Brom Rector is the founder of Empath Ventures, a VC fund that in invests in early-stage psychedelics startups. Prior to founding Empath, Brom sent several years as a portfolio manager and quantitative researcher. Brom joins the show to discuss the current state of the psychedelics industry, the lessons learned founding a VC fund, the differences between psychedelics and cannabis, and a whole lot more. Important Links: Empath Ventures Brom’s LinkedIn Brom’s Twitter The Brom Podcast Show Notes: How Brom became interested in psychedelic investing Psychedelics and the mental health epidemic Depoliticising psychedelics Empath Ventures’ business model How we can scientifically improve psychedelics The influence of hippie culture A contrarian view on Big Pharma The potential benefits of ibogaine The differences between cannabis and psychedelics Do some people not react to psychedelics? Brom’s thoughts on microdosing Lessons learned from founding a VC company The benefits of Rule 506(c) Books Mentioned: How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence; by Michael Pollan Healing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection; by John E. Sarno MD