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LSN Ecosystem Deal Matrix $1.29 Billion and Counting 

15 Oct

By Dennis Ford, Founder & CEO, Life Science Nation (LSN)

DF-News-09142022Across Life Science Nation (LSN)’s interconnected network, from the Investor & Licensing Partner Database and RESI Conference Series to LSN Labs, 90 companies have publicly disclosed raising capital or signing licensing deals sourced directly through LSN.  LSN has been collecting this disclosed data and, after reaching 90 deals, wanted to extrapolate the compelling metrics behind the LSN engine that facilitated the deals, known as the LSN Ecosystem.

Together, they’ve secured $1.29 billion in verified funding. When factoring in the broader global community of 9,000+ startups that have engaged with LSN tools and programs and gone through the RESI turnstiles, the estimated impact reaches $6.4 billion. This isn’t modeled data; these are real companies, real partners, and real outcomes. It’s proof that structured global partnering delivers measurable success.

A Marketplace That Works — and Scales

At first glance, the dataset lists 90 companies and 52 investors. On closer inspection, that ratio reflects how healthy marketplaces behave. Each transaction represents multiple funding relationships, roughly 100 to 150 discrete deals in total, many of which are undisclosed but very much real.

  • For startups, closing $1.29 billion through LSN-facilitated partnerships signals one of the strongest verified conversion rates in early-stage life sciences.
  • For investors, repeat participation by six global funds, including corporate venture, pharma, and family offices, demonstrates a growing cycle of trust and sourcing efficiency within LSN’s ecosystem.

This is not a collection of introductions; it’s a living marketplace where structure, data, and discipline transform intro meetings into ongoing dialogue, building relationships that ultimately lead to transactions.

Where the Money Moves: The Four Domains (4Ds)

SECTOR DISCLOSED FUNDING ($) % SHARE COMMENT
Drugs (Therapeutics) 1,106,490,000 83% Core growth engine for global biotech
Devices (Medtech) 120,820,000 9% Strategic investments and exits rising
Diagnostics & Tools 111,330,000 8% A precision frontier gaining traction
Digital Health Emerging (<1%) — Expanding rapidly as AI matures and the software moves adroitly

Therapeutics dominate the dollars, but the deal flow is distributed, indicating a balanced and resilient early-stage market that spans drugs, devices, diagnostics, and digital health alike.

Even Distribution, Uneven Costs

It’s no surprise that therapeutics absorb most of the capital; drug development is costly and front-loaded. A single preclinical or IND-enabling round can match the combined raises of multiple device or diagnostics startups. But when you look at deal volume, not just deal size, the picture changes. The 90 funded companies are evenly distributed across the 4Ds:

SECTOR  COMPANIES FUNDED  SHARE OF TOTAL 
Drugs (Therapeutics)  31 34%
Diagnostics & Tools  26 29%
Devices (Medtech)  23 26%
Digital Health  10 11%

The big money may flow into drugs, but the deals are happening across all four domains. That balance defines a healthy market, diversified, dynamic, and alive.

Average Deal Size Across the 4Ds

SECTOR  AVERAGE RAISE PER COMPANY ($)  INSIGHT 
Drugs (Therapeutics)  $35.7 million Reflects the high capital intensity of preclinical and early clinical development
Devices (Medtech)  $5.3 million Medtech investors focus on de-risked prototypes and regulatory progress
Diagnostics & Tools  $4.3 million Enabling and precision technologies attract steady, mid-range funding
Digital Health  >$3 million Early but fast-growing; deal sizes expected to rise with data maturity

These numbers capture a simple truth: Drug rounds dominate in size, but early-stage innovation thrives across every domain. The LSN ecosystem delivers results across all four, not just where the biggest checks are written.

The Signal: Efficiency Is the New Advantage

As global capital tightens, efficiency wins. With RESI London (Dec 2025) and RESI JPM (Jan 2026) approaching, startups and investors alike are leaning into systems that don’t just connect, they convert. LSN’s rhythm of data, readiness, and disciplined outreach has become the commercialization backbone for early-stage life sciences worldwide.  “At RESI, we don’t chase headlines; we measure outcomes. The companies and investors in this dataset are the proof.”

Join the Momentum. Be Part of the Data.

The next cycle begins now. Don’t miss your chance to access the world’s most effective life science partnering platform.

Registration now open:

  • RESI London 2025 (Dec. 4, 8&9) – [Register]
  • RESI JPM 2026 (Jan.12-14, 19&20)– [Register]
  • RESI Europe 2026 (March 23-25) – [Register]

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Host Your JPM Reception, Presentation, Showcase or Partnering at the Marriott Marquis 

15 Oct

By Matt Stanton, VP Sales US West, Central and South America, LSN

JPM is creeping up on you once again, and you still don’t have an event planned. All the good venues are gone and all you’re left with are subprime ones or those with sky-high prices. Why not work with us to plan your best event or partnering table rental at the centrally located Marriott Marquis? RESI JPM will be a two-day event this year: Monday and Tuesday. Life Science Nation has rental space available on Sunday, that will allow you to put your event during what is already a lively ecosystem of early-stage companies and investors. If you already have an event planned, why not do more? If there were ever a time to do more, it’s during JPM.

If you’re a membership organization, you owe it to your members to provide them partnering space at JPM. But getting a partnering table at one of the San Fran hotels will costs at least $1500 per day per table! Contact us to find out how you can get conveniently located partner tables for your members at affordable prices.

Finally, if you’re a product or service provider, sponsoring, exhibiting or attending RESI is, by far, the best opportunity to bang out 50+ meetings with early-stage innovators. RESI is the only partnering conference where companies are more than happy to accept partnering meetings with vendors, as can be seen in our partnering stats. In the RESI partnering system, you won’t find any profiles with the dreaded “no service provider requests”. Additionally, sponsoring or exhibiting at RESI is less than doing so at any of the other main JPM conferences.

See you at JPM!

Secure Your RESI JPM Exhibitor Spot Contact Us to Reserve Event Space

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From RESI Boston to Global Growth: Bilix on Winning the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge

15 Oct
Myung Kim
   CaitiCaitlin Dolegowski

Bilix, recognized as a top Innovator’s Pitch Challenge winner at RESI Boston this past September, is making waves in the biotech space with its innovative multi-modality approach to inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. In this interview, Myung Kim, Founder and CEO, shares how participating in RESI Boston helped the company connect with key investors, refine its strategy, and advance its clinical milestones.

Hear firsthand how Bilix is driving progress in complex disease treatment and discover how your company can join the next generation of innovators pitching at RESI London and RESI JPM. Applications are now open.

Apply to Pitch at RESI London Apply to Pitch at RESI JPM

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Finalist in the RESI Boston Innovator’s Pitch Challenge – Meet M6P Therapeutics

30 Sep

In this interview, Caitlin Dolegowski speaks with Cuong Do, Founder and Chairman of M6P Therapeutics, about the company’s groundbreaking lysosomal targeting platform, its applications in rare disease and oncology, and the experience of pitching at RESI Boston.

Cuong Do
 CaitiCaitlin Dolegowski

Caitlin Dolegowski (CD): M6P Therapeutics has achieved what was long thought impossible, delivering proteins to lysosomes. Can you explain the significance of this breakthrough?

Cuong Do (DO): An enzyme called GlcNac-1-phosphotransferase (PTase) is responsible for adding mannose 6-phosphate to the surface of lysosomal enzymes. People have tried and failed for decades to increase the expression of M6P, and everybody gave up. Our co-founder Stuart Kornfeld never gave up. He and his post-doc were able to engineer a variant of PTase that turned out to be 20X more effective than PTase itself in adding M6P to lysosomal enzymes. We built upon this breakthrough to create a platform that is able to create enzyme replacement therapies that have very high M6P content. Furthermore, our gene therapies are the only ones that result in M6P-containing enzymes being produced by the transduced cells.

We expanded upon the innovation and created chimeric antibodies that contain M6P as well. This allows these antibodies (after they bind to the targeted antigens) to be brought to lysosomes in virtually all cells in our bodies for degradation. This is a significant advantage over traditional antibodies relying on Fc clearance by only select immune cells.

CD: You have multiple rare pediatric drug designations and two programs nearing the clinic. What are the most exciting upcoming milestones for your pipeline?

DO: We are preparing to start an Investigator Initiated Trial in Australia for our M021 ERT for Pompe Disease in hopes of obtaining early human data demonstrating M021’s superiority over the standard of care.

CD: How does your lysosomal targeting platform extend beyond rare diseases, particularly in oncology with your chimeric PD-L1 and PD-1 antibodies?

DO: We figured out a way to add M6P to any protein, including antibodies. Our chimeric antibodies can be cleared by virtually all cells in the body since virtually all cells have receptors for M6P. This is especially effective for clearing surface antigens from cell surfaces. Our chimeric PD-L1 antibody is able to clear virtually all PD-L1 from the surface of tumor cells and thus activate T-cells and drive T-cell mediated tumor killing. Our chimeric version of Keytruda is able to remove PD-1 from the surface of T-cells and has shown to be more effective in inhibiting tumor growth in vivo than Keytruda itself.

CD: Can you walk us through your IP position and how it supports your growth strategy?

DO: We have invested heavily in IP that has created a portfolio of 9 patent families, 9 issued patents, and ~20 still in prosecution.

CD: Where are you in your fundraising journey, and what types of investors or partners are you looking to engage with?

DO: We have raised ~$40 million in our Seed and A rounds, which we invested to get our programs to where they are today. We are trying to raise a $5 million bridge now in anticipation of a $50+ million Series B next year. In addition to investors, we want to engage with potential partners who might be interested in our molecules.

CD: How did participating in the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge at RESI Boston help advance your business development or investor connections?

DO: We met a few companies who might be interested in partnering on some of our molecules. We’re continuing the conversations.

IPC Applications are now open for the next Innovator’s Pitch Challenge at RESI London 2025 and RESI JPM 2026, with spots filled on a rolling basis.

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Life Science Nation and The Ganesha Lab Launch a Global Two-Way Innovation Bridge Connecting South America, Anchored in São Paulo, Brazil, to the International Healthcare Arena 

23 Sep

By Dennis Ford, Founder & CEO, Life Science Nation (LSN)

DF-News-09142022São Paulo, Brazil – September 23, 2025 – In a landmark move to expand Latin America’s role in the global life sciences sector, Life Science Nation (LSN) and The Ganesha Lab (TGL), Latin America’s premier life sciences scale-up platform, announce a strategic alliance to launch a dedicated bricks-and-mortar accelerator hub in São Paulo by the end of 2025.

Uniting Global Scale with Local Depth

The São Paulo-based facility will serve as the Latin American anchor node of LSN’s global partnering backbone, a system of affiliated tech hubs, economic development agencies, incubators, and accelerators worldwide, all connected through LSN’s two-way innovation bridge model.

This new effort builds upon years of development work with leading Brazilian stakeholders, including Abiquifi and ApexBrasil, alongside local governments, universities, and innovation agencies, as well as service providers, to ensure the hub will be fully integrated into Brazil’s national strategy for life sciences by both LSN and TGL.

  • The Ganesha Lab brings regional depth: through its BigInBIO scale-up platform, TGL sources and mentors startups, delivers structured readiness programs, builds an alumni base across Latin America, and maintains strong relationships with CROs, universities, governments, and pharma partners. As LSN’s anchor partner for Latin America, TGL provides the credibility and local integration that enable the bridge to function.
  • Life Science Nation brings global reach: as the architect of the two-way innovation bridge, LSN provides a commercialization-first partnering backbone that includes its curated 4,000-profile investor and licensing partner database, AI-driven readiness assessments, BD Assist outbound campaign execution, and the five annual RESI investor conferences worldwide, where more than 400 companies have raised over $5B.

Tangible, Two-Way Impact

  • Outbound: Building on TGL’s BigInBIO platform, Latin American startups will be mentored and readied regionally, then advanced into LSN Labs’ commercialization-first global roadshow process, narrative refinement, global target list creation, CRM-driven outreach, and full integration into international RESI conferences.
  • Inbound: Global life sciences technologies, investors, and licensing partners will be brought into Brazil through LSN’s ecosystem, leveraging TGL’s local networks to accelerate collaboration, validation, and market entry.
  • Capital & Partnering Alliances: International investors and licensing partners from LSN’s global network will syndicate with Brazilian VCs, corporates, and pharma, expanding capital access and helping local partners build a global footprint.

Together, TGL and LSN create a seamless pathway: from regional readiness → to global campaign execution → to inbound technologies and capital integrating into Latin America. The São Paulo accelerator will serve as the anchor node for Latin America in LSN’s global partnering backbone.

Accelerator Operations and Ecosystem Collaborations

A newly formed Brazilian team will operate the São Paulo accelerator, working with new and existing partners from local government, top universities, regional innovation agencies, and service providers. The accelerator will act as a permanent node, building local capacity while embedding Latin America into the global life sciences economy.

“We are committed to powering innovation in both directions, helping Latin American startups scale globally and enabling global innovators to leverage Brazil’s unique advantages,” said Dennis Ford, Founder & CEO of Life Science Nation.

“Together, we are creating an innovation bridge that not only builds businesses but also strengthens Brazil’s role as the leading gateway for life sciences innovation in Latin America,” said Markus Schreyer, Founder & CEO of The Ganesha Lab.

“LSN has built a precision matching and meeting connection engine for over a decade, helping more than 400 companies raise $5B. Anchoring the accelerator in Brazil will strengthen the LATAM market and connect the region directly into LSN’s global backbone. The time is right to bring Latin America into the network and expand its global life science footprint,”  said Matt Stanton, LSN’s VP of LATAM Business Development.

The program is targeting going live by the end of 2025 or early 2026. The São Paulo hub will be the first of its kind in Latin America, with the potential to replicate across other innovation centers in the region, further embedding Latin America into the global life sciences economy.

The partnership will also be highlighted at the upcoming BioHunt Summit 2025 in Miami, where Dennis Ford and Markus Schreyer will hold a fireside chat to expand on the announcement.

About Life Science Nation (LSN)

Life Science Nation (LSN), founded by Dennis Ford, is a global leader in connecting early-stage life science companies with capital investors and licensing partners. LSN owns and operates the LSN Investor & Licensing Partner Database (4,000 curated profiles), the Redefining Early-Stage Investments (RESI) Conference Series (five global partnering events annually), and the LSN Newsletter (60,000 global readers), alongside podcasts and published works such as The Life Science Executive’s Fundraising Manifesto.

Through its accelerator arm, LSN Labs, LSN has pioneered the two-way innovation bridge model, a partnering backbone that affiliates with tech hubs, incubators, accelerators, and economic development agencies worldwide. This model enables regions, patient groups, and nonprofits to aggregate technology assets, launch them outbound into global markets, and simultaneously bring inbound capital, licensing partners, and technologies into their ecosystems. Over the past decade, LSN has helped more than 400 companies raise over $5 billion through global roadshow campaigns and partnering events.

About The Ganesha Lab (TGL)

The Ganesha Lab (TGL), founded by Markus Schreyer, is Latin America’s premier life sciences scale-up platform. Through its flagship program BigInBIO, TGL provides structured readiness programs, mentoring, and founder development for biotech and health startups. Selected companies may also receive investment support, with TGL maintaining long-term engagement for three years or more post-program through its alumni network.

With strong ties to CROs, universities, governments, and pharma across the region, TGL plays a vital role in sourcing and nurturing the most promising science-based ventures in Latin America, preparing them for international scale-up and investment. TGL’s proven regional expertise and credibility make it the ideal anchor partner for launching the São Paulo accelerator and establishing Latin America as a key node in the global life sciences economy.

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Explore the RESI Boston September 2025 Program Guide 

9 Sep

By Dennis Ford, Founder & CEO, Life Science Nation (LSN)

DF-News-09142022The official program guide for RESI Boston, September 2025 is now available! Redefining Every Stage of Investment (RESI) is designed to connect life science and healthcare innovators with a global network of investors across diverse funding strategies, from Seed through Series B and beyond.

This guide provides a complete overview of what to expect throughout the conference, detailing the content and layout for our in-person event on September 17th. Inside, you’ll find the full agenda, speaker bios, panel descriptions, and essential information to help you navigate your RESI experience. Whether you’re participating in investor meetings, the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge, workshops, or ad hoc networking, this guide is your resource to stay organized and maximize your time at RESI Boston.

Access the full guide here:

Register for RESI Boston

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Partnering for Growth: DLA Piper on Supporting Life Science Innovation at RESI Boston 

9 Sep

At RESI Boston, global law firm DLA Piper plays a key role in guiding early-stage innovators through the legal and commercial challenges of scaling in the life sciences. In this interview, Lauren Murdza, Co-Chair of Technology & Life Sciences Licensing & Commercial Transactions, shares why DLA Piper chose to sponsor RESI, what the firm looks for in collaborations, and the trends shaping licensing and commercial transactions today.

Lauren Murdza
 CaitiCaitlin Dolegowski

Caitlin Dolegowski (CD): What motivated DLA Piper to sponsor RESI Boston, and why do you see value in supporting this conference?

Lauren Murdza (LM): DLA Piper is committed to supporting innovation in the life sciences sector, and RESI Boston offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with early-stage companies and investors. Sponsoring RESI aligns with our mission to be a strategic partner to emerging life science ventures, helping them navigate legal complexities while fostering meaningful connections that drive growth.

CD: From your perspective, what makes RESI a strong platform for connecting with early-stage life science innovators and investors?

LM: RESI creates a unique environment where entrepreneurs, investors, and advisors come together to solve real challenges. For DLA Piper, it’s an opportunity to listen and engage in conversations that matter—how to protect IP, manage data rights, and structure collaborations that attract capital. Those discussions allow us to show how DLA Piper’s integrated approach—combining legal, regulatory, and commercial insight—helps companies accelerate their next milestone.

CD: Can you share what types of companies, technologies, or partners DLA Piper is most interested in engaging with during RESI?

LM: We’re particularly interested in companies developing novel therapeutics, diagnostics, digital health platforms, and medical devices. Our team seeks to engage with founders and executives who are navigating the transition from concept to commercialization and who value strategic legal guidance in areas such as licensing, IP protection, and regulatory compliance.

CD: How does your team at DLA Piper support life science and healthcare companies as they move from early-stage development to commercialization?

LM: DLA Piper supports clients across the full lifecycle of a company—from corporate formation and IP strategy to licensing, financing, and M&A. We help clients identify the core aspects of their technology, assess patentability, and streamline initial filings to create contingent assets that support fundraising. What sets DLA Piper apart is our ability to deliver this seamlessly across jurisdictions, giving clients the confidence that their legal strategy scales with their business.

CD: Are there particular trends or challenges in licensing and commercial transactions that you think entrepreneurs at RESI should be especially mindful of?

LM: We’re seeing three big themes. First, clarity on data and AI rights is critical—investors want to know who owns what and how data can be used, especially across borders. Second, deal structures are evolving, with more options-to-license, milestone-based terms, and royalty monetization to help bridge funding gaps. Finally, regulatory and supply chain issues—from FDA expectations to manufacturing scale-up—are showing up earlier in negotiations. At DLA Piper, we help clients anticipate these challenges so they don’t slow down growth.

CD: What does DLA Piper hope to accomplish through its participation at RESI Boston this year?

LM: We aim to deepen our engagement with the life sciences community, share actionable insights through workshops and panels, and identify promising companies that could benefit from our legal and strategic expertise. RESI Boston is a chance to listen, learn, and contribute to the ecosystem that’s shaping the future of healthcare innovation.

CD: Looking ahead, what excites you most about the current life science innovation landscape, and how does DLA Piper plan to play a role in advancing it?

LM: We’re excited by the convergence of AI, data science, and biotechnology, which is accelerating discovery and personalization in medicine. DLA Piper plans to continue supporting innovators by offering forward-thinking legal solutions and fostering connections that help companies bring transformative technologies to the market.

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