Safi Bahcall

Safi Bahcall is a highly successful entrepreneur, physicist, scientist, and author. He is the author of the best-selling books Loonshots: How to Nurture the Crazy Ideas That Win Wars, Cure Diseases, and Transform Industries and Symmetry: A Journey into the Patterns of Nature.

The New York Times notes that "Bahcall's understanding of physics, business, economics and life are evident in the engaging and sometimes even poetic writing that make his books essential reading to anyone interested in these topics."

Bahcall was raised in Washington, D.C. and New York City. He attended Harvard College, then went on to pursue his doctorate in theoretical physics at Stanford University. He also worked as a staff scientist at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory.

Bahcall was always interested in entrepreneurship and he took a break from science in 1995 to pursue his interest in starting companies. He drew from his own experience to develop a revolutionary approach to managing innovation, which he shared in his first book, Loonshots: How to Nurture the Crazy Ideas That Win Wars, Cure Diseases, and Transform Industries.

The book is based on Bahcall's concept of the “loon shot,” which he explains as a “big, bold, almost absurd goal” that is incredibly important but is not initially seen that way. The book demonstrates the importance of investing in “loonshots”—wild concepts that could change everything—even though at first glance they look silly. The book introduces a set of strategies and insights that leaders can use to recognize and manage these great ideas and turn them into real successes.

Symmetry: A Journey into the Patterns of Nature is Bahcall’s second book and provides readers with an introduction to the physical laws of nature, exploring the connections between mathematics and the natural world. His presentation of complex scientific concepts is light, weaving a story of the human quest to discover patterns, which hold the answers to unsolved puzzles and riddles.

Both of Bahcall’s books have received rave reviews from readers, industry professionals, and scientists. They have become popular required reading for business and entrepreneurial programs, as well as inspiring an entire generation of students and entrepreneurs to strive for success.

Bahcall is also an advisor to multiple venture funds and works as an adviser to leading venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and CEOs. He is currently a partner and CEO of Scienomics Partners, a science and technology fund.

Safi Bahcall is one of the leading voices combining science and business, and has become an icon in the innovative world. In the two books he has published, he has provided readers and entrepreneurs with the insight to make innovative leaps and pursue the “loon shots” and big dreams that will transform our world.