Logo for LaunchBio Program: Larger than Life ScienceLogo for LaunchBio Program: Larger than Life Science

Building a strong network for life science innovators

Mistakes were made
BioLabs in BioVista, San Diego

Behind Every Breakthrough

Early lessons, ugly truths, and bouncing back

Program

Join us for an evening of laughs, lessons, and a little holiday flair as founders share the early mistakes that nearly derailed their biotech startups — from misjudging regulatory timelines to overhyping preliminary data. Enjoy candid insights, networking, and a festive ugly sweater contest while connecting with fellow entrepreneurs and investors.

Free to attend. Space is limited—register today!


AGENDA:

  • 4:00 – 4:30 PM | Registration & Ugly Sweater Contest signup
  • 4:30 – 4:45 PM | Welcome Remarks
  • 4:45 – 5:45 PM | Panel – Ugly Mistakes to Avoid When Launching a Biotech Startup
  • 5:45 – 7:00 PM | Networking etc.
    • Happy Hour with food & drinks provided
    • Ugly sweater contest winners announced
    • Tours of BioLabs


Ugly Sweater Contest!

  • Format: Attendees arrive in their most eye-watering holiday sweaters
  • Judging: Audience voting during early networking.
  • Prizes: Awards in categories like “Most Hilariously Hideous,” “Most Over-the-Top,” and “Best Biotech-themed.”

Panel

Founders often face early missteps that can make or break their ventures — from underestimating regulatory timelines and costs to overlooking the importance of team dynamics and leadership culture. Some jump into pitching investors before fully validating their hypotheses, while others misapply a platform-versus-indication strategy or place too much confidence in preliminary data. This panel offers entertaining, candid insights from founders who’ve weathered those challenges firsthand — and learned the hard way. Panel TBA.

What we’ll cover:

  • Underestimating regulatory timelines or costs
  • Overlooking team dynamics or leadership culture
  • Pitching to investors before solidifying the hypothesis
  • Misapplying a platform vs. indication strategy
  • Overconfidence in preliminary data

 

Come for the knowledge, stay for the community.