What’s on the Agenda
On October 20, LaunchBio and Wilson Sonsini will bring the NextGen VC Forum to Boston for a half-day, invite-only event designed for venture capital professionals who want to deepen their expertise in life science and biotech investing while building meaningful connections across the industry.
This year’s program goes beyond the surface. Three interactive sessions led by Wilson Sonsini partners will tackle the topics that matter most to investors right now: how to evaluate IP, how to think about biotech’s evolving funding and partnership landscape, and how to show up as an effective board member. Each session is built for participation, not just listening.
Session 1: The IP Advantage — What Smart Investors Look For
IP can make or break an investment opportunity, and knowing how to read it is a real edge. Mike Hostetler and Deborah Smith, who have advised on more than 500 venture financings between them, will walk through how to distinguish red flags from manageable risks — and how a strong IP position can actually strengthen an investment thesis.
Session 2: Biotech’s New Playbook — Funding, Partnerships, and Growth Strategies in a Changing Market
The way biotech companies are structured, financed, and partnered is changing fast. David Pirko will share practical frameworks for thinking about runway extension, evolving partnership structures, cross-border transactions, and the shift toward platform companies and hub-and-spoke models.
Session 3: Board Governance in Practice — What VCs Need to Know
A board seat comes with real responsibilities. Amy Simmerman will cover the fundamentals of governance for venture-backed life science companies — from fiduciary duties and board dynamics to navigating the harder situations: conflicts of interest, confidentiality, and the moments when being a good board member gets complicated.
The forum also includes a networking lunch on arrival and a closing happy hour hosted by Wilson Sonsini. Time is built in to connect with the people in the room, not just the sessions.
Attendance is by invitation only. If you’re interested in joining us in Boston on October 20, request an invite.