By Claire Jeong, Chief Conference Officer, Vice President of Investor Research, Asia BD, LSN
RESI London is your gateway to global early-stage investment in life sciences. This video gives you a quick look at what to expect at the upcoming RESI London conference – the investor panels, Innovator’s Pitch Challenge, expert workshops, and partnering opportunities that unite startups and investors. Discover how RESI fosters meaningful connections in the life science ecosystem.
Interview with Victoria Paz, Co-founder and CEO of EYWA Biotech By Caitlin Dolegowski, Marketing Manager, LSN
 Victoria Paz |
 Caitlin Dolegowski |
EYWA Biotech is leading the charge in developing psychedelic APIs through cutting-edge synthetic biology techniques. In this interview, Victoria Paz, a key figure at EYWA, shares insights into the company’s mission, their innovative approach to solving mental health treatment challenges, and their experience at the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge during RESI Boston. From their fundraising journey to the impact they envision for the healthcare industry, this conversation sheds light on how EYWA Biotech is pioneering solutions in the biotech space.
About the Company
Caitlin Dolegowski (CD): Can you give us a brief introduction to EYWA Biotech and the problem you’re aiming to solve?
Victoria Paz (VP): Eywa Biotech is focused on using synthetic biology and gene engineering to produce GMP-certified psychedelic APIs like psilocybin, DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, and bufotenin. We aim to solve the challenge of providing a reliable, high-quality, and sustainable supply chain for psychedelic compounds used in research and therapeutic applications. Our goal is to address the mental health crisis by ensuring consistent access to these innovative compounds for conditions such as treatment-resistant depression and PTSD.
CD: What inspired you to start EYWA Biotech, and what differentiates your technology from others in the field?
VP: The inspiration behind Eywa Biotech came from the urgent need for new solutions in mental health treatment. Current production methods for psychedelic compounds are often inefficient and environmentally unsustainable. Eywa’s approach stands out because we use synthetic biology to create scalable microorganisms that produce these compounds in fewer steps, cutting down production time and reducing environmental impact. This enables us to deliver high-purity APIs for research and clinical use at a lower cost.
CD: How do you envision your solution impacting the healthcare industry in the next few years?
VP: We believe that Eywa Biotech’s innovations will play a key role in transforming mental health treatment by providing a reliable supply of high-quality psychedelic compounds. Our technology has the potential to make therapeutic psychedelics more accessible to researchers and healthcare providers, accelerating the development of novel mental health treatments. By doing so, we hope to contribute to a broader acceptance of psychedelics in medicine and support the advancement of personalized treatments for conditions like depression and PTSD.
Fundraising Status
CD: Where are you currently in the fundraising process?
VP: We recently closed our pre-seed round, which has allowed us to build and scale our initial production capabilities. We are now preparing to launch our seed round by the end of next year to support further scaling, commercialization, and the development of new formulations and preclinical trials.
CD: What type of investors are you seeking, and what do you hope to achieve with this round of funding?
VP: We are looking for strategic investors who have a strong understanding of biotechnology, mental health, and pharmaceuticals. Ideally, these investors will bring not only capital but also expertise in scaling biomanufacturing and navigating regulatory landscapes. With this round, we aim to scale our production to an industrial level, expand into new markets, and advance our pipeline of formulations and APIs.
CD: How have potential investors responded to your pitch so far, and what has been the most frequent feedback?
VP: Feedback from investors has been positive, especially regarding our innovative approach to scaling psychedelic API production and our focus on sustainability. The most common feedback has been around ensuring that our go-to-market strategy is well-defined, especially in terms of navigating regulatory challenges and market entry in different regions.
Experience at RESI Boston
CD: How was your experience participating in the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge at RESI Boston?
VP: Participating in the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge at RESI Boston was an invaluable experience. It provided us with a platform to showcase Eywa Biotech’s vision to a diverse panel of investors and industry leaders, allowing us to refine our message and receive valuable feedback.
CD: What was the most valuable aspect of presenting to a dedicated panel of investors at the event?
VP: The most valuable aspect was the insightful questions and constructive feedback from the panel, which helped us better understand the investment priorities of various stakeholders in the biotech space. It also offered a great opportunity to build connections with potential investors who align with our long-term vision.
CD: How did the RESI Boston conference contribute to your overall fundraising journey and networking?
VP: The RESI Boston conference significantly boosted our fundraising journey by allowing us to engage directly with high-quality investors and potential partners. It expanded our network within the biotech and life sciences community, helping us identify potential strategic partners for future collaborations.
CD: Did you find the feedback from investors during the pitch challenge helpful, and if so, how?
VP: Absolutely, the feedback was extremely helpful. It highlighted the importance of clarifying our regulatory strategy and demonstrating market readiness. This has guided us in refining our pitch to better address investors’ concerns about market entry timelines and scalability.
CD: Would you recommend the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge to other early-stage biotech companies, and why?
VP: Yes, I would highly recommend it. The Innovator’s Pitch Challenge provides a unique opportunity to receive direct feedback from experienced investors, gain visibility in the industry, and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. It’s an ideal platform for any early-stage biotech company looking to validate their business model and accelerate their growth.
By Karen Deyo, VP of Product, Israel BD, LSN
As we approach RESI London and RESI JPM, Life Science Nation is offering a series of free webinars designed to help early-stage life science entrepreneurs refine their strategies and boost their chances of securing investor interest. These sessions will cover essential topics such as pitching techniques, partnering strategies, and insights from seasoned investors. Whether you’re new to fundraising or looking to enhance your current efforts, these webinars are tailored to equip you with the tools needed to navigate the funding landscape effectively. Sign up today and get ready to make the most of your RESI experience!
Tips on Pitching – Watch Recording
In the competitive world of early-stage startup funding, a compelling pitch can make or break your fundraising efforts. This webinar focuses on the art and science of crafting and delivering powerful investor presentations. Learn how to maximize your exposure to potential backers, refine your pitch for various audiences, and leverage pitch events to propel your early-stage life science fundraising campaign forward. Whether you’re a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, this session will equip you with the tools and strategies to captivate investors and secure the capital crucial for your venture’s growth.
October 24 – 12PM ET: LSN Partnering Event Process – Sign up
Attending partnering events is a crucial component of a successful fundraising campaign. Learn more about our proven successful strategy and how to craft your messages from your initial outreach and each follow-up message after that.
November 5 – 12PM ET: Investor Fireside Chat – Sign up
This Fireside Chat will feature investors representing funds focusing on early-stage life science companies. Find out more about these funds that play an active role in the LSN ecosystem.
November 12 – 10AM ET: Partnering Tutorial (RESI London) – Sign up
Understanding the RESI partnering system and using it to its maximum capabilities can greatly impact a company’s success at RESI. Join LSN staff as we walk you through our system and how it can help you identify partners who are the best fit for you, how to manage your outreach, our recommended strategy for following up, and how to take advantage of all of the content that we provide to ensure your best possible RESI experience.
November 21 – 12PM ET: Strategies on Fundraising and Finding Your Voice – Sign up
The most successful entrepreneurs are always the best storytellers. Finding a way to formulate your company’s unique story naturally and portraying it through multiple modalities, whether a 1-minute elevator pitch or a 12-slide pitch deck, is one of the most effective ways to get potential investors and partners on board with your value proposition. This bootcamp will cover the importance of entrepreneurial agency, finding your voice, and developing a compelling narrative for the different players that will emerge along a deal chain, and language tools to refine your hook.
December 3 – 12PM ET: Partnering Tutorial (RESI JPM) – Sign up
Understanding the RESI partnering system and using it to its maximum capabilities can greatly impact a company’s success at RESI. Join LSN staff as we walk you through our system and how it can help you identify partners who are the best fit for you, how to manage your outreach, our recommended strategy for following up, and how to take advantage of all of the content that we provide to ensure your best possible RESI experience.
December 12 – 12PM ET: Licensing and Partnering Strategies from Pharma – Sign up
This session will cover what Pharma companies use to determine their near and long-term strategy. What do they consider when deciding what indications and modalities are a priority? Partnering with Pharma requires an understanding of what they are seeking, and how a startup can fit into this strategy.
By Joey Wong, Senior Investor Research Analyst, Hong Kong BD, LSN
As the Life Science Nation (LSN) team continues to facilitate meaningful connections between early-stage startups and investors, the upcoming RESI conferences offer unparalleled opportunities to advance your fundraising efforts on a global scale. Whether you’re an emerging startup or an established company looking to expand your investor network, RESI conferences create a platform to engage directly with investors aligned with your sector and stage.
RESI is excited to arrive in London for the first time, to the heart of the UK life science ecosystem, taking place at 11 Cavendish Square from December 4-6. This premier event will feature panels tailored to early-stage companies focused on sectors including seed funding, early-stage therapeutics, and medical devices. London’s robust life science community provides a rich backdrop for innovators to meet investors who are ready to support their vision.
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RESI London Investor Panels
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9AM
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Seed Funds Panel
Investing in Innovation in the Earliest Stages
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10AM
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Early Stage Therapeutics Panel
Bringing the Newest Therapies to the Clinic
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11AM
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Medical Device Panel
Forward Looking Trends in Medical Device Innovations
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Mark your calendar for the flagship RESI event during JPM Week in San Francisco, January 13-15, 2025, at the Marriott Marquis. RESI JPM 2025 will showcase a broad spectrum of panels, addressing critical sectors such as women’s health, oncology innovation, longevity investment, and more. The strategic timing of this conference places your company at the intersection of investor interest and the bustling energy of JPM Week.
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RESI JPM Investor Panels
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9AM
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Corporate VC Panel
Firms Investing Beyond Financial Return
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10AM
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Women’s Health Panel
Investing in New Innovations in FemTech
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11AM
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Medical Device Panel
Forward Looking Trends in Medical Device Innovations
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1PM
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Pediatrics Panel
Advancing Treatments for Pediatric Patients
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2PM
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Big Pharma Panel
Strategies for Pre-Clinical & Early Clinical Assets
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3PM
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Oncology Innovation Panel
The Search for New Approaches to Diagnosing & Treating Cancer
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4PM
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Longevity Investment Panel
Opportunities and Priorities in Age-Related Disease Therapies
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By attending RESI JPM, you’ll position your company at the center of one of the most impactful investor gatherings of the year. Each session offers a targeted look at the challenges and opportunities within these critical areas, providing actionable insights for both investors and innovators.
Extend Your Reach Across Global Ecosystems
With back-to-back conferences in London and San Francisco, RESI offers startups the chance to engage with a diverse range of investors, from family offices to big pharma and venture capitalists. Register today and accelerate your fundraising journey.
By Claire Jeong, Chief Conference Officer, Vice President of Investor Research, Asia BD, LSN
Max Braht, Business Development Manager, LSN
As part of its continued global outreach, Life Science Nation (LSN) will be actively participating in two major international conferences this October: BioJapan 2024 (October 9-11) at Pacifico Yokohama, Japan and The MedTech Conference (October 15-17) at Toronto, Canada. These events offer unique opportunities for LSN to engage with key players in the life sciences and healthcare sectors, fostering new partnerships and supporting innovative startups in their fundraising efforts.
BioJapan is a premier hybrid partnering event that brings together key industry leaders in the life sciences & healthcare sectors across the globe, and Life Science Nation has been participating in this conference for many consecutive years to foster relationships with various startups, investors, pharmaceuticals, bioclusters, and more. In this year’s BioJapan, Claire Jeong, VP of Investor Research, Asia BD, will be representing Life Science Nation on a seminar organized by Life Science Incubation Council covering the theme of “how life science startups can create value with global partners”, along with speakers from MedCity (UK), BioQuebec (Canada), and Newsight Tech Angels (Japan). This seminar will take place on the last day of BioJapan, on Friday, October 11, 3:35 – 4:35pm. Meet with Claire in BioJapan.
The MedTech Conference presented by AdvaMed, will bring together thousands of industry executives and global innovators throughout the medical device, diagnostics, and digital technologies sectors. LSN will be located at Booth 1116 and looks forward to connecting with some of the industry’s most innovative companies to share how they can leverage the life science ecosystem to effectively launch their own global fundraising campaign. Meet with us at LSN booth in The MedTech Conference.
By Erika Wu, Business Development Manager, Global Tech Hubs, LSN
Are you a JPM newbie? Will JPM 2025, from Jan. 13 – 16, be (or potentially be) your first or second JPM? JPM, short for the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, is the largest life sciences investment and business development event in the world, attracting an estimated 30K – 40K ecosystem players to San Francisco every January, leaning toward a biotech focus. Let’s be clear: the majority of industry professionals descending on the Bay area do not attend the actual conference, which is an invitation-only event. In fact, the majority of partnering happens in the ecosystem that’s evolved around the conference over the last 40+ years. If someone asks you if you’re “going to JPM”, they are asking if you’ll be running around town taking partnering meetings, not if you’re attending the actual conference. That said, let’s breakdown what happens in the life science gathering that’s blossomed around the conference:
While all this sounds very exciting, you may be scratching your head wondering, as a JPM newbie, “how do I participate in all this”?
Finally, many consider the biggest obstacle about JPM to be the price of hotels, which can be over $1000/night even for hotels normally considered to be inexpensive. If this exceeds your budget, we recommend checking AirBnB or staying at a hotel that’s a few miles away (3 – 4 BART stops). A 20-minute train ride or a 15-minute Uber can save you a thousand dollars a night.
If you’re a JPM beginner, we’re happy to help you on your JPM journey. Contact us at RESI@Lifesciencenation.com.
By Claire Jeong, Chief Conference Officer, Vice President of Investor Research, Asia BD, LSN
At RESI Boston 2024, 56 innovative companies participated in the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge (IPC), providing a unique platform for early-stage life science and healthcare companies to present their technologies and connect with potential investors.
The IPC finalists delivered 4-minute pitches and a 9-minute interactive Q&A session with a panel of investor judges. In addition, each participating company showcased its technology at its personalized table space in the RESI Exhibition Hall, creating further opportunities for engagement.
The Innovator’s Pitch Challenge features a distinctive voting system where registered RESI attendees—including startup executives, early-stage investors, and industry experts – ‘invest’ in their favorite IPC companies using RESI cash provided at check-in. Attendees based their decisions on the companies’ presentations and pitch performances.
For those interested in participating in the next Innovator’s Pitch Challenge, applications are now open for RESI London 2024 and RESI JPM 2025. Early application is encouraged as spots are filled on a rolling basis.
Life Science Nation is proud to announce the top three winners of RESI Boston 2024’s Innovator’s Pitch Challenge:
Max Braht, Business Development Manager, Life Science Nation | Diana Caldwell, MBA,CEO and Co-Founder, Amplified Sciences | Dennis Ford, Founder and CEO of Life Science Nation, Creator of the RESI Conference Series
Greg Mannix, VP, International Business Development, Life Science Nation | Victoria Costa Paz, CEO and Co-Founder, EYWA Biotech | Dennis Ford, Founder and CEO of Life Science Nation, Creator of the RESI Conference Series
Momo Yamamoto, Investor Research Analyst, Life Science Nation | John Qiao, Founder and CEO, RadioClash | Dennis Ford, Founder and CEO of Life Science Nation, Creator of the RESI Conference Series
The 56 companies were assigned to 14 different sessions throughout the day, with 4 companies grouped together based on similar sector or technology. These companies were evaluated by a panel of judges, and the following companies were the highest scorers. This attests to the high quality of their pitch, ability to answer questions, and clearly deliver their value proposition.
Judges Picks:
Next Phase Newsletter 