Boris Nikolic

Dr. Boris Nikolic is a Harvard-trained physician and immunologist who served as Bill Gates' chief science and technology advisor before co-founding Biomatics Capital Partners, a venture capital firm focused on biotech investments. His connection to Jeffrey Epstein became a major public scandal in August 2019 when Epstein named him as a backup executor in his will, signed just two days before Epstein's death in a Manhattan jail cell. Nikolic publicly stated he was "shocked" by the designation and declined to serve. However, the email archive reveals a 21,765 email correspondence spanning from 2009 through at least 2019, documenting a close personal and professional relationship that included meetings at Epstein's properties, social gatherings, real estate dealings, and coordination around Bill Gates' schedule.

The correspondence shows Nikolic functioned as an intermediary between Epstein and the elite scientific and philanthropic circles around Gates, facilitating introductions and coordinating meetings. While the emails are predominantly social and professional rather than overtly incriminating, they document sustained access to Epstein's inner circle during the years following his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.

Background#

Boris Nikolic earned his M.D. from the University of Zagreb School of Medicine in Croatia. He completed postdoctoral training in transplantation immunology at Harvard Medical School and served as an assistant professor of medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, authoring more than 70 articles, patents, and patent applications.

Nikolic served as chief advisor for science and technology to Bill Gates and worked with both Gates' private office (bgC3) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Epstein described him in a January 2010 email as "bill gates right hand". He resigned from the Gates Foundation in 2014.

In 2016, Nikolic co-founded Biomatics Capital Partners with Julie Sunderland, raising a $200 million fund focused on genomics, digital health, and data-driven healthcare. The firm led a $120 million investment in CRISPR gene editing startup Editas Medicine, where Nikolic joined the board. As co-founder and managing director, he sits on boards of several portfolio companies in biotechnology and life sciences.

Correspondence with Epstein#

The archive contains extensive correspondence between Nikolic and Epstein from 2009 through 2019, spanning 11,811 threads. The emails reveal a relationship that evolved from professional networking to genuine friendship, with frequent check-ins, travel coordination, and personal favors.

Early Period (2009-2012): Professional Networking and Social Integration

The earliest documented contact shows Nikolic being actively integrated into Epstein's network of scientists and philanthropists. In November 2009, they coordinated phone calls while Nikolic traveled. By November 2010, Epstein was already on "the island" (Little St. James) when Nikolic wrote thanking him: "That was great — Thank you! Also it was so great to see you last night. Hope it was not too much for you. I really liked Steve."

Nikolic appeared on Epstein's contact lists of scientists alongside figures like Marvin Minsky, George Church, and Martin Nowak. Epstein used these connections to position himself as a science patron. In April 2010, Nikolic arranged an introduction: "George meet Jeffrey, Jeffrey meet George! It is a pleasure to introduce two of my super smart and accomplished friends to each other." The meeting was scheduled with Harvard professor George Whitesides.

A December 2010 email reveals Nikolic attempted to arrange a dinner between Bill Gates and Epstein in New York. Bill Gates wrote to Nikolic and Christine Turner: "After talking with Melinda I have decided to leave New York City after the Pete Peterson meeting. So this means I won't have time to do another meeting and I won't be able to do the dinner with Jeff Epstein. I was looking forward to the dinner."

Visits and Meetings

Schedule documents show multiple planned meetings at Epstein's Manhattan townhouse:

• July 2010: "10:45 TENATIVE appt w/Boris Nikolic" at Epstein's residence
• September 2016: "12:15pm LUNCH Boris Nikolic"
• March 2015: "5:30 Boris" scheduled at Epstein's townhouse
• June 2017: "4:30pm Boris Nikolic JE's house"
• June 2017: "8:30pm Boris Nikolic in NY (waiting for email confirmation from Boris)"

Paris and International Travel

Nikolic and Epstein coordinated meetings during European travel. In May 2012, Nikolic wrote: "I was thinking of taking train from London to Paris around 4:20 Tuesday which would get me around 7:40pm to Paris. Sam will be with me. We would stay with you until Thursday early morning when we leave for Vienna. This would give us a whole day and two nights to catch up."

Epstein replied: "you are missing the fun" from "the ranch" (likely his New Mexico property) in August 2010. Nikolic responded: "Sorry that we did not connect today. I made just a quick trip to NYC (18h) so I spent nearly more time traveling. Looking forward to hearing the stories from the ranch!"

Bill Gates Connection

Nikolic served as a conduit between Epstein and Gates. An August 2013 email thread shows Nikolic forwarding Gates' messages about scheduling to Epstein, asking Epstein to help arrange meetings. Gates wrote: "There are a lot of things possible including the dinner Jeffrey proposed and some stuff you proposed." Nikolic added: "Please do not forward message below. Getting Geffen would be great."

In August 2013, Epstein emailed Gates, Nikolic, and Larry Cohen with a financial planning suggestion: "now that i can operate on your side of the table as opposed to christines. you could consider a zeroed out grantor retained annuity trust. it would give boris the same result. with no tax, and would be opaque to inquiry from inside your operation."

Personal Friendship (2015-2019)

By the mid-2010s, the emails reflect genuine personal warmth. Nikolic sent birthday wishes: "HAPPY 39th!!!" in January 2019. When Epstein was under legal pressure in early 2019, Nikolic wrote: "So sorry it must be annoying. Thinking of you. Where are you now?" In March 2019, Epstein replied "Stressed", and Nikolic responded supportively, offering to connect him with John Pinette, Bill Gates' former chief communications officer.

As late as April 2019 — months before Epstein's arrest — Nikolic was helping Epstein with real estate matters in South Florida, connecting him with a broker at Douglas Elliman.

Sam Jaradeh and the Apartment

Nikolic's friend Sam Jaradeh, described as a stylist and photographer, features prominently in the correspondence. Epstein provided Jaradeh with use of an apartment (identified as "11B" in emails) in Epstein's building. In November 2010, Nikolic invited Epstein to Jaradeh's 30th birthday party, noting "Sam is especially thankful to you for making this happen. He would really love to see you and your girls there."

In February 2010, Jaradeh sent Nikolic and Epstein a photo with the message: "Hot new girl on the scene... Jeffery you'd love her!! :-))" When Jaradeh left the apartment in June 2012, he thanked Epstein extensively.

Real Estate Transactions

In 2013, Nikolic pursued purchasing a Manhattan apartment with Epstein's assistance. Emails show Epstein connected Nikolic with real estate broker Steven Gold and advised on negotiations for a unit at 137 Duane Street. When Nikolic grew concerned about the property's condition in November 2013, Epstein later warned: "steve gold should not be trusted".

There are also references to Nikolic seeking to purchase an $11 million apartment in Manhattan, with Epstein apparently familiar with the proposal, per May 2013 emails.

Connections#

Nikolic's primary connection was Jeffrey Epstein, with whom he shared 18,926 emails. Bill Gates appears in 119 shared emails. Nikolic's correspondence also overlapped significantly with:

• Lesley Groff (495 emails) — Epstein's longtime executive assistant who coordinated many of Nikolic's meetings with Epstein
• Larry Cohen (313 emails) — Gates' financial advisor, involved in three-way discussions with Epstein
• Sam Jaradeh (172 emails) — Nikolic's friend who used Epstein's apartment
• Tom Pritzker (31 emails) — Billionaire philanthropist
• Nicole Junkermann (45 emails) — Investor and entrepreneur

Nikolic was invited to Epstein's 2012 "Money" seminar alongside tech luminaries including Sergey Brin, Larry Page, Bill Gates, Peter Thiel, Eric Schmidt, and others.

Document References#

Nikolic's most significant appearance in official documents is in Epstein's Last Will and Testament, executed August 8, 2019 — two days before Epstein's death. Article THIRD states: "If any one or more of my Executors fails to qualify, is unable or unwilling to serve or ceases to act, I appoint BORIS NIKOLIC, as successor Executor." The primary executors were Epstein's longtime attorneys Darren K. Indyke and Richard D. Kahn, each to be paid $250,000.

Nikolic was named alongside Epstein on participant lists for elite gatherings like the World Economic Forum in Davos. His name appears on Epstein's "LIST OF SCIENTISTS" contact sheets, positioning him within Epstein's carefully cultivated network of academics and researchers.

In September 2019, Nikolic formally declined the executor role, filing a "Declination to Serve as Successor Executor" in probate court in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.

Criminal Exposure Assessment#

The archive contains no evidence linking Nikolic to Epstein's sex trafficking operation or knowledge of criminal activity. The correspondence is dominated by professional networking, social coordination, real estate matters, and discussions about science and philanthropy.

Visits to Epstein Properties

Based on email evidence:

Manhattan townhouse (9 East 71st Street): At least 5 confirmed or scheduled visits

1. July 7, 2010 — 10:45am tentative appointment (schedule)
2. November 2010 — meeting referenced as "so great to see you last night"
3. September 7, 2016 — 12:15pm lunch (schedule)
4. March 25, 2015 — 5:30pm appointment (schedule)
5. June 29, 2017 — 4:30pm meeting (schedule)

Paris apartment: At least 2 confirmed visits

1. May 2012 — planned stay of "a whole day and two nights" with Sam Jaradeh (email)
2. October 2010 — meeting in Paris (correspondence)

New Mexico ranch: 0 confirmed visits, though Epstein told him "you are missing the fun" from the ranch in August 2010

Little St. James island: 0 direct evidence of visits, though Epstein mentioned being "already on the island" in November 2010 correspondence

Palm Beach residence: 1 possible visit — in December 2009, Epstein's assistant arranged for "someone to pick him up in Miami and bring him here" when Epstein was in Palm Beach

Overall Assessment

Boris Nikolic maintained a sustained personal and professional relationship with a convicted sex offender from 2009 through at least April 2019. The most troubling aspects are:

Timing: The relationship continued and arguably deepened after Epstein's 2008 conviction. Nikolic cannot claim ignorance of Epstein's criminal history.

Facilitation role: Nikolic actively introduced Epstein to legitimate scientists and academics, helping rehabilitate Epstein's reputation in elite circles. He facilitated (though did not complete) meetings between Epstein and Bill Gates.

The will designation: Being named successor executor two days before Epstein's death remains unexplained. Nikolic's public statements expressed surprise, but their close relationship belies complete ignorance of Epstein's affairs.

Real estate and favors: Epstein provided Nikolic's friend Sam Jaradeh with housing and career connections. Epstein assisted Nikolic with Manhattan real estate transactions. These material benefits suggest the relationship had transactional dimensions.

However, nothing in the emails indicates Nikolic witnessed or had knowledge of sex trafficking, abuse of minors, or other criminal conduct. The correspondence contains no references to young women, massage, or anything sexual. The visits documented are daytime meetings at the townhouse or social occasions in Paris — not the island or other properties more associated with criminal activity.

The emails portray Nikolic as someone who valued Epstein's wealth, connections, and apparent intellectual engagement, and who was willing to overlook his conviction in pursuit of professional and social advancement. It is a portrait of moral compromise rather than criminal complicity.