Next Phase Newsletter

Shikha Sharma

Interview with Shikha Sharma,Senior Director, at CLS California Life Sciences By Caitlin Dolegowski Marketing Manager, LSN

Caitlin Dolegowski

Caitlin Dolegowski (CD): Please introduce us to California Life Sciences. 

Shikha Sharma: California Life Sciences (CLS) is the state’s most impactful life sciences membership organization, advocating for the sector and its diverse innovation pipeline. For more than 30 years, CLS has served the community by supporting companies of all sizes, from early-stage innovators and startups to established industry leaders in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology. As integral components of a healthy and collaborative ecosystem, CLS also works closely with universities, academic and research institutions, the investment community, and other critical partners that promote this vibrant sector. On behalf of our more than 1,200 member organizations, CLS works to shape public policy, improve access to breakthrough technologies, educate lawmakers, and advance equity within our ecosystem by championing innovative solutions for some of the most pressing challenges of our times. In doing so, CLS fulfills its mission to protect and nurture California’s life sciences industry, empowering discoveries that lead to healthier lives around the world. 

CD: What type of companies do California Life Sciences consider for membership? 

 SS: CLS members represent companies of all sizes, from early-stage innovators and startups to established industry leaders in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology. As integral components of a healthy and collaborative ecosystem, CLS also works closely with universities, academic and research institutions, the investment community, and other critical partners that promote this vibrant sector. 

CD: What stage of fundraising is California Life Sciences looking to support?  

SS: The CLS Innovation & Entrepreneurship programs primarily support early-stage companies in fundraising stages from pre-seed to Series A. However, the broader CLS community encompasses members, companies, stakeholders, and pharma industry professionals with accessibility to later stage fundraising know-how and connections. Becoming part of CLS gives you access to a broad network that can directly and indirectly support companies in any stage of fundraising. 

CD: Clearly, California Life Sciences, is in California. Though, not all your members are located in California. What are your geographic qualifications?  

SS: We don’t have geographic qualifications, per se.  CLS welcomes any organization that is looking to access, expand and/or maintain a foothold in what I would consider the most robust life sciences ecosystem worldwide.  

CD: What works well for California Life Sciences in being a part of the RESI experience?  

SS: As part of our portfolio of entrepreneurship services, CLS seeks to establish partnerships with respected partnering and investor conferences to aid our members in the fundraising journeys. Importantly, opportunities like RESI connects them with Seed and Series B investors, channel and licensing partners.  

CD: What other information is important for companies to consider about California Life Sciences?  

 SS:  California Life Sciences’ innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives connect life science startups to the resources needed to help them effectively scale their ventures. Our programs create a platform for accessing business partners, investors, foundations and patient advocacy organizations, peers, and other industry leaders. 

 Designed to nurture and advocate for emerging and diverse innovators from throughout the state, CLS offers advisory services, positioning for capital tools, access to capital through strategic partnerships and events and US market access resources to help in the development and commercialization of their business. 

By Love Chung, Investor Research Analyst, LSN

Calling all actively investing in early-stage life sciences! At RESI, you will have the opportunity to connect with a diverse array of innovative entrepreneurs, promising startups, and seasoned industry leaders. This conference will provide an invaluable snapshot of the latest trends, breakthrough technologies, and investment opportunities that are reshaping the future of healthcare. Early-stage companies attending from the biotech, medtech, diagnostic and digital health sectors. Don’t miss out on this unparalleled platform to leverage your expertise and drive transformative advancements in life sciences investment.

Below are a few testimonials from investors who have attended RESI Boston this past June:

“It is our second year at RESI. In 3 days, I opened my schedule to global organizations and met efficiently online over 55 quality life sciences and medical device companies. Some are now part of our Keiretsu portfolio. I love collaborating with RESI and sourcing possible deals for our Investors’ chapters”

Daniela Tixi, Keiretsu Forum Canada

“I have been attending the RESI since 2018, and I find it very useful in that it allows me to meet with many startup companies that I would not be able to meet at partnering conferences such as BIO International. In fact, I often attend smaller partnering conferences as well as BIO International, but there are a few startup companies that we could only meet at RESI because we could not meet them at those partnering conferences, which is a true testament to the value of RESI. I also benefit from the information on cutting-edge drug discovery research and technology that we can gain from participating in RESI. In addition, it is very beneficial from a long-term perspective that RESI offers a chance for startup companies to join RESI so that they can build partnerships with pharmaceutical companies or VC firms and become our future collaboration partners. From this perspective, I hope that startup will continue to participate in RESI and deepen its collaboration with us and other pharmaceutical companies and VCs who are also participating in RESI to build the ecosystem.”

Hiroyuki Eda, EA Pharma

“We came to RESI as potential investors, and unexpectedly found many more companies representing significant early-stage opportunities for investment and partnership. The atmosphere was extremely collegial with a chance to meet multiple times within the venue. I participated as a judge on a cell and gene therapy pitch session panel, and also enjoyed giving feedback to the companies who pitched there, plus got to know some of the other judges after the panel event. This was another unexpected plus to attending the RESI meeting. I strongly recommend this meeting to others.”

Barri Blauvelt, Tamer Group

Hear from more investors and view confirmed investors at RESI!

By Erika Wu, Business Development Manager, Global Tech Hubs, LSN

Incubators, accelerators, tech transfer offices, non-profits, and regional and government organizations all play a crucial role in fostering the growth and success of early-stage companies. In 2023 so far, Life Science Nation’s Redefining Early Stage Investments (RESI) conference has received attendance from 200+ tech hub constituents across Therapeutics, Diagnostics, Digital Health, Medical Devices, and R&D Tools. Here are 2 reasons why tech hubs are important in this early-stage startup arena:

1. Startups can get access to resources and support to help them navigate the challenges of being a first time CEO and to make better decisions across product development, sales, marketing, and legal matters. This typically includes lab space, and access to a network of investors, experienced entrepreneurs, and potential partners and customers. An additional value is the networking aspect where founders can develop a community by collaborating with like-minded individuals and industry professionals.
2. We’ve found that most startup founders who attend RESI have dedicated their entire lives to perfect their craft in intense research and development, but still may lack the experience in building a successful business. Joining a tech hub allows the ability for founders to access educational courses on topics such as pitching to investors, solidifying their story, and how to leverage strategic and operational tactics to execute successful marketing and fundraising campaigns.

Tech hub, BioMed SA, attended RESI Boston in June and Member & Program Manager, Jared Stein, shared, “My experience at RESI was wonderful.  I enjoyed meeting all the other exhibitors and attendees throughout the day, thought the exhibit table was in a great location, and I gained several strong new leads from the event.”

Through RESI partnership, tech hub constituents gain access to resources beyond 1-1 partnering, such as discounted prices to the Life Science Nation (LSN)’s Investor Database and the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge (IPC).

Here’s how tech hubs and their constituents can get involved at Hybrid RESI, September 18-20th:

1. Register for a 1-1 partnering ticket at the tech hub rate. Contact Erika Wu to set up a unique discount code.
2. Apply to pitch at the onsite Innovator’s Pitch Challenge (IPC) and receive a free registration for a startup’s second attendee. Applications are due Wednesday, August 9th. Apply to Pitch Here. No special code required.
3. Tech hubs can save 50% off all RESI sponsorship levels. Offer applicable until end of 2023. See sponsorship brochure.

For any inquires, contact Erika Wu, Business Development Manager, Global Tech Hub at Life Science Nation.