Clinique La Prairie Launches Its Longevity Fund In Dubai
The Switzerland-based leader in longevity science aims to use this fund to invest in companies focused on extending and enhancing quality of life.
The Montreux, Switzerland-based Clinique La Prairie (CLP), a recognized leader in longevity science since 1931, has launched its Longevity Fund, which shall invest in companies revolutionizing the landscape of aging, health, and wellbeing.
By concentrating on the four core pillars of medical care, nutrition, movement, and well-being, the Longevity Fund, which was announced at an event staged at Clinique La Prairie's Longevity Hub in Dubai, shall invest in companies focused on extending and improving the quality of life.
The fund aims to close the gap between innovative longevity technologies and their real-world applications, dedicating resources to make these advancements accessible.
Designed exclusively for qualified investors, the fund will offer current clients and new investors the opportunity to participate in developing innovative longevity technologies and their applications.
The fund will be led by Clinique La Prairie CEO Simone Gibertoni and Professor Stefan Catsicas, an experienced biotechnology, research, and investment expert, both of whom will serve as co-chairs of the fund’s investment committee.
A scientific advisory board of professionals from academia, medicine, and life sciences will support the fund’s management team, thereby providing a multidisciplinary approach to its investment strategy.
In a statement, Gibertoni said, “Inspired by nearly a century of clinical work in Montreux, this strategic move marks a new milestone for the ecosystem of Clinique La Prairie, demonstrating our commitment to advancing the frontier of longevity science. I envision the fund emerging as a leading epicenter of innovation."
Clinique La Prairie has established a comprehensive ecosystem that includes the Swiss Montreux Clinique, Longevity Hubs, and exclusive Health Resorts, delivering effective health and lifespan solutions across its locations.
Professor Catsicas said, “I am delighted to partner with Clinique La Prairie and to leverage our expertise to drive meaningful change in the longevity landscape. We are committed to catalyzing groundbreaking innovations in the pursuit of extending and enhancing human life.”
In an interview with Inc. Arabia, Gibertoni provided further details on the fund’s scale, target areas, and the reasoning behind its choice of location for the announcement.
“The target volume for the first year is EUR100 million (US$108.58 million), and we are currently in this initial stage,” said Gibertoni. "The fund aims to close in three stages, with a maximum target of EUR300 million ($325.73 million)."
“We definitely see significant potential in Dubai and the GCC region, both as a source of investors and as a hub for innovative investees," he added. "The region has a professional investor base that may be increasingly interested in health and longevity technologies, aligning with our mission. Additionally, the region is home to a growing number of pioneering companies and startups in the sector. We may identify promising investments."
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Gibertoni also revealed that the fund has already begun scouting for startups. “Yes, scouting has begun, and we have a strong pipeline of potential investments," he said. "While we can’t disclose specific projects at this stage, they will be shared in the future phases of the fund. The MENA region is indeed within our scope. We think it holds a strategic economic position, with emerging markets and significant growth potential in healthcare technology and innovators — key areas targeted by the fund.”
Gibertoni also highlighted the UAE’s progressive economic approach and a growing regional interest in longevity-focused health solutions. “We chose Dubai for this launch, because of the UAE’s and the region’s progressive economic mindset and — perhaps most importantly — the growing local awareness and understanding of the longevity industry, with a focus on both healthspan and lifespan. This is evidenced by the increasing number of clinics, longevity-focused spaces, wellness, and similar approaches opening every week in Dubai or the region.”
Gibertoni also pointed toward Clinique La Prairie’s current and upcoming projects in the GCC as a factor for the choice of Dubai to make this announcement. “Another reason is Clinique La Prairie’s recent and upcoming projects in the region, including the Dubai Longevity Hub at One&Only One Za'abeel and the Amaala Health Resort in Saudi Arabia,” he added.
Since the 1960s, the lifespan of the global population has increased from 54 to 73 years. Despite that, the amount of time that we spend being sick has remained the same, with most people spending around half of their lives in poor to moderate health, and 12 percent of their lives in poor health, according to a study by McKinsey Health Institute (MHI).
In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that we lose a decade of our lives to poor health. Longevity aims to not only help us gain back that decade, but optimize the rest of our lives as well.
