Bryan Johnson is a 47-year-old American tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist, best known for founding Braintree, a mobile and web payment system that acquired Venmo and was later sold to PayPal for $800 million. In recent years, he has gained attention for his extensive efforts in anti-aging and longevity research, investing millions into personal health experiments aimed at reversing the aging process.
How did the India visit go?
Recently, Johnson made headlines during a visit to India when he abruptly left a podcast hosted by Nikhil Kamath, citing concerns over poor air quality. He reported experiencing symptoms like a rash, and burning eyes and throat, attributing them to the air pollution in the area. This incident sparked discussions about air quality in India and led to online exchanges, including criticism from Indian doctor Shikhar Ganjoo, who labelled Johnson’s views on longevity as a “pseudo-scientific farce.” Johnson responded by highlighting the health risks associated with poor air quality and advocating for greater awareness.
Throughout his stay, the American entrepreneur shared his experiences on X, expressing admiration for India’s rich history and culture. He described the nation as “hungry for life, youthful, and open-minded,” noting a shared ethos of taking work seriously without taking oneself too seriously.
Additionally, Johnson has been in the news for his unconventional health practices, including undergoing blood plasma transfusions from his teenage son in an attempt to rejuvenate his body. He follows a strict daily regimen involving a large number of supplements and various medical treatments as part of his anti-aging protocol.
That said, here are some facts about Bryan Johnson:
Early life on a farm: Bryan Johnson was born in a small Mormon community in Utah. He grew up on a farm where he helped with harvesting alfalfa and corn. This rural upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic from a young age. He also developed a deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors.
Educational background: Johnson earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Brigham Young University in 2003. He later pursued an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, graduating in 2007. His diverse educational background provided a foundation for his entrepreneurial ventures. It also equipped him with a global perspective on business and technology.
Passion for aviation: Bryan is a licenced pilot with a passion for aviation and has experience in the United States Air Force as a pilot and instructor. He often takes to the skies to experience the freedom and perspective that flying offers. This allows him to challenge himself and stay disciplined. It also provides a unique way to disconnect from his busy entrepreneurial life.
Project Blueprint: Johnson launched Project Blueprint, an ambitious anti-ageing endeavour. He follows a strict daily regimen, including taking over 80 pills, to reverse the effects of ageing. His efforts have reportedly resulted in the heart of a 37-year-old and the lung capacity of an 18-year-old. This project reflects his commitment to extending the human health span through rigorous scientific methods.
Personal struggles: Despite his financial success, Johnson faced significant personal challenges, including depression and health problems. He fell into a deep depression in 2004, lasting 10 years. He has said that he was depressed while building a startup, caring for three young children, and dealing with relationship issues.
Founder of Braintree: In 2007, Johnson founded Braintree, a payment processing company. Under his leadership, Braintree acquired Venmo, expanding its services. In 2013, he sold Braintree to PayPal for $800 million. This successful exit significantly boosted his profile in the tech industry.
Establishment of Kernel: After selling Braintree, Johnson founded Kernel in 2016. Kernel is a neurotechnology company focused on developing brain-machine interfaces. The company’s goal is to enhance human cognition and understand the complexities of the brain. Johnson’s vision is to merge technology with neuroscience to push the boundaries of human potential.
Adventure seeker: Johnson is an adventure enthusiast who thrives on pushing his physical and mental limits. He regularly hikes, runs a challenging 3.4-mile mountain trail, and enjoys climbing, having once summited Mount Kilimanjaro, an experience that deeply influenced his life choices. In addition to his love for outdoor activities, he plays basketball and tennis weekly, and swimming is another favorite of his. His adventurous spirit extends to extreme activities like skydiving and scuba diving, where he finds both thrill and personal growth.
Plasma exchange: The tech millionaire has undergone plasma exchange procedures to remove toxins from his body and slow down aging. He has also given plasma to his father, Richard, and his son, Talmage. Johnson has called his plasma “liquid gold”. He has claimed that his father’s ageing rate decreased by 25 years after receiving his plasma and has reduced his epigenetic age by 5.1 years.
Don’t Die: His endeavours have been featured in media outlets and documentaries, such as the Netflix film “Don’t Die: The Man That Wants to Live Forever,” which explores his quest to slow aging.
