John Coogan, EIR Founders Fund, Founder of Lucy & Soylent
Can Nicotine Increase IQ?
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In this episode, Sourcery sits down with John Coogan, EIR at Founders Fund and Co-Founder of Lucy and Soylent. We cover topics such as his role as an EIR at Founders Fund, his journey from starting Soylent & going through YC, becoming a successful YouTuber (430K+ subscribers & 8M+ views!!), as well as his insights into the history of nicotine & tobacco with his company Lucy.
John dives into:
All of the complexities of startup entrepreneurship
The importance of really good storytelling & marketing
Working in a regulated industry
Some hot takes on the VC/tech world (ie getting VC-pilled)
Plus.. he might’ve discovered PMF for Rabbit R1
Learn the misconceptions about nicotine, realities of “big tobacco,” future of nicotine replacement therapy, and his business journey building & marketing Lucy.
For background, Lucy was founded to help adult tobacco users who are looking to try high quality alternatives to cigarettes and traditional tobacco products, without the carcinogens.
Nicotine is an addictive chemical, use responsibly.
P.S. John is quite the interesting person to talk to - he could easily survive a 4 hour long Joe Rogan or Lex Fridman interview.. we volunteer him as tribute.
Nicotine Research:
Nicotine’s Effects on the Brain & Body & How to Quit Smoking or Vaping [Huberman Lab Podcast #90]
No Smoke Less Harm: How non-combustible nicotine alternatives can accelerate tobacco control and harm reduction, to save millions of adult smokers’ lives [Smoke Free Sweden]
Report by International and Local Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) Experts 2024
Nicotine: On the benefits and lack of demerits of nicotine (research up to 2015) [Gwern]
Lethal miscommunication: FDA fails to explain the relative risks of tobacco products [The Counterfactual]
The US Food and Drug Administration published a page on the relative risks of tobacco products. It fails in that mission. But did it even try?
FDA APPROVES FLAVORED VAPES: ANALYSIS [John Coogan]
ZYN DOT COM SHUTDOWN: ANALYSIS [John Coogan]
More Show Resources:
Venture Capital’s Space for Sheep, Trae Stephens of Founders Fund
VCs should invest in companies that create hype cycles, rather than those that simply follow them
Companies Mentioned + Timestamps below
Today’s Sourcery is brought to you by Archer..
Companies mentioned:
Tech
Helium: Decentralized wireless network for IoT.
Coinbase: Leading cryptocurrency exchange platform.
Flexport: Global freight forwarding and logistics.
Varda: Space manufacturing company.
SpaceX: Private space exploration and launch services.
Palantir: Data analytics and software company.
Rizz: Modern dating app with AI-powered matchmaking.
Tinder: Popular dating app.
CPG
Dollar Shave Club: Affordable razors and grooming products.
Warby Parker: Stylish, affordable eyewear online.
Red Antler: Branding agency for startups.
Vita Coco: Popular coconut water brand.
Pepsi: Global soda and beverage company.
Casamigos: George Clooney’s premium tequila brand.
Teramana: The Rock’s small-batch tequila.
Nicotine + Tobacco
Zyn: Nicotine pouches as a smokeless alternative.
Juul: USB-shaped e-cigarettes for smokers.
Altria: Major tobacco company with diverse nicotine products.
Nicorette: Nicotine gums and lozenges for quitting smoking.
Swedish Match: Smokeless tobacco and lighters.
General Snus: Swedish-style smokeless tobacco.
Newport: Popular menthol cigarette brand.
Timestamps
(00:00) The Origin Story of Lucy
(00:41) Introducing John Coogan
(01:20) What does an EIR at Founders Fund do?
(04:22) The Birth of Soylent
(08:31) The Viral Success of Soylent
(10:50) Challenges in the Nutritional Supplement Space
(12:40) The Regulatory Landscape of Nicotine Products
(14:46) Sponsor: Archer
(16:42) The Juul Phenomenon
(22:59) The Complexities of Tobacco Regulation
(36:25) Debunking Nicotine Myths
(37:38) Nicotine as a Stimulant
(39:33) The Smoking Epidemic
(40:31) Regulatory Challenges and Big Tobacco
(42:48) Building a CPG Company
(47:30) Marketing and Storytelling
(55:46) Tech Hot Takes and AI Gadgets
(59:38) The Future of AI in Consumer Products
(1:07:23) Closing Thoughts and Reflections