Family Office Perspectives on Early-Stage Investments

By Dennis Ford, Founder and CEO of Life Science Nation

Family offices are emerging as influential investors in the early-stage life sciences sector, leveraging their unique position to support innovation while seeking promising financial returns. Register for our free virtual family office panel. These investment entities align their strategies with personal values, contributing to healthcare advancements and enhancing their families’ legacies. As the life sciences sector evolves, the collaboration between family offices and early-stage companies is expected to grow, potentially leading to significant societal impacts. Life Science Nation curates one of the largest databases of family offices that focus on the healthcare arena, with over 700 offices. The most prominent family offices have the potential to distribute allocations exceeding $100M, though most, a remarkable 95% fall into the Seed, Series A, and Series B with mandates to allocate between $250K to $50M, which bodes well for the early-stage companies.

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Family Office Panel at RESI Boston

Several Family Offices will share their insights on early-stage investments at the upcoming RESI conference on September 25th at the Westin Copley, Back Bay, Boston. Notable speakers include Michael Langer, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of T.Rx Capital; Sunil Shah, Co-Founder of o2h Group and CEO of o2h Ventures; John Parker, Founder of Springhood Ventures; John Abeles, General Partner at Northlea Partners; and David Prim, Senior Associate at Broadview Ventures. This event will provide an opportunity to learn about investment themes and strategies from seasoned family office investors.

michael-langerMichael Langer
Co-founder & Managing Partner at T.Rx Capital
Sunil-ShahSunil Shah
Co-founder of the o2h Group and CEO of o2h Ventures
John-ParkerJohn Parker
Family Member and Trustee of the Charles Hood Foundation and Founder of Springhood Ventures
John Abeles
General Partner of Northlea Partners
David Prim
Senior Associate of Broadview Ventures

The Appeal of Life Sciences

Investing in early-stage life sciences is attractive for several reasons. The sector is marked by rapid innovation and growth, offering the potential for substantial financial returns. Breakthroughs in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices can increase significant valuation for successful startups. With market volatility affecting traditional investment avenues, family offices are turning to life sciences to diversify their portfolios. The healthcare sector often behaves differently from other industries, providing a buffer against economic downturns. Many families have personal connections to healthcare, whether through family members who are healthcare professionals or personal experiences with illness. Thus, investing in life sciences offers financial rewards and allows families to contribute positively to society by supporting innovations that can improve health outcomes.

Family Office Strategies for Investing

Family offices employ various strategies when investing in early-stage life science companies. Some invest directly in startups, providing capital, strategic guidance, and mentorship, allowing them more control over their investments and the opportunity to influence the direction of the companies they support. Others invest in specialized venture capital funds focusing on life sciences, leveraging the expertise of experienced fund managers to identify high-potential startups and provide the necessary support for their growth. Collaboration with other investors or family offices is common, as they share resources and insights to reduce risk and enhance opportunities, leading to joint ventures or co-investments in promising life science enterprises.

Investor Fireside Chat – Strategies for Family Office Investments

Join our free Family Office webinar on August 20th at 1PM ET to hear how to find and approach family offices, and what assets are most interesting to them.

August 20, Family Office Webinar – Free Sign Up
1 PM Investor Fireside Chat – Strategies for Family Office Investments
– Claire Jeong, VP of Investor Research, LSN (Moderator)
– Katherine Hill Ritchie
, Founder, Private Capital Investments, LLC
– Ron Paliwoda, Founder and President, Paliwoda Group
– Shubhra Jain, Principal, Head of Healthcare Investments, Tarsadia Investments
– Bryan Grulke, Partner, Volcano Capital

Why Life Science CEOs Should Seize the Opportunity at Redefining Early Stage Investments (RESI) Events 

By Claire Jeong, Chief Conference Officer, Vice President of Investor Research, Asia BD, LSN

In the ever-evolving landscape of life sciences, fundraising is not just an option; it’s a necessity. CEOs in this sector must navigate a complex environment where access to capital can define the trajectory of their innovations. One of the most effective strategies for maximizing fundraising success is participating in global events that bring together key investors and decision-makers. The Redefining Early Stage Investments (RESI) events are premier platforms for life science startups. With RESI Boston on September 25, RESI London on December 4, and RESI JPM on January 14, 2025, this series presents a unique opportunity for CEOs.

The Importance of Global Reach

In the life sciences, the competition for funding is fierce, and operating within a confined regional market can limit opportunities. By expanding your search beyond local investors and tapping into the global arena, you significantly increase your chances of finding the right fit for your stage of development and innovative products. The RESI events are strategically designed to allow CEOs to engage with a diverse spectrum of investors from various geographic locations.

Attending both the Boston and London events and culminating with JPM in January allows you to cover critical markets—the East Coast of the U.S., Europe, and the West Coast—all within five months. This geographical breadth means you can connect with 50-60 qualified investors actively seeking investment opportunities in early-stage life sciences, increasing your chances of success.

Fundraising as a Numbers Game

At its core, fundraising is indeed a numbers game. The more potential investors you meet, the higher the likelihood of securing funding. The RESI events are structured to make sure you engage your outreach. With each event attracting a fresh group of investors, your networking efforts compound over time. This is unlike traditional fundraising approaches, where outreach may be static or limited to a single region.

Life Science Nation, the owner of RESI, has a proven track record of delivering diverse investors, ranging from angels and family offices to venture capitalists, private equity firms, and industry-specific players such as pharmaceutical and med tech investors. These investors increasingly leverage LSN’s global events to source new technology assets for their portfolios and product pipelines.

A Unique Lineup of Investors

The alignment of these three events within such a short period extends your reach and introduces you to an audience of investors tailored to your specific needs. The unique lineup of seasoned professionals at these events is precisely what early-stage companies require. This carefully curated access can distinguish between a successful fundraising round and an uphill battle.

CEOs in the life sciences sector must take advantage of the opportunities presented by the RESI events. Engaging with a global network increases visibility and access to critical funding sources. The following five months could very well determine the future trajectory of your company; make it count by attending RESI Boston, RESI London, and RESI JPM. The world of life science investment is waiting, and your next significant opportunity might be one conference away. Don’t miss your chance to take your innovations to the next level!

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Partnering Opportunities at RESI Boston: Platform Opens August 19 

By Caitlin Dolegowski, Marketing Manager, LSN

Caiti

As RESI Boston approaches, excitement is building for this hybrid conference taking place on September 25 at The Westin Copley Hotel, followed by virtual partnering on September 26-27. The partnering platform will open on August 19, allowing attendees to schedule both in-person and virtual meetings.

What distinguishes RESI is its focus on the life sciences sector. The Life Science Nation (LSN) Partnering Platform facilitates connections between startups and investors through a curated environment. Unlike traditional conferences where information about potential partners is limited, RESI provides detailed profiles derived from personal interviews with investors in the LSN network. This ensures that startups can engage with investors who are genuinely interested in their specific sector and stage of development.

The platform allows startups to filter their search based on various criteria, enabling efficient identification of the right investors. However, success in partnering requires proactive engagement. Companies that excel typically send over 100 meeting requests and follow up consistently, making a strong effort to establish connections.

To assist attendees, RESI will offer a free partnering tutorial next week, providing strategies to maximize their time at the conference:

  • Thursday, August 22, 2024 1:00 PM-2:00 PM – Partnering Tutorial – Sign Up

As the partnering platform opens on August 19, startups should prepare early by crafting a thoughtful strategy and sending out meeting requests promptly. With the insights gained from the tutorial, attendees can enhance their chances of forming valuable partnerships.

In summary, RESI Boston is a unique opportunity for life science startups to connect with investors who can help propel their projects forward. Mark your calendars for August 19 and get ready to unlock new possibilities at RESI Boston.

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Family Office BioForum at RESI Boston Sept 25: Family Office Fund Managers Deliver Keynotes 

By Dennis Ford, Founder and CEO of Life Science Nation

Life Science Nation is proud to announce the upcoming Global Family Office BioForum, which will take place on Wednesday, September 25th, at the Westin Copley Place in Back Bay, Boston, as part of the renowned RESI program. This unique event will feature an open-to-the-public Family Office Panel and an exclusive invitation-only Global Family Office BioForum (GFOB) luncheon, where key figures from prominent family offices will discuss critical insights into the life sciences investment landscape.

The luncheon keynote session will spotlight three influential leaders:

michael-langerMichael Langer
Co-founder & Managing Partner at T.Rx Capital
Sunil-ShahSunil Shah
Co-founder of the o2h Group and CEO of o2h Ventures
John-ParkerJohn Parker
Family Member and Trustee of the Charles Hood Foundation and Founder of Springhood Ventures

Together, they will delve into the theme of “Leveraging Life Science Domain Expertise, Family Office Networks, to Impact Early-Stage Companies,” highlighting their current initiatives and strategies within the life science sector.

The demand for early-stage capital is increasingly critical as the life sciences field continues flourishing with innovative discoveries and cutting-edge technologies. The Global Family Office BioForum (GFOB) is a key platform where family offices can identify promising startups and collaborate with other like-minded investors.

If you are a Family Office and would like to attend the Family Office BioForum Luncheon
Apply Here
August 20, Family Office Webinar – Free Sign Up
1 PM Investor Fireside Chat – Strategies for Family Office Investments
– Katherine Hill Ritchie
, Founder, Private Capital Investments, LLC
– Ron Paliwoda, Founder and President, Paliwoda Group
– Shubhra Jain, Principal, Head of Healthcare Investments, Tarsadia Investments
September 25, RESI Boston 2024
Global Family Office BioForum (GFOB) Luncheon
12 PM Welcome / Opening Remarks
– Dennis Ford
, Founder & CEO, Life Science Nation
– Claire Jeong, VP of Investor Research, Asia BD, Life Science Nation
12:05 PM Panel Discussion “Leveraging Life Science Domain Expertise, Family Office Networks, to Impact Early-Stage Companies”
– Michael Langer
, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, T.Rx Capital
– Sunil Shah, Co-Founder of o2h Group; CEO of o2h Ventures
– John Parker, Founder of Springhood Ventures
12:40 PM Networking
Family Office Investors Panel  
3 PM Perspectives on Early Stage Investments
– Michael Langer
, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, T.Rx Capital
– Sunil Shah, Co-Founder of o2h Group; CEO of o2h Ventures
– John Parker, Founder Springhood Ventures
– John Abeles, General Partner, Northlea Partners
– David Prim, Senior Associate, Broadview Ventures

The Power of Syndication

Syndication is a vital investment strategy that benefits family offices and entrepreneurs. By collaborating with other investors, family offices can diversify their risk, streamline due diligence processes, access a more comprehensive array of investment opportunities, and leverage combined expertise. For entrepreneurs, the advantages are equally substantial; they gain access to a syndicate’s collective knowledge and resources, significantly enhancing their fundraising efforts and increasing their chances of securing the essential funds needed for growth.

 The Family Office Factor

Family offices are distinguished by their long-term investment horizons and dedication to generating meaningful impact. With a mission to preserve and grow wealth for future generations, these entities are uniquely suited to contribute to the life sciences sector. Their involvement transcends mere financial support, offering mentorship, guidance, and a genuine commitment to the success of the ventures they back. The Global Family Office BioForum (GFOB) recognizes and amplifies this unique role, creating an environment where family offices can forge connections with like-minded syndicate partners and explore transformative investment opportunities.

Innovations in Neuromuscular Disease

Interview with Dr. Sharon Hesterlee, Executive Vice President and Chief Research Officer at Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) By Caitlin Dolegowski, Marketing Manager, LSN

Sharon-HesterleeDr. Sharon Hesterlee
CaitiCaitlin Dolegowski

Today, we are excited to feature Dr. Sharon Hesterlee, Executive Vice President and Chief Research Officer at the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), a title sponsor at our upcoming RESI Boston conference. Dr. Hesterlee plays a vital role in advancing research and treatment for neuromuscular diseases. In this interview, she discusses MDA’s investment programs, including the MOVR Data Hub and Venture Philanthropy, and shares insights on supporting biotech startups, key criteria for funding ultra-rare disease therapies, and emerging trends in research. Join us as Dr. Hesterlee offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs seeking to make an impact in the neuromuscular disease landscape.

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Unlocking Early-Stage Investment Opportunities

By Faith Patenaude, Investor Research Analyst, LSN

Faith

The Redefining Early Stage Investments (RESI) conference, a key event for startups seeking connections with early-stage investors and strategic partners in the life science sector, will hold its much-anticipated RESI Boston 2024 conference on September 25 at The Westin Copley Place. RESI Boston will feature an impressive lineup of investor panels addressing a variety of relevant and notable topics.

Our Early Stage Therapeutics panel, taking place at 1PM at The Westin Copley Place, will display a group of experts from VC’s, corporate pharma, and other investor types. The panel will exhibit an array of topics, giving inside knowledge from top investors.

Attendees can expect to gain inside knowledge on topics such as:

  • The criteria and process behind investment decisions
  • Areas of significant need and investor interest
  • Effective strategies for startups to stand out in competitive indications
  • Common errors and red flags in startup pitches
  • Analysis of recently successful investment deals and their key success factors

The panel will feature these expert investors in the industry:

Ashim_SubedeeAshim Subedee (Moderator)
Director, Catalyst Office
Division of Research Innovation and Ventures (DRIVe)
Chris-GarabedianChris Garabedian
CEO
Xontogeny
 
Jill-GoldsteinJill Goldstein
Senior Associate
Vida Ventures
Squire-ServanceSquire Servance
Founder & Managing Partner
Syridex Bio

The Early Stage Therapeutics Panel is part of the larger RESI (Redefining Early Stage Investments) conference series, which aims to connect startups with early-stage investors and strategic partners across various healthcare domains, including drugs, devices, diagnostics, and digital health. Following the day-long conference, RESI Boston will continue with two days of virtual partnering from September 26-27, providing additional opportunities for networking and collaboration.

For more information or to register for the conference, click here to visit the RESI webpage.

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One Nucleus and Life Science Nation unite for the Genesis 2024 and Redefining Early Stage Investments (RESI) Conferences to Amplify Impact on Life Science Innovation. 

By Dennis Ford, Founder and CEO of Life Science Nation

Boston MA and London UK, 31 July 2024 - One Nucleus and Life Science Nation (LSN) are pleased to announce the co-location of their renowned Genesis 2024 and Redefining Early Stage Investments (RESI) conferences, scheduled to take place on 4 December 2024, in London. The Genesis Conference programme will be at 1 Wimpole Street, and RESI will be at 11 Cavendish Square, allowing attendees to participate in either or both events just a few steps away from each other. This unprecedented collaboration aims to connect early-stage life science companies to LSN’s global network of capital investors and licensing partners under the theme of “Maximising Returns from Life Science Innovation.”

For over two decades, the Genesis Conference has been a cornerstone event, bringing together top opinion leaders and stakeholders in life sciences to discuss critical trends, catalyse partnerships, and shape the industry’s future landscape. With its rich history of fostering innovation and facilitating meaningful connections, Genesis has consistently delivered high-value content through keynote presentations, panels, and networking opportunities.

LSN’s RESI conference series is known for being able to match up startup companies seeking seed funds up to 2 million, series A and series B, with global partners. RESI complements Genesis by focusing on early-stage companies and their interaction with investors and partners across the “4 Ds” of Drugs, Devices, Diagnostics, and Digital Health. Integrating RESI’s expertise in matchmaking and Genesis’s comprehensive content programme, the co-located events promise an unparalleled experience for UK delegates and RESI international investors interested in the early-stage assets coming out of locations including Cambridge, London and Oxford.

Key highlights of the co-located conferences include:

  • A diverse mix of high-content keynote presentations and expert panels addressing cutting-edge industry topics.
  • A dedicated RESI interactive partnering, offering both in-person and virtual days that match startups based on the stage of development and product with investors and licensing partners that are the right fit.
  • A dedicated Genesis 2024 Conference App where information is shared, connections are made and is the route to access 1-2-1 Genesis partnering, programme, sponsor, and exhibitor details.
  • Extensive networking opportunities with over 500 industry delegates expected to attend these events, making this one of Europe’s largest life science investor meetings in 2024.
  • Genesis Fringe events offer deeper technical and business insights and enhanced in-person networking.
  • An Exhibition providing a dynamic forum for dialogue and visibility among partners and customers.
  • 20 Innovator’s Pitch Challenge (IPC) slots available. The IPC allows early-stage life science and healthcare companies to engage more with conference attendees and pitch directly to a panel of active investors and industry experts. Applications to apply are open until Friday 25 October.

“We are thrilled to bring together the RESI global investor network with Genesis, a One Nucleus flagship UK event which will add some excitement and facilitate some foreign investment into the life science ecosystem,” said Dennis Ford, CEO of Life Science Nation. “The co-location of  the two conferences represents a significant milestone in fostering collaboration and innovation across the life sciences sector, enabling us to amplify our impact on early-stage companies and investors globally.”

Tony Jones, CEO of One Nucleus, added, “Genesis has always been about shaping the future of life sciences through meaningful dialogue and strategic partnerships. Teaming up with RESI allows us to expand these efforts, creating synergies that benefit our members and the broader life sciences community.”

For more information about the RESI and Genesis conferences, including sponsorship opportunities and registration details, please visit RESI and genesisconference.com.

About Life Science Nation (LSN): Life Science Nation (LSN) is a global partnering ecosystem connecting early-stage companies with investors and partners across Drugs, Devices, Diagnostics, and Digital Health. LSN curates databases of global investors and technology assets, providing sourcing, ranking, and accelerator services through initiatives like RESI and Focus on Cures Accelerator (FOC).

About One Nucleus: One Nucleus is an international membership organisation for life science and healthcare companies. Based in Cambridge, UK, One Nucleus supports its members through networking, knowledge-sharing, and advocacy initiatives, promoting growth and innovation within the life sciences community.

Media Contact Information: 

Media Contacts:
Caitlin Dolegowski, Marketing Manager
c.dolegowski@lifesciencenation.com

Tony Jones, CEO
tony@onenucleus.com

For Conference Inquiries:
Genesis: Claire Abrams - genesis@onenucleus.com
RESI: Claire Jeong - c.jeong@lifesciencenation.com

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