Funding Fundamentals

How to Raise Capital and Find the Right Investors

Program

5pm – Registration

5:30pm-6pm – BioLabs Site Tour (closed-toe shoes are required)

6:10pm-7:10pm – Panel

7:15pm – 8pm – Networking & Refreshments

Panel

Join us for an engaging panel discussion on the crucial topic of fundraising for life science entrepreneurs. This session will provide invaluable insights into the fundamental strategies and best practices necessary to raise capital effectively and connect with the right investors in the life science industry.

Our panel of esteemed experts, comprised of venture capitalists and industry leaders, will share their vast knowledge and experiences and provide actionable advice tailored specifically to life science startups. Whether you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey or looking to scale your existing venture, this panel will equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the complex world of fundraising successfully.

Whether you’re a seasoned scientist looking to build a business based on your research expertise or a biotech entrepreneur growing your life science enterprise, this program will offer practical tips and tricks on how to raise capital and find the right investor. Key topics to be covered:

Understanding the life science fundraising landscape
Developing an effective fundraising strategy
Building investor relationships
Investor expectations and due diligence and what investors look for in life science startups, including key metrics, market potential, intellectual property considerations, and regulatory aspects.
Overcoming common fundraising challenges

Speakers

Craig Kenesky, PhD, JD, Associate, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Dr. Craig Kenesky is an associate in the New York office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. Craig applies his background in synthetic organic, medicinal, peptide, bioorganic, and computational chemistry to the prosecution of domestic and foreign patent applications, as well as due diligence, freedom to operate, portfolio development strategy, opinions, and IP counseling. Craig represents clients in numerous technology-focused industries, including the chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, nanotechnology, diagnostic, neutriceutical, healthcare, process and manufacturing, energy, clean technology, biofuel, genomics, software, information technology, bioinformatics, scientific instrument, personalized medicine, and medical device sectors.
Heather Petty, MBS, Director of Programs, Xontogeny
Heather currently serves as Director of Program Development where she collaborates cross-functionally to construct strategic initiatives and priorities across the portfolio. These activities span design and optimization of early preclinical through clinical development, identifying and building upon existing KOL and vendor relationships, and maintaining competitive landscapes. Heather has been with Xontogeny since it was founded in 2016, starting as an Associate with the investment team to support the build out of the company’s due diligence process before moving to portfolio-related activities in 2021.
Daniel Wagner Senior Managing Director, Connecticut Innovations
Dan is responsible for evaluating healthcare/life science investment opportunities, structuring investments and monitoring portfolio companies through active board participation. Dan has been with CI for 15 years. Dan contributes to CII’s expertise in biotech with more than 10 years in the industry. He was previously at CuraGen Corporation, a successful former CI portfolio company. While at CuraGen, Dan held a variety of scientific and operational management positions in research and development, technology assessment and implementation of next-generation scientific technologies that supported CuraGen’s growth from a genomic and proteomic platform company into a biopharmaceutical firm dedicated to advancing its protein, antibody and small-molecule therapeutics.
Mary Howard, Director, FirstXFounder
Mary is a
Anton Xavier MSc, MBA - Director, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB)
Anton Xavier leads SVB’s efforts in NY and the Northeast supporting the creation and growth of early stage life science ventures. Prior to SVB, Anton worked at the NY State Center for Biotechnology focusing on the development and implementation of technology and business development strategies to increase sponsored research, company formation, strategic alliances and investment with external partners.