Advancing Rare Disease Innovation Through Mission-Driven Capital
Invest in Cures, LaunchBio’s signature rare disease forum, returns on February 12, 2026, bringing together investors, foundations, and early-stage biotech companies at UCSF Mission Bay for a full-day event focused on accelerating therapies through mission-driven capital.
This year’s program goes deeper into how venture philanthropy and innovative funding structures are shaping the rare disease landscape. Venture firms are allocating more capital to rare disease assets and partnering with foundations to de-risk early science. At the same time, entrepreneurs are building companies hand-in-hand with patient communities from day one.
Invest in Cures 2026 is designed to create a space where those conversations can happen directly.
“Invest in Cures draws the kind of people who make things happen. The speakers are leaders in their fields, and attendees are investors, founders, and foundation partners who can move ideas from early science to real impact.”
— Becky Beattie, CEO, LaunchBio
What to Expect
Throughout the day, speakers will explore how rare disease investments are being evaluated, financed, and supported. Highlights from the agenda include:
- Building a Rare Disease Investment Portfolio — A discussion on why generalist venture firms are allocating more capital to rare disease assets and how collaborations with foundations can reduce risk in the earliest stages.
- Mission-Driven Investment Models — Insight into how venture philanthropy funds assess opportunities, structure deals, and balance financial returns with patient impact.
- Translational Research Showcase — Four early-stage startups will present science ready for partnership or investment. Companies developing therapies, platforms, or enabling technologies for rare disease are encouraged to apply.
- Keynote: What I Learned About Hope — Dr. Richard Bedlack of Duke University School of Medicine shares how optimism, rigor, and unconventional thinking drive progress in ALS research and patient care.
- Investing for Impact — A look at how mission-first capital and traditional venture investing can coexist to accelerate development timelines.
- Film Screening: Stitching Strength — The day concludes with a screening of the documentary featuring Dr. Bedlack, followed by a Q&A. This portion of the program is free and open to the public.
- Networking time is intentionally built into the agenda to allow for meaningful conversations among investors, founders, and patient advocacy organizations.
Who Should Attend
- Venture and corporate investors evaluating rare disease opportunities
- Foundations and patient advocacy groups interested in innovative funding models
- Entrepreneurs seeking capital or strategic partnerships
- Researchers ready to move discoveries toward commercialization
Early Registration Now Open
Early-bird pricing is now available, and capacity is limited due to the venue’s size. Register here.
Call for Applications: Translational Research Showcase
LaunchBio is now accepting applications from early-stage rare disease companies interested in presenting during the Translational Research Showcase. Selected companies will have the opportunity to share their science, progress, and funding needs directly with investors and foundation partners seeking collaboration. Applications are open to startups developing therapeutics, platform technologies, or enabling tools that address rare or orphan indications. This is a unique opportunity to raise visibility, attract new partners, and join a network committed to accelerating cures. Apply here.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The deadline to apply is January 5, 2026.