By Cole Bunn, Senior Research Analyst, LSN
Large corporations, especially in the pharmaceutical/biotech world, play a very important role in anchoring an innovation ecosystem. The most notable activity of these corporations is perhaps their role as an investor in and buyer of innovation, an exit partner; however, attracting and concentrating talent, providing access to resources and experts are also vital elements of a healthy entrepreneurial community that big pharma brings with its presence. Corporate venture funds, which can serve as a vehicle for big pharma to make riskier/earlier investments, continue to find their way into more and more biotech venture rounds every year.
Toronto, looking to ramp up commercialization of its world-class research and put its name on the map as a life science powerhouse, will host the RESI conference for the second time and welcome a panel of Corporate Venture investors. This increasingly important investor class will discuss trends in the space, their current interests and how entrepreneurs can best prepare to pitch to and work with a group like theirs.
Moderated by John Gustofson, Senior Director, Abbvie Ventures, this panel will feature:
- Jeffrey Moore, President, MP Healthcare Venture Management
- Jens Eckstein, President, SR One (GSK)
- Asish Xavier, VP, Venture Investments, Johnson & Johnson Innovation
- Todd Brady, Director of Finance, Brace Pharma Capital
By registering for RESI on MaRS, you’ll be able to listen to the Corporate Venture Capital panel live and learn how to position yourself to work with this type of group as well as interact with the a range of investors and entrepreneurs and experience numerous opportunities to expand your network in the life sciences.
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