Empowering Venture Capital Associates
Josep Bassaganya-Riera, DVM, PhD, is a serial biotech entrepreneur and scientist focused on developing novel therapies for autoimmune diseases. He is the founder and former CEO of Landos Biopharma, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing oral therapeutics for patients with autoimmune diseases. Under his leadership, Landos advanced multiple drug candidates into clinical development and completed a successful IPO in 2021. Following his tenure at Landos, Josep founded NImmune Biopharma, a company dedicated to developing precision medicines for immune-mediated diseases. His expertise spans immunology, computational modeling, and drug development, positioning him as a leader in translating cutting-edge science into impactful therapeutics. Josep has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, and his work has contributed to shaping the future of immunotherapy.
On this episode of the NextGen VC Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Josep Bassaganya-Riera, the president and CEO of NImmune Biopharma and founder of The NIMML Institute, a nonprofit research organization. A scientist turned entrepreneur, Josep shares his journey from academia to launching multiple biotech ventures, including Lando Biopharma (acquired by AbbVie). He reflects on the pivotal moments that led him to leave the university world and build companies at the intersection of science and innovation. We dive into the early stages of company formation, his experiences working with investors like Chris Garabedian and Perceptive Advisors, and why maintaining control over company direction and governance is critical—especially for repeat founders. Josep also shares insights on the future of immunotherapy and the promise of precision medicine in treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation!
Mike is a partner in the San Francisco (SoMa) and San Diego offices of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. He has provided strategic intellectual property counseling to hundreds growth enterprises in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, both venture-backed and public companies. His expertise includes patent strategy, prosecution, and diligence (both buy and sell side) for venture financings, public offerings, mergers and acquisitions.
Jennifer is a partner in the Boston office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. She helps innovative startups grow into successful enterprises by providing counsel to the founders, management teams and boards and by handling the legal and strategic business issues and transactions that arise at each stage. She is a member of the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) General Counsel Advisory Board and is a frequent speaker.