Building a strong network for life science innovators
FUNDING NOW SAN DIEGO
Navigating the Path to Financing
Program
The path to funding is never easy for an early-stage life science company. The 2023 outlook on investments indicates that venture capitalists will continue to have a high bar for investing in new companies. So, when you gain traction from potential investors, having your ducks in a row is critical to setting yourself up for a successful engagement. Understanding which key milestones investors seek can help you know when to engage and how to prepare in advance. Additionally, understanding which audited financial statements and GAAP accounting records are needed will prevent delays in the due diligence process. Implementing these practices early on can help you with your current round of funding and be prepared for future rounds by knowing how much you need to get there and identifying issues that could create problems later on.
Learn from investors on what sets companies apart in 2023 and from audit professionals on how to put your best foot forward when seeking funding.
4:00pm – 4:30pm: Registration and refreshments
4:30pm – 5:45pm: Panel 1 – Navigating the Path to Financing
5:45pm: Tours of BioLabs
5:45pm – 7:00pm: Networking and refreshments at California English
Speakers
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Jason Skolnik JD, Partner, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Jason Skolnik is a corporate and securities partner in the San Diego office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. His practice covers a broad range of general corporate and transactional matters, including mergers and acquisitions, venture capital financings, joint ventures, public offerings and disclosure matters, corporate finance, and corporate advisory work. Jason represents companies at all stages of their life cycle, from start-ups to public companies, in addition to venture capital and private equity firms, in a wide variety of industries, including biotech, medical devices, and media and entertainment.
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Chaya Patel, PhD, Associate, Mission BioCapital
Chaya D. Patel, PhD is an Associate at Mission BioCapital, a venture capital firm focused on making pivotal early-stage investments in life sciences companies. Prior to joining the firm in 2021, Chaya conducted diligence for a family office focused on early-stage biotech ventures and supported the growth of their portfolio company, Alloy Therapeutics. Chaya’s graduate research yielded new discoveries for how vaccine and antibody therapeutics can be repurposed for neonatal viral infections. Chaya holds a PhD from Dartmouth and BS in Microbiology and Immunology from UCLA. Chaya is currently based in Cambridge, MA.
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James Mackay, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aristea Therapeutics
Dr. Mackay founded Aristea Therapeutics, an immunology focused company developing treatments for orphan diseases, in 2018 and has raised $138m to date. Prior to joining Ardea Biosciences, Dr. Mackay was Global Product Vice President for Diabetes DPP-IV franchise at AstraZeneca and played a critical role in the successful development of the AstraZeneca/Bristol-Myers Squibb worldwide diabetes alliance. Prior to that he held a number of senior worldwide roles in AstraZeneca’s Clinical Development Function including management of all AstraZeneca Clinical resources and budget worldwide and management of AstraZeneca’s strategic partnerships with drug development CROs.
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Bruce Rucks, Partner | Life Sciences and Health Care, Deloitte & Touche LLP
Bruce is a partner in the audit and accounting & reporting advisory (ARA) practices at Deloitte & Touche LLP, with more than 20 years of public accounting experience. He has served a variety of clients in the life sciences industry, including pharmaceutical, biotechnology, diagnostics, and medical device companies. Bruce is also Deloitte’s Pacific Southwest life sciences audit practice and ARA practice leader. Additionally, he oversees Deloitte’s National Life Sciences Initial Public Offerings (IPO) center of excellence. Bruce has assisted clients with new IPO proceedings, product commercialization, international expansion, acquisition due diligence, and SEC filings.