Valley trick #1: Always trust the bearded crackpot
We're nothing if not cynics about "new hot fields." Why do we trust former Paypal CEO Peter Thiel when he invests in biotech out of a hope to indefinitely extend the human lifespan? Because his recipient, Methuselah Foundation head Aubrey de Grey, is hairy.
If you don't have time to properly evaluate an investment opportunity, just use the Hair Rule: any investment in a member of the Luxuriant Flowing Hair Club for Scientists is a guaranteed success.
Think about it. These people are followers of Einstein, Benjamin Franklin, and Sir Isaac Newton, they're part of a healthy interdisciplinary network, and they know how to think long-term.
Entrepreneur backs research on anti-aging [SF Chronicle]
Photo of Aubrey de Grey by Jacob Botter, CC license [Flickr]