For Terren Peizer, true success is changing lives, inspiring innovation, and addressing systemic issues in society.
An entrepreneur, investor, and strategic leader whose transformative impact spans diverse industries, including healthcare, technology, and financial services, Peizer has an unparalleled ability to identify emerging trends and disrupt traditional business models. He has consistently demonstrated an exceptional talent for innovation, foresight, and leadership throughout his career. He has been dubbed the “Zelig of Wall Street” by the New York Times for his ubiquity in a range of industries from healthcare and biotechnology to bio-degradable plastics, fintech and financial.
As the founder, chairman, and CEO of multiple groundbreaking enterprises, Peizer has established himself as a forward-thinking architect of change. His portfolio of achievements reflects a steadfast commitment to leveraging technology and data-driven solutions to address some of society’s most pressing challenges. Peizer’s Los Angeles-based personal holding company, Acuitas Group Holdings, owns the majority or controlling interest in his portfolio companies including Acuitas Capital and affiliates with investments in excess of $1.4 billion in micro and small capital companies.
In addition to his contributions to healthcare and technology, Peizer has made a significant mark in financial services. As a former executive with industry giants such as Goldman Sachs, Drexel Burnham Lambert, and First Boston, he honed his expertise in complex financial markets and strategic investments. These experiences laid the foundation for his subsequent ventures, including the founding of innovative investment firms that leverage cutting-edge technologies to unlock value and drive growth.
Transformative Experiences
“I was the youngest associate at Goldman Sachs and later worked as a key figure alongside Michael Milken. These formative years taught me the mechanics of finance, markets, and the transformative power of capital,” Peizer recalls. Although he had accumulated wealth, he realized it was not an end but a means to impact the world positively. It was then that his life purpose became clear.
He began giving his money away anonymously, believing in the biblical principle that true charity is giving without recognition. Yet, as he watched the finite impact of these acts, he understood that systemic change required more than donations. It demanded building companies that could address humanity’s most pressing challenges at scale. “This realization steered me towards industries where innovation could directly improve lives, from healthcare and technology to sustainability,” Peizer says.
Ultimately, personal experiences – losing his brother to substance abuse and witnessing his parents’ battles with neurodegenerative diseases solidified his commitment. “These tragedies fueled my focus on behavioral health and neurodegenerative research, as I sought solutions to the issues that hit closest to home.”
A defining moment in Peizer’s career came following his brother’s passing. After battling substance abuse for years, his brother died during a heart transplant surgery necessitated by cocaine-related heart damage. Peizer says that loss exposed gaps in the healthcare system, particularly in addressing the intersection of behavioral health and chronic diseases. “It was a wake-up call that my efforts needed to be more strategic and impactful,” he says.
Peizer took this deeply personal experience and channeled it into creating a groundbreaking telehealth company focused on behavioral health and chronic disease management. “It wasn’t just about making money, he says—it was about saving lives.” That company has since saved tens of thousands of lives, and aims” to save over 100,000 lives annually in the near future. “This moment redefined success for me, transitioning my focus from financial milestones to societal impact,” Peizer recalls.
Overcoming Challenges to Success
One of his most significant challenges occurred as Peizer was building his first telehealth company addressing behavioral health and chronic diseases. The idea was ahead of its time, and gaining acceptance from investors, healthcare providers, and patients was an uphill battle.
Peizer says he overcame the resistance by relentlessly focusing on data and outcomes. “I demonstrated the effectiveness of our approach through pilot programs and real-world results, which eventually gained traction. Scaling the company to save tens of thousands of lives was a hard-earned victory that taught me the importance of persistence and adaptability.”
A combination of resilience, vision, and a relentless focus on impact are what Peizer says have contributed to his success. “I’ve always approached challenges with creativity and determination, never settling for the status quo. My ability to assemble and empower talented teams has also been critical. Above all, my drive to better humanity keeps me motivated through even the toughest obstacles.”
Among his proudest achievements is the creation of a telehealth platform that addresses behavioral health and chronic disease. Saving over 20,000 lives so far, with the potential to scale to 100,000 annually, stands as a testament to his commitment to impactful innovation.
Another achievement is pioneering the first plant-based, compostable plastic that’s cost-effective and seamlessly integrates into existing manufacturing processes. This innovation tackles the global plastic crisis head-on, working with companies like FedEx and Nestlé to revolutionize sustainability.
Stress is an inevitable part of Peizer’s life, given the breadth of his responsibilities. To manage it, he’s built a structured routine. His day begins at 4:30 AM with light reading, followed by yoga and beach tennis. Physical activity grounds him and provides an outlet for stress, and he says, by learning the art of delegation – empowering CEOs and leaders within his companies, he is able to allow himself to focus on strategic goals and personal well-being.
A Commitment to Philanthropy
Focusing on meaningful connections and helping others is part of who Terren Peizer is. “I cherish my community in Puerto Rico, where I host events and engage in philanthropic activities. These moments remind me of the bigger picture and provide emotional fulfillment.”
His entrepreneurial achievements are matched by his deep commitment to philanthropy and mentorship. He has been an advocate for social responsibility, using his influence and resources to support initiatives in education, mental health, and community development. His dedication to creating sustainable impact is reflected in his approach to leadership, which emphasizes ethical governance, collaboration, and innovation. He takes immense pride in his mentorship and philanthropy. From supporting families in need to guiding emerging leaders, Peizer says these efforts represent the heart of his mission to better humanity.
What’s Ahead?
One project Terren Peizer is working on involves a polymer that inactivates pathogens on contact, with applications ranging from HVAC systems to medical devices with the potential to revolutionize public health, making environments safer and reducing transmission risks.
By Chris Bates
