The premiere event for venture capital associates to expand their skills and expertise
West Coast NextGen VC Forum
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. If you’re interested in attending, request an invite via the button 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: Biotech, AI, and the Law: Today’s Legal Considerations
2:15 pm – Session 2: Biotech Companies and Investors Face a Growing National Security Regulatory Thicket
3:15 pm – Break
3:30 pm – Session 3: From US to China: The Legal Playbook for Biotech Spinouts
4:30 pm – Happy Hour and networking hosted by Wilson Sonsini
6:00 pm – Event Close
SESSION 1 • Biotech, AI, and the Law: Today’s Legal Considerations
AI is reshaping the biotech landscape, from speeding up drug discovery to improving diagnostics. However, this rapid innovation brings new legal challenges. This session will examine the evolving legal framework for AI-driven biotech companies, covering key topics such as intellectual property, data privacy, regulatory compliance, liability risks, and more. Industry experts will offer practical guidance on managing legal risks, navigating regulatory hurdles, attracting investment, and aligning AI solutions with biotech standards. Gain the insights you need to protect your AI investments.
Topics include:
- Intellectual Property (IP) Challenges: Understand how AI-generated innovations are protected under current IP laws and learn best practices for safeguarding proprietary algorithms and data.
- Data Privacy & Security: Explore the implications of data privacy regulations (like GDPR and HIPAA) on biotech AI solutions and how to mitigate cyber risks and ensure compliance.
- Ethical AI & Transparency: Discuss the importance of aligning AI innovations with emerging AI and biotech standards for transparency, fairness, and ethical deployment.
- Liability Risks: Examine the evolving landscape of liability risks, including algorithmic bias and accountability for AI-driven decisions in healthcare.
- Investor Readiness: Learn how legal preparedness in areas like IP, compliance, and risk management can enhance investor confidence and attract funding.
Featured Speakers:
Scott McKinney, Partner, Wilson Sonsini
Nellie J. Brutocao, Partner, Wilson Sonsini
Session 2: Biotech Companies and Investors Face a Growing National Security Regulatory Thicket
As biotech innovation accelerates and global markets evolve, investors face growing challenges from an increasingly complex national security regulatory landscape. Regulatory scrutiny around foreign investment, data privacy, export controls, and intellectual property is intensifying, creating new risks that can significantly impact biotech deals. This session will provide an overview of the key regulations shaping the biotech investment landscape and offer practical guidance on how to navigate these challenges.
Topics include:
- Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS)
- Outbound investment restrictions
- Data access rules
- Exports/sanctions, old/new congressional efforts
- Patent considerations for investors performing IP due diligence on start-ups
Featured Speakers:
Stephen Heifetz, Partner, Wilson Sonsini
Alicia Umpierre, PhD, Associate, Wilson Sonsini
Session 3: From US to China: The Legal Playbook for Biotech Spinouts
As biotech venture firms continue to explore China for spinout opportunities, understanding the intricate legal and regulatory landscape is essential. This session will provide a strategic guide to structuring a successful Chinese biotech Spinco, covering critical aspects such as intellectual property protection, regulatory compliance and investment frameworks. Speakers will offer real-world insights on market entry, navigating evolving policies and mitigating risks while maximizing value. Whether you’re considering a China strategy or have already launched a Spinco, this discussion will equip you with the knowledge to navigate cross-border expansion with confidence.
Topics include:
- Structuring a China-Based Spinco: Explore key legal, tax, and operational considerations when setting up a biotech spinout in China.
- Intellectual Property Protection: Learn best practices for safeguarding your IP across U.S. and Chinese jurisdictions and minimizing exposure to IP theft.
- Risk Mitigation: Learn strategies to address potential legal, geopolitical, and financial risks in cross-border biotech expansion.
- Regulatory Compliance: Understand the evolving regulatory landscape in China, including clinical trial approval processes, drug import/export controls, and data security laws.
- Investment Frameworks: Gain insights into attracting and managing Chinese investments while complying with U.S. foreign investment regulations, including CFIUS reviews.
- Market Entry Strategies: Examine practical approaches to navigating China’s biotech ecosystem, including securing local partnerships, accessing supply chains, and building a talent pipeline.
Featured Speakers:
Ran Geng, Principal, Orbimed
Laurie McNamara, PhD, Partner, Wilson Sonsini
Alex Key, PhD, Partner, Wilson Sonsini