procrastination and lock in that movement buddy. Ping me if you want to launch a new activity focused meetup. I am serious. Ping me.

At Relentless, we love science. We love the science, and the possibilities of healthier aging. We are committed to adding life to your years. As we plan for the launch of our second fund, we are dedicated to investing in innovations that extend vitality, independence, and cognitive health. The facts are that six out of every ten adults will face at least one chronic condition with aging, many of which are preventable. That is why we are also dedicated to optimizing your days even if living with risk of developing a chronic disease or living with a chronic condition.

Just as trees shed to survive the winter, our cells, minds, and biological systems are designed to adapt. The clearing, repairing, and regenerating that happens on the inside is a beautiful thing.

So, as we watch the leaves fall this month, may it remind us that renewal is not just possible, it’s biological. Longevity isn’t the absence of change; it’s the wisdom to move with it.

Show me the DPI

I have never felt so connected to Cuba Gooding Junior’s character (Rod Tidwell) and his infamous ‘show me the money’ scene in the movie “Jerry Maguire”.

Sports agent Jerry left the security of a big a firm, with the infrastructure and firm brand backing him. Hmmm. The eerie similarity continues.

Only one client moved with Jerry. The mission statement, as compelling as it was, to prioritize relationships over transactions, nobody wanted to leave their comfy gig. That was the basic gist. So, Jerry took his single believer, and Rod’s associated risk that comes with being a professional football player and went on to ultimately prove that the compounding effects of the right people and time can deliver extraordinary results.

It's our time.

In fundraising we are often asked ‘what differentiates you from x, y, z?’ To the allocator who sees it all, they need to put you in a bucket. But what if you aren’t in an existing bucket? What if, just like Jerry McGuire, you see things that others don’t yet believe in, to go all in? What if, just like Jerry, your modest launch is not to be judged by size, but by clarity, conviction and high potential?

For everyone who wants to participate in new approaches to productive and healthier longevity, to be more active and engaged while addressing risk factors and chronic conditions, we are here for you. 

Help me, help you.

Relentless Community Profile

Last RoundUp we amplified solving for social isolation and loneliness in seniors. In response to that newsletter I was introduced to a service in my own backyard, Cycling Without Age and their executive director, Jake Winn. An incredible program. This not-for-profit organization has a priority focus on seniors care facilities where they pick up residents and take them to the great outdoors for a pedal + electronic powered tour of Vancouver’s beautiful Kitsilano neighbourhood. Magical.

Relentless Portfolio News

Not every fund fits into an existing bucket. Not every longevity solution is obvious. We believe functional cures are a start, and more. Read on.

·       July – Aspect Biosystems released pre-clinical data pointing to the potential for a functional cure to restore adrenal function and treat primary adrenal insufficiency.

·      During the summer VitaminLab announced their move to an upgraded new facility in Victoria, BC to facilitate scaling and faster production timelines in support of growing demand.

·      Orpyx Medical launched their next generation product this summer; theOrpyx SI® Flex Kit provides lower-cost diabetic foot monitoring with a no-charge insole to broaden access, supporting value-based care through remote monitoring. Orpyx is playing their part in keeping individuals with diabetes moving.

Relentless Awards & Honours

·       Canary Medical was nominated for a 2025 Prix Galien award for Best Startup. The Prix Galien Awards honour innovators in life sciences and brings together remarkable minds and groundbreaking discoveries that shape the future of healthcare.

·       Aspect Biosystems – Nominated for the BCTIA 2025 – ‘Gamechanger – Deal of the Year’ Award.

·       Alison Twiner (LP and Advisor) – Alison was awarded the King Charles Coronation Medal for her dedication to public service.

·       Brenda Irwin (GP) – recognized as a Business in Vancouver (BIV) “BC500” leader in the annual program that selects the most influential business leaders throughout the province.

Wishing you all a happy and productive longevity month.