The Future of Biotech Is Founder-Led

Over the last decade, there has been an incredible surge in innovation in the life sciences, enabling a new wave of value for investors. However, current market conditions necessitate a critical look at the structure of the biotech industry - how it is financed and operated.

Unlike in the tech industry, most private biotech companies raising significant levels of cash have been formed by venture capitalists or professional biotech building shops. This comes with a largely formulaic approach of ”2 years to IPO” from inception, which in a bull market can deliver near term return on VC investment, but not necessarily longer-term value.

Founder-led biotech companies, by contrast, are better incentivized to deliver strong science and value propositions with staying power. Downturns like the current one highlight the need to move from an industry built for the next exit, to one built to benefit patients by prioritizing best science and sustainable drug innovation.

This panel will investigate the barriers to entry faced by founder-led biotechs and how companies and venture capital can leverage their positions to support transformative research based on strong value propositions and strong return on investment.