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PureTech Founded Entity Akili Appoints Game Industry Veteran Behind Bejeweled, Plants vs. Zombies as Chief Product Officer
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Rhea-AI Summary
PureTech Health announces Jon David as the new Chief Product Officer of its Founded Entity, Akili Interactive. With over 20 years in the gaming industry, David is expected to drive Akili's product pipeline, developing innovative cognitive treatments that feel like high-end entertainment. His leadership experience includes positions at Glu Mobile and PopCap Games, where he contributed to hit franchises. This strategic appointment underscores Akili's commitment to merging entertainment with therapeutic solutions as it prepares for its merger with Social Capital Suvretta Holdings Corp. I.
Positive
Appointment of Jon David as Chief Product Officer is expected to enhance Akili's product development.
David's extensive background in the gaming industry may bring fresh perspectives to Akili's offerings.
Negative
Concerns about continuity and experience gaps as Akili navigates its product pipeline with new leadership.
Jon David brings deep expertise in building and launching engaging products to the Akili leadership team
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
PureTech Health plc (Nasdaq: PRTC, LSE: PRTC) (“PureTech” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company noted that its Founded Entity, Akili Interactive Labs, Inc. (“Akili”), a leading digital medicine company developing cognitive treatments through game-changing technologies, today announced the appointment of Jon David as Chief Product Officer. In his role, David will be responsible for developing and executing the strategic vision of Akili’s future product pipeline as the company continues to lead the way in establishing an entirely new category of medicine - one where the treatment is experienced like high-end entertainment. Reporting to the CEO, David will join the Akili executive team, which includes leaders with diverse experience and industry backgrounds ranging from biotech and technology to entertainment and design.
PureTech Founded Entity, Akili, announced the appointment of Jon David as Chief Product Officer. In his role, David will be responsible for developing and executing the strategic vision of Akili’s future product pipeline as the company continues to lead the way in establishing an entirely new category of medicine - one where the treatment is experienced like high-end entertainment. (Photo: Business Wire)
A 20-year veteran of the games industry, David joins Akili after serving as Vice President and General Manager at Glu Mobile, acquired in 2021 by Electronic Arts, where he led the development of both new IP and hit franchises including Covet Fashion and Diner Dash Adventures. David previously founded and served as CEO of Taunt, a technology-based fan engagement company focused on reinventing the way viewers engage with esports. While at Taunt, he was instrumental in raising capital, launching the service across web and mobile streaming platforms, and strengthening the social engagement between thousands of streamers and millions of fans.
Prior to Taunt, David spent more than 10 years at PopCap Games where he served as Vice President of Social Games, spearheading the company’s efforts in mobile free-to-play, building the social games studio from the ground up, and leading the development of Bejeweled Blitz. In 2011, PopCap Games was acquired by Electronic Arts where David continued to lead the studio, guiding the success of fan-favorite franchises and the launches of hit titles including Plants vs. Zombies 2 and Plants vs. ZombiesGarden Warfare. He has also served in various roles at Microsoft where he led the product design and development of Xbox Live Arcade for Xbox 360.
The full text of the announcement from Akili is as follows:
Game Industry Veteran Behind Bejeweled, Plants vs. Zombies Joins Akili as Chief Product Officer
Jon David brings deep expertise in building and launching engaging products to the Akili leadership team
BOSTON, Mass. – March 17, 2022 – Akili Interactive (“Akili” or the “Company”), a leading digital medicine company developing cognitive treatments through game-changing technologies, today announced the appointment of Jon David as Chief Product Officer. In his role, David will be responsible for developing and executing the strategic vision of Akili’s future product pipeline as the company continues to lead the way in establishing an entirely new category of medicine - one where the treatment is experienced like high-end entertainment. Reporting to the CEO, David will join the Akili executive team, which includes leaders with diverse experience and industry backgrounds ranging from biotech and technology to entertainment and design.
“Jon is a proven executive and top-tier innovator in the video game industry, and we are thrilled to have his vision and expertise on the team,” said Eddie Martucci, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Akili. “His results-driven background in creating intentionally designed, deeply enjoyable, and industry-changing consumer products will be instrumental as we advance our mission to pioneer treatments that truly have the feel and stickiness of consumer entertainment products.”
A 20-year veteran of the games industry, David joins Akili after serving as Vice President and General Manager at Glu Mobile, acquired in 2021 by Electronic Arts, where he led the development of both new IP and hit franchises including Covet Fashion and Diner Dash Adventures. David previously founded and served as CEO of Taunt, a technology-based fan engagement company focused on reinventing the way viewers engage with esports. While at Taunt, he was instrumental in raising capital, launching the service across web and mobile streaming platforms, and strengthening the social engagement between thousands of streamers and millions of fans.
Prior to Taunt, David spent more than 10 years at PopCap Games where he served as Vice President of Social Games, spearheading the company’s efforts in mobile free-to-play, building the social games studio from the ground up, and leading the development of Bejeweled Blitz. In 2011, PopCap Games was acquired by Electronic Arts where David continued to lead the studio, guiding the success of fan-favorite franchises and the launches of hit titles including Plants vs. Zombies 2 and Plants vs. ZombiesGarden Warfare. He has also served in various roles at Microsoft where he led the product design and development of Xbox Live Arcade for Xbox 360.
“The opportunity Akili offers to patients to ‘play their medicine,’ is uniquely powerful. I’m looking forward to bringing even more joy and magic to the Akili product experience as we grow,” said Jon David, Chief Product Officer at Akili. “I’m honored to join this team and drive engagement in a way that helps make people’s lives better.”
About Akili
Akili is pioneering the development of cognitive treatments through game-changing technologies. Our approach of leveraging technologies designed to directly target the brain establishes a new category of medicine—medicine that is validated through clinical trials like a drug or medical device, but experienced like entertainment. Akili’s platform is powered by proprietary therapeutic engines designed to target cognitive impairment at its source in the brain, informed by decades of research and validated through rigorous clinical programs. Driven by Akili’s belief that effective medicine can also be fun and engaging, Akili’s products are delivered through captivating action video game experiences.
On January 26, 2022, Akili entered into a definitive agreement to become publicly traded via a merger with Social Capital Suvretta Holdings Corp. I (Nasdaq: DNAA), a special purpose acquisition company. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2022, after which Akili will be listed on the Nasdaq stock market under the new ticker symbol “AKLI.” For more information, please visit www.akiliinteractive.com.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
In connection with the proposed business combination transaction between Social Capital Suvretta Holdings Corp. I (“SCS”) and Akili, SCS filed a registration statement on Form S-4 (as amended, the “Registration Statement”) with the SEC on February 14, 2022, which includes a preliminary prospectus and proxy statement of SCS, referred to as a proxy statement/prospectus. The Registration Statement has not yet become effective. When available, a final proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to all SCS shareholders. SCS will also file other documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC. SHAREHOLDERS OF SCS ARE ADVISED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ALL OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Shareholders will be able to obtain free copies of the Registration Statement, the proxy statement/prospectus and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by SCS (when available) through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
The documents filed by SCS with the SEC also may be obtained free of charge at SCS’s website at https://socialcapitalsuvrettaholdings.com/dnaa or upon written request to 2850 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway, Suite 200, Henderson, NV 89052.
Participants in the Solicitation
SCS and Akili and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from SCS’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction. A list of the names of such directors and executive officers and information regarding their interests in the proposed transaction between Akili and SCS are contained in the proxy statement/prospectus. You may obtain free copies of these documents as described in the preceding paragraph.
No Offer or Solicitation
This communication shall not constitute a solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the proposed transaction. This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any states or jurisdictions in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom. This press release may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed transactions contemplated by the proposed business combination between Akili and SCS.
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws with respect to the proposed transaction between Akili and SCS. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this communication, including but not limited to: (i) the risk that the proposed transaction may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of SCS’s securities, (ii) the risk that the proposed transaction may not be completed by SCS’s business combination deadline and the potential failure to obtain an extension of the business combination deadline if sought by SCS, (iii) the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the proposed transaction, including the adoption of the Merger Agreement by the shareholders of SCS and the satisfaction of the minimum cash condition, (iv) the lack of a third party valuation in determining whether or not to pursue the proposed transaction, (v) the inability to complete the PIPE Investment, (vi) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement, (vii) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the transaction on Akili’s business relationships, operating results, and business generally, (viii) risks that the proposed transaction disrupts current plans and operations of Akili or diverts management’s attention from Akili’s ongoing business operations and potential difficulties in Akili employee retention as a result of the announcement and consummation of the proposed transaction, (ix) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Akili or against SCS related to the Merger Agreement or the proposed transaction, (x) the ability to maintain the listing of SCS’s securities on a national securities exchange, (xi) the price of SCS’s securities may be volatile due to a variety of factors, including changes in the competitive and highly regulated industries in which SCS plans to operate or Akili operates, variations in operating performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting SCS’s or Akili’s business, and changes in the combined capital structure, (xii) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations after the completion of the proposed transaction, and identify and realize additional opportunities, (xiii) the ability of Akili to successfully commercialize EndeavorRx® and continue to advance its clinical development pipeline, (xiv) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain its management and key employees, (xv) the evolution of the markets in which Akili competes, (xvi) the ability of Akili to defend its intellectual property and satisfy regulatory requirements, (xvii) the costs related to the proposed transaction, (xviii) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Akili’s business, (xix) Akili’s expectations regarding its market opportunities and (xx) the risk of downturns and a changing regulatory landscape in the highly competitive industry in which Akili operates. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of SCS’s registration on Form S-1 (File Nos. 333-256723 and 333-257543), SCS’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 filed with the SEC on November 15, 2021, the Registration Statement on Form S-4, including those under “Risk Factors” therein, and other documents filed by SCS from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Akili and SCS assume no obligation and do not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Neither Akili nor SCS gives any assurance that either Akili or SCS, or the combined company, will achieve its expectations.
About PureTech Health
PureTech is a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing highly differentiated medicines for devastating diseases, including inflammatory, fibrotic and immunological conditions, intractable cancers, lymphatic and gastrointestinal diseases and neurological and neuropsychological disorders, among others. The Company has created a broad and deep pipeline through the expertise of its experienced research and development team and its extensive network of scientists, clinicians and industry leaders. This pipeline, which is being advanced both internally and through PureTech's Founded Entities, is comprised of 25 therapeutics and therapeutic candidates, including two that have received both U.S. FDA clearance and European marketing authorization, as of the date of PureTech's most recently filed Half Year Report and corresponding Form 6-K. All of the underlying programs and platforms that resulted in this pipeline of therapeutic candidates were initially identified or discovered and then advanced by the PureTech team through key validation points based on the Company's unique insights into the biology of the brain, immune and gut, or BIG, systems and the interface between those systems, referred to as the BIG Axis.
For more information, visit www.puretechhealth.com or connect with us on Twitter @puretechh.
This press release contains statements that are or may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including without limitation those statements that relate to expectations around EndeavorRx, the proposed business combination agreement between Akili and Social Capital Suvretta Holdings Corp. I (Nasdaq: DNAA) or matters related thereto, the competitive environment in which Akili operates, and Akili and PureTech's future prospects, development plans, and strategies. The forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from current expectations, including, but not limited to, those risks, uncertainties and other important factors described under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2020 filed with the SEC and in our other regulatory filings. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions regarding the present and future business strategies of the Company and the environment in which it will operate in the future. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as at the date of this press release. Except as required by law and regulatory requirements, we disclaim any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Who is Jon David and what is his role at Akili Interactive?
Jon David is appointed as Chief Product Officer at Akili Interactive, responsible for developing and executing the strategic vision for Akili's product pipeline.
What is the background of Jon David in the gaming industry?
Jon David has over 20 years of experience in the gaming industry, previously holding executive roles at Glu Mobile and PopCap Games, contributing to popular franchises.
What impact does Jon David's appointment have on Akili Interactive?
David's appointment is expected to enhance product development at Akili, leveraging his gaming experience to create engaging cognitive treatments.
What is the significance of Akili's merger with Social Capital Suvretta Holdings Corp. I?
The merger aims to provide Akili with public market access, enhancing its capabilities to advance its innovative cognitive treatments.
