About Gerry Ohrstrom

Finance and Investing

Gerry Ohrstrom is a private investor in New York City and former vice chairman of G.L. Ohrstrom & Co., a private equity firm founded by his family.[5][19] He chairs the Ohrstrom Foundation, established by his grandfather in 1953, and is founder of the Epicurus Foundation, focusing on finance/investing, social impact, music/arts, entrepreneurship, and diversity/inclusion.[19]

Philanthropy and Donor-Advised Giving

Ohrstrom emphasizes tax-efficient philanthropy to support emerging ideas, stating he gives "to discover what's next."[20] He uses vehicles like DonorsTrust for appreciated stock donations and supports organizations including Reason Foundation, Santa Fe Institute, Gruter Institute, and Heterodox Academy.[12][13][20] Notable contributions include TED Fellows, Social Philosophy and Policy journal, and MoMath founders.[3][8][16]

Science, Conservation, and De-Extinction

A major focus is funding biotechnology in conservation, such as Revive & Restore's woolly mammoth projects and Mongolian wildlife revival, including dinosaur education programs.[4][7][10][14][18] He backed expeditions like Siberia mammoth hunts and Gulf of Guinea biodiversity efforts.[15][18] Support extends to Santa Fe Institute, promoting interdisciplinary science.[6]

Free Speech, Heterodoxy, and Anti-Cancel Culture

Ohrstrom funds initiatives countering ideological conformity, including Heterodox Academy conferences and events critiquing cancel culture.[1][9] Ties to libertarian think tanks like Reason Foundation highlight advocacy for open inquiry.[13][21]

Evolutionary Biology and Gruter Institute

As a board member of the Gruter Institute, he promotes evolutionary approaches to law, biology, and policy, reflecting interests in human behavior and social philosophy.[17][19]

Arts, Music, and Culture

Involved in cultural philanthropy, including National Museum of Mathematics founders and personal ties to music/arts via Epicurus Foundation topics.[16] Social connections appear in New York Times wedding features linking to creative circles.[2]

Entrepreneurship and Social Impact

Epicurus Foundation underscores entrepreneurship and diversity/inclusion, with support for young scientists and innovative education.[Bio][10]