SynBioBeta Speaker
James Joaquin
Co-founder & Mng Director
Obvious Ventures
May 2026, SynBioBeta
Speaker
James invests early in breakthrough technologies that move humanity forward. He’s passionate about the responsible use of AI to solve the unsolvable across trillion-dollar industries.As a co-founder at Obvious, he has led investments for the firm that span advanced materials (Diamond Foundry), plant-based protein (Beyond Meat), and labor marketplaces (Incredible Health).As an experienced startup operator, James served as President and CEO of Xoom.com (IPO). He was previously President and CEO of Ofoto from its early beginnings through acquisition by Kodak, leading its growth into the world’s largest online photo service. James also co-founded When.com, an Internet calendar and events service (acquired by AOL). He began his entrepreneurial career while studying computer science at Brown University, co-founding Clearview Software which was acquired by Apple, where he spent six years in engineering and marketing roles.James grew up in a Portuguese fishing community in southeastern Massachusetts. He is a drummer, sailor, puzzler, and master of puns.
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