The Brazilian Scientist Who Predicted the RNA Revolution (And Got Rejected 30 Times)

Sep 3

SEPTEMBER 3, 2025 | 00:39 | Episode 85

Fabricio Costa, founder of [still in stealth]

Fabricio F. Costa, PhD, MBA is a GenAI, AI/ML, and Data Science expert with over 18 years of global leadership experience across technology, healthcare, and life sciences. He has held senior roles at Apple, Amazon, and Accenture, co-founded and exited two AI-driven startups, and led large-scale programs generating over U$100M in client revenue. At Apple, he managed 200+ professionals and delivered 300+ Apps, tripling market share in key regions. As CEO of a startup named Datagenno, he helped build a platform for rare disease diagnosis that generated U$20M+ in revenue and was acquired for a 5x return. He has formed partnerships with major tech firms and is a trusted advisor on AI & GenAI strategy. A Harvard-trained scientist with 100+ publications and multiple patents, Fabricio was honored at the White House and on AI and innovation.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Intro

Fabricio Costa elucidates the myriad of challenges and missteps encountered during his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the critical lesson of refraining from raising capital prematurely. Within the discourse, he poignantly recounts how this initial error culminated in significant equity dilution, ultimately resulting in financial outcomes that fell short of expectations upon the sale of his company. Furthermore, Fabricio articulates the necessity of aligning product development with genuine market demands, advocating for a flexible approach that embraces pivoting when customer feedback indicates a misalignment with their needs. Our conversation traverses his remarkable trajectory from academia to significant roles in esteemed corporations such as Apple and Amazon, culminating in a rich discussion on the implications of artificial intelligence in contemporary business landscapes. Join us as we delve into these insights, framed by Fabricio's experiences that illuminate the intersection of innovation, perseverance, and the evolving dynamics of the tech industry.

Conversation

The dialogue presented in this episode encapsulates a profound exploration of the tumultuous journey of entrepreneurship, underscored by the insights shared by Fabricio Costa, a seasoned entrepreneur and academic. Fabricio elucidates the myriad mistakes he encountered during his inaugural venture, particularly the perils of soliciting capital prematurely, which resulted in significant dilution of equity. He articulates the consequential disappointment experienced upon the eventual sale of the company, where the anticipated financial return starkly contrasted with reality. This discussion serves as a cautionary tale for burgeoning entrepreneurs, emphasizing the critical importance of market analysis before product development. Fabricio's narrative is interspersed with reflections on the necessity of adaptability in the face of customer feedback, illustrating the iterative nature of the startup ecosystem. Moreover, he delineates the vital distinction between 'good stubbornness'—the perseverance to pursue meaningful ideas—and 'bad stubbornness,' which is characterized by an inflexible attachment to one's creations. This episode ultimately provides an invaluable blueprint for aspiring founders, highlighting the significance of strategic decision-making and adaptability in the dynamic landscape of startups.

Awards

More than 100 scientific peer-reviewed publications in the life sciences and data fields and several white papers.
3 patents; 2 licensed.
Recognized for pioneering excellence, I secured the Best Data Engineering Solution at the 2023 BioIT World Event.
My influential role as Senior Contributor and Advisor at Forbes showcased my insights.
I received a notable honor at the White House during President Obama's tenure in 2014, embodying my multifaceted commitment to advancement and achievements.

Takeaways

Fabricio Costa emphasizes the importance of not raising capital too early in a startup's lifecycle to avoid unnecessary dilution of equity.
He recounts the numerous mistakes made during his first startup, highlighting the necessity of understanding market demand before product development.
The conversation reveals how persistence and resilience are crucial traits for entrepreneurs, enabling them to navigate challenges and learn from failures.
Fabricio discusses the evolving role of AI in the workplace, suggesting that while it may displace some jobs, it also creates new opportunities that require enhanced AI literacy.
He recounts how his academic journey informed his entrepreneurial endeavors, illustrating the interconnectedness of research and practical application in business.
The podcast concludes with a call to action for aspiring founders to leverage AI tools to enhance productivity and foster innovation in their ventures.