In 2023, Owen set out to build Opal Ventures, a venture fund backing the earliest-stage founders building in healthtech. He previously built On Deck Health, a community for earliest-stage health tech founders and was COO at Osmosis, a Felicis and Greycroft-back health tech startup acquired by Elsevier. It was not an easy climate to fundraise in, and in 2024, he attended Elea’s inaugural summit in Mexico City. 

“The Elea Summit in Mexico City was probably the single most impactful event that I went to that turned Opal Ventures from an idea into reality. When I look back at the last 18 months, those three days were a catalyst for everything.”

“I will remember this for the rest of my life: Joe and I met at the ranch in Mexico City - and happened to be standing next to each other as we went on a hike. We ended up talking for 1.5 hours, and in those 90 minutes - started a meaningful friendship, where we both also witnessed a white deer passing by. I’ll remember that moment forever. Joe has continued to be an incredible source of wisdom and mentorship, as someone who has built and led billion dollar funds. It ultimately led to an investment in my fund, and a relationship between our families and wives that continues to live on today.”

“Elea is a space for exceptionally driven, empathetic people to find clarity. I have deep appreciation for Mehul and Julie, and the opportunity to meet people who vibrate on the same frequency as me through the Elea community.”

Inside Elea, we accept a small number of founders of venture funds. We favor those who have come from outside the industry, embody the entrepreneurial spirit of a builder, and know what it feels like to build something great from nothing.