At the helm of Colossal Biosciences’ groundbreaking de-extinction efforts stands Ben Lamm, a serial tech entrepreneur whose vision has transformed what was once science fiction into scientific reality. As co-founder and CEO of the Dallas-based biotech startup, Lamm has orchestrated the world’s first successful de-extinction—the revival of dire wolves after 12,000 years—while building a company positioned at the intersection of cutting-edge genomics and conservation.
From Tech Innovator to Conservation Pioneer
Lamm brings to Colossal a proven track record of building disruptive businesses across multiple technological domains. Before launching into de-extinction, he founded and led several successful technology companies including Hypergiant (AI for defense and space, acquired by Trive Capital), Conversable (AI-driven customer engagement, acquired by LivePerson), Chaotic Moon (creative technology, acquired by Accenture), and Team Chaos (gaming, acquired by Zynga).
This background in emerging technologies provided Lamm with the entrepreneurial foundation to tackle one of science’s most ambitious challenges: bringing back extinct species through advanced genetic engineering. Partnering with renowned Harvard geneticist Dr. George Church, Lamm co-founded Colossal with the bold mission of making “extinction optional” through biotechnology innovation.
Articulating the Vision
Lamm’s leadership is characterized by his ability to articulate both the technological achievements and broader significance of Colossal’s work. Upon announcing the successful birth of dire wolves, he stated: “I could not be more proud of the team. This massive milestone is the first of many coming examples demonstrating that our end-to-end de-extinction technology stack works. Our team took DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull and made healthy dire wolf puppies.”
With a nod to Arthur C. Clarke’s famous observation that sufficiently advanced technology appears indistinguishable from magic, Lamm added: “It was once said, ‘any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.’ Today, our team gets to unveil some of the magic they are working on and its broader impact on conservation.”
This framing exemplifies Lamm’s approach—acknowledging the wonder-inducing nature of de-extinction while grounding it in scientific reality and conservation impact.
Building Financial Support for Conservation Innovation
One of Lamm’s most significant contributions has been attracting substantial investment to what might otherwise be considered a niche scientific endeavor. In January 2025, even before the wolf announcement, Colossal raised an additional $200 million in financing to accelerate its de-extinction projects.
The company has attracted high-profile backers ranging from venture capital firms to cultural figures such as George R.R. Martin (of “Game of Thrones” fame), Tom Brady, Seth Green, and Joe Manganiello. This ability to build financial momentum around conservation technology represents a key aspect of Lamm’s leadership, bringing new resources to biodiversity efforts that might not otherwise be available.
Tom Brady, a Colossal Executive Advisory Board member, noted: “I’m so excited to be an investor to one of the most fascinating science companies today, Colossal. Last month Colossal showed the advancements made bringing back the woolly mammoth by presenting the world with the woolly mouse. And this month the company gives us another science first, the world’s first animal back from extinction – the dire wolf.”
Conservation-Focused Approach
While de-extinction captures headlines, Lamm has consistently positioned Colossal’s work within a broader conservation framework. Under his leadership, the company has emphasized how technologies developed for de-extinction can benefit endangered species preservation more broadly.
This conservation focus is evident in Colossal’s simultaneous announcement of successfully cloning critically endangered red wolves alongside the dire wolf revival. By demonstrating immediate applications of de-extinction technologies to contemporary conservation challenges, Lamm has helped address skepticism about whether reviving extinct species diverts attention from protecting those still alive.
As described by Matt James, Colossal’s Chief Animal Officer, “Colossal’s successful de-extinction of the dire wolf represents a massive coup for conservation. The technologies developed on the path to the dire wolf are already opening up new opportunities to rescue critically endangered canids.”
Indigenous and Scientific Partnerships
Lamm has fostered relationships with diverse stakeholders, including indigenous communities, conservation organizations, and scientific experts. Colossal acknowledges collaborations with “the MHA Nation, the Nez Perce Tribe, the Karankawa Tribe of Texas, INDIGENOUS LED, and the Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative, whose ancestral knowledge and insights have guided our efforts.”
This inclusive approach recognizes the cultural and spiritual dimensions of wildlife restoration alongside scientific considerations. Mark Fox, Tribal Chairman of the MHA Nation, praised this collaborative spirit, noting that “the work of the team at Colossal Biosciences is not only significant to our lands and people, but for conservation efforts across the globe.”
Future Vision
As Colossal moves forward from the dire wolf milestone, Lamm’s vision extends to other ambitious de-extinction targets. The company has indicated plans to reintroduce the woolly mammoth by 2028 and to revive the thylacine (Tasmanian tiger) and dodo thereafter. Early success with the dire wolf provides proof of concept for these more complex revival efforts.
Beyond specific species, Lamm sees Colossal’s work developing a suite of genetic tools that can transform conservation biology more broadly. The non-invasive blood cloning technique