The premiere event for venture capital associates to expand their skills and expertise
NextGen VC Forum East Coast 2026
Life science VCs expanding expertise and growing networks
Program
LaunchBio’s NextGen VC Forum is the premier event for venture capital professionals to deepen their knowledge of the life science and biotech sectors while building meaningful connections across the industry. The forum features expert-led sessions that offer practical insights into evaluating, supporting, and scaling science-backed startups. Networking is built into the program to help participants expand their reach and grow their networks. Co-created with Wilson Sonsini, the half-day forum includes a networking lunch, three interactive one-hour sessions, and a closing happy hour. Attendance at NextGen VC Forum is by invitation only.
Attendance at NextGen VC Forum is by invitation only. If you’re interested in attending, request an invite above.
event
AGENDA
12:00 pm – Arrival and check-in with light lunch and networking
1:00 pm – Welcome and Introduction
1:15 pm – Session 1
2:15 pm – Session 2
3:15 pm – Break
3:30 pm – Session 3
4:30 pm – Happy Hour and networking hosted by Wilson Sonsini
6:00 pm – Event Close
SESSION 1: The IP Advantage: What Smart Investors Look For
This session offers a behind-the-scenes look at how experienced investors use IP diligence to identify risk, uncover opportunity, and make more informed investment decisions.
Intellectual property can make or break an investment opportunity. So how do investors distinguish between red flags, manageable risks, and hidden sources of value? In this session, Mike and Deborah draw on their experience advising on more than 500 venture financings to explore how IP considerations influence investment decisions. Participants will learn how to evaluate IP risks that warrant concern, identify those that can be managed or mitigated, and recognize when a strong IP position can strengthen an investment thesis and enhance company value. Mike and Deborah will also share practical frameworks for assessing IP risk and uncovering the strategic advantages hidden within a company’s intellectual property portfolio.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand which IP issues warrant deeper scrutiny
- Learn which risks can be mitigated (and how)
- Recognize when IP can serve as a competitive advantage
- Gain practical insights from attorneys who have advised on hundreds of venture financings
Speakers
- Mike Hostetler, Partner, Patents and Innovations, Wilson Sonsini
- Deborah Smith, Partner, Patents and Innovations, Wilson Sonsini
Session 2: Biotech’s New Playbook: Funding, Partnerships, and Growth Strategies in a Changing Market
This session will provide a practical look at the trends reshaping biotech and offer frameworks that investors can apply as they evaluate opportunities and support portfolio companies.
Biotech companies are exploring new financing approaches, creative partnership structures, and new ways to build and scale their businesses while navigating a complex global environment.
In this session, David will discuss how these changes are shaping decision-making for both biotech companies and investors. Drawing from his experience advising emerging life sciences companies and their investors, David will share perspectives on extending runway through a mix of financing and business development strategies, evolving approaches to company structure and partnering, and important considerations for cross-border transactions involving China-based biotech companies. Rather than focusing solely on legal developments, this session will explore the practical implications of these trends and how investors can think strategically about risk, opportunity, and long-term value creation.
Key Takeaways:
- Explore different approaches to funding biotech companies through key inflection points, including both equity and non-dilutive strategies
- Understand current trends and considerations shaping partnerships and transactions involving China-based biotech companies
- Learn how biotech company structures are evolving, from traditional models to platform companies, spin-outs, and hub-and-spoke approaches
- Identify common challenges and strategies for managing risk while maximizing opportunity
- Gain practical insights to support better investment and operational decision-making
Speaker
- David Pirko, Partner, Technology Transactions, Wilson Sonsini
Session 3: Board Governance in Practice: What VCs Need to Know
This session will provide practical guidance for investors looking to become more effective board members and stronger partners to the companies they support.
Board seats come with real responsibilities. Investors are expected to provide oversight, support management teams, navigate difficult decisions, and help companies stay focused on long-term success. Understanding how boards operate and how to be an effective board member are crucial to being a strong venture investor.
Amy will cover the fundamentals of board governance for venture-backed life science companies. The conversation will explore the role of directors, how boards work with management teams, and what investors should know about board dynamics, decision-making, and fiduciary responsibilities. Amy will also discuss some of the more challenging situations that board members may face, including conflicts of interest, confidentiality obligations, and other complex governance issues that can arise as companies grow and evolve.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of board members in venture-backed life science companies
- Learn how boards provide effective oversight while supporting management teams
- Explore ways to align the interests of investors, founders, and other stakeholders
- Gain a better understanding of board dynamics, decision-making processes, and governance best practices
- Recognize and navigate common governance challenges, including conflicts of interest and confidentiality obligations
Speaker
- Amy Simmerman Partner, Corporate, Wilson Sonsini