World Model · podcast knowledge graph

Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315

2026-07-22 · 72 min · episode 2314 · 41 entities

episode page audio

Asserted relationships

  • → references twistartups.substack.com website
    0.77
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://twistartups.substack.com/
  • → references @Calacanis website
    0.77
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://substack.com/@calacanis
  • → references Bilal Kharouni person
    0.77
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://linkedin.com/in/bilal-kharouni
  • → hosted by Jason Calacanis person
    0.55
    evidence rules-v5
    Feed author/publisher: Jason Calacanis
  • → discusses Technology company
    0.40
    evidence rules-v5
    Feed category: Technology
  • → references ThisWeekIn website
    0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://youtube.com/thisweekin
  • → references Twist website
    0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://sentry.io/twist
  • → references @Thisweekinstartups website
    0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups
  • → references whoop.com website
    0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://whoop.com/
  • → references partners.launch.co company
    0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://partners.launch.co/
  • → references agree.com website
    0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://agree.com/
  • → references newlimit.com website
    0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://newlimit.com/
  • → references stationf.co website
    0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://stationf.co/
  • → references ekeilabs.com website
    0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://ekeilabs.com/
  • → references oist.jp website
    0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://oist.jp/
  • → references lifebiosciences.com website
    0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://lifebiosciences.com/
  • → references centivax.com website
    0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://centivax.com/
  • → references Takaichi Sleep Overwork person
    0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11/14/japan/politics/takaichi-sleep-overwork
  • 0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://fda.gov/patients/learn-about-expanded-access-and-other-treatment-options/right-try
  • 0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://statnews.com/2026/05/04/are-blue-zones-real-new-scrutiny-longevity-hot-spots

Entities found in this episode

websites 30

  • mentioned twistartups.substack.com website
    0.90
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://twistartups.substack.com/
  • mentioned @Calacanis website
    0.90
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://substack.com/@calacanis
  • references twistartups.substack.com website
    0.77
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://twistartups.substack.com/
  • references @Calacanis website
    0.77
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://substack.com/@calacanis
  • mentioned ThisWeekIn website
    0.45
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://youtube.com/thisweekin
  • mentioned Twist website
    0.45
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://sentry.io/twist
  • mentioned @Thisweekinstartups website
    0.45
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups
  • mentioned whoop.com website
    0.45
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://whoop.com/
  • mentioned agree.com website
    0.45
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://agree.com/
  • mentioned newlimit.com website
    0.45
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://newlimit.com/
  • mentioned stationf.co website
    0.45
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://stationf.co/
  • mentioned ekeilabs.com website
    0.45
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://ekeilabs.com/
  • mentioned oist.jp website
    0.45
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://oist.jp/
  • mentioned lifebiosciences.com website
    0.45
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://lifebiosciences.com/
  • mentioned centivax.com website
    0.45
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://centivax.com/
  • 0.45
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://fda.gov/patients/learn-about-expanded-access-and-other-treatment-options/right-try
  • 0.45
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://statnews.com/2026/05/04/are-blue-zones-real-new-scrutiny-longevity-hot-spots
  • references ThisWeekIn website
    0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://youtube.com/thisweekin
  • references Twist website
    0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://sentry.io/twist
  • references @Thisweekinstartups website
    0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups
  • references whoop.com website
    0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://whoop.com/
  • references agree.com website
    0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://agree.com/
  • references newlimit.com website
    0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://newlimit.com/
  • references stationf.co website
    0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://stationf.co/
  • references ekeilabs.com website
    0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://ekeilabs.com/
  • references oist.jp website
    0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://oist.jp/
  • references lifebiosciences.com website
    0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://lifebiosciences.com/
  • references centivax.com website
    0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://centivax.com/
  • 0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://fda.gov/patients/learn-about-expanded-access-and-other-treatment-options/right-try
  • 0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://statnews.com/2026/05/04/are-blue-zones-real-new-scrutiny-longevity-hot-spots

persons 6

  • mentioned Bilal Kharouni person
    0.90
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://linkedin.com/in/bilal-kharouni
  • references Bilal Kharouni person
    0.77
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://linkedin.com/in/bilal-kharouni
  • mentioned Jason Calacanis person
    0.70
    evidence rules-v5
    Feed author/publisher: Jason Calacanis
  • hosted by Jason Calacanis person
    0.55
    evidence rules-v5
    Feed author/publisher: Jason Calacanis
  • mentioned Takaichi Sleep Overwork person
    0.45
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11/14/japan/politics/takaichi-sleep-overwork
  • references Takaichi Sleep Overwork person
    0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11/14/japan/politics/takaichi-sleep-overwork

companys 4

  • mentioned Technology company
    0.50
    evidence rules-v5
    Feed category: Technology
  • mentioned partners.launch.co company
    0.45
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://partners.launch.co/
  • discusses Technology company
    0.40
    evidence rules-v5
    Feed category: Technology
  • references partners.launch.co company
    0.38
    evidence rules-v5
    Link in episode "Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315": https://partners.launch.co/

concepts 1

  • mentioned TWiST Tokyo | E2315 concept
    0.42
    evidence rules-v5
    Why this longevity startup raised in Japan, not Silicon Valley | TWiST Tokyo | E2315
Episode description as stored
This Week In Startups is made possible by: Sentry https://sentry.io/twist Agree https://agree.com Northwest Registered Agent https://northwestregisteredagent.com/twist Today's show: French ex-martial artist Bilal Kharouni is building his longevity startup from Okinawa, one of the world's "blue zones." (These are regions with the most people living long, healthy lives.) In this TWiST taping from Founder University in Tokyo, Jason investigates why a $200K raise in Japan can out-build a $2M raise in San Francisco, and why the best moat for biological AI isn't the model; it's the data no one else has. Plus a tactical and practical discussion of product market fit, why Ekei killed a growing side business to maintain focus, Japan's fast-track for regenerative medicine, and hitting the upper limits for consumer longevity gadgets. Plus a live Q&A with Founder U attendees. Guest Bilal Kharouni on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bilal-kharouni/ Ekei Labs: https://www.ekeilabs.com/ Relevant Links Okinawa Institute of Science and Tech (OIST): ****https://www.oist.jp/ Life Biosciences: https://www.lifebiosciences.com/ NewLimit: https://www.newlimit.com/ Centivax: https://www.centivax.com/ Medical Daily: "First Human Trial to Reverse Aging Gets FDA Clearance": https://www.medicaldaily.com/first-human-trial-reverse-aging-just-got-fda-clearance-what-epigenetic-reprogramming-actually-476076 Tim Friede snake venom article from Science: https://www.science.org/content/article/he-injected-himself-venom-decades-can-his-antibodies-help-snakebite-victims Micro1: https://www.micro1.ai/ Whoop: https://www.whoop.com/ Station F Paris startup campus: https://stationf.co/ Japan Times: "PM Takaichi sleeps only 2-4 hours a night": https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11/14/japan/politics/takaichi-sleep-overwork/ FDLI: "Japan's Regenerative Medicine Regulatory Pathways": https://www.fdli.org/2019/02/global-focus-japans-regenerative-medicine-regulatory-pathways-encouraging-innovation-and-patient-access/ FDA: "Right to Try": https://www.fda.gov/patients/learn-about-expanded-access-and-other-treatment-options/right-try STAT News: "Are Blue Zones Real?": https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/04/are-blue-zones-real-new-scrutiny-longevity-hot-spots/ Timestamps: 0:00 Founder University is back in Japan! 4:05 What Ekei Labs does 5:13 Why Japan is a longevity hub 8:52 The AI biological moat 10:05 Sentry - Your team should be focused on shipping features — not chasing down bugs. New users can get $240 in free credits when they go to https://sentry.io/twist and use the code TWIST 15:58 Right to try and the ethics of experimental therapies 22:30 Agree.com - Stop chasing invoices and automate your entire contract-to-cash stack. Go to https://agree.com and tell them Jason sent you to get 50% off for life! 24:49 Japan's fast-track regenerative medicine law 26:03 Raising in Japan vs. the US 31:32 Northwest Registered Agent - Get more when you start your business with Northwest. In 10 clicks and 10 minutes, you can form your company and walk away with a real business identity — Learn more at https://northwestregisteredagent.com/twist 40:44 Why Ekei killed a profitable service to focus 47:11 Have Blue Zones been debunked? 48:56 How socialization may extend lifespan 51:07 Founder Q&A: Booked vs. forecast revenue 55:42 Amazon's "bar raiser" framework 1:03:31 Social robots and loneliness 1:04:29 Jason on health and hustle culture Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp Follow Lon: X: https://x.com/lons Follow Alex: X: https://x.com/alex LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm Follow Jason: X: https://twitter.com/Jason LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis Check out all our partner offers: https://partners.launch.co/ Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky