Having successfully sold his international auction house business, Zimmermann redirected his efforts towards sustainable initiatives. His philanthropic endeavours include promoting better sanitation, enhancing water infrastructure, and supporting major organizations dedicated to improving the lives of millions in developing nations. Zimmermann’s missions extend to providing micro-loans, market expertise, and local technical assistance to uplift communities in need.
Antiquorum Acquisition and Transformation
In 2008, Zimmermann made a strategic move by acquiring Antiquorum, a Swiss-based international auction house specializing in watches. The distress buyout from a Japanese conglomerate that was recovering from Japan’s largest stock market crash positioned Zimmermann as the CEO and President of Antiquorum for a decade. Under his leadership, the auction house flourished, gaining mainstream recognition by featuring watches with celebrity provenance and breaking world record sale prices, including items owned by Mahatma Gandhi, Steve McQueen, and Albert Einstein.
Sale and New Ventures
Following the successful turnaround of Antiquorum, Zimmermann orchestrated its sale to Zurich-based investment bank FIDES Business Partner for an impressive $154 million. Taking a hiatus from the auction business, Zimmermann delved into new investments with a significant stake in the IPO of the then-little-known biotech company, Moderna, in 2018. Moderna later gained prominence for its early COVID-19 vaccine, with shares soaring close to 250% by the end of 2020 due to FDA approval.
Zimmermann’s investment portfolio expanded to include startup ventures, with 30 private investment stakes in various companies. While he initially focused on the fashion industry, investing in Rent the Runway, FarFetch, and Glossier, Zimmermann has recently directed substantial funds towards companies dedicated to reversing the aging process and extending human lifespan.
In 2021, Zimmermann joined forces with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to invest in Altos Labs. Although the exact amount of their investment remains undisclosed, Altos Labs revealed that it had raised over $270 million. Zimmermann’s involvement in the pursuit of immortality, alongside other biotech companies and billionaires, reflects a growing research interest aimed at preventing and reversing the aging process.
The outcome of Zimmermann’s financial investments in science and his commitment to social causes remains uncertain, but the potential for groundbreaking developments is captivating. The convergence of his wealth with transformative initiatives sparks intrigue, as the world awaits the impact of Evan Zimmermann’s journey on both science and philanthropy.
