Introducing Haystack Corner – Insights from Juan Carlos López and Andrew Marshall of Haystack Science

29 Apr

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

DF-News-09142022Life Science Nation is excited to introduce a new feature in the Next Phase newsletter: Haystack Corner, highlighting insights from The Needle, the weekly publication by Juan Carlos López and Andrew Marshall at Haystack Science.

The Needle delivers sharp, actionable updates focused on the earliest stages of biotech commercialization. From translational breakthroughs to the business strategies shaping tomorrow’s therapeutics, The Needle offers a unique perspective for entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors working to move discoveries from the lab to the market.

About the Contributors

  • Juan Carlos López, Ph.D. — Former Chief Editor of Nature Medicine, with deep expertise in neuroscience, academic collaborations, venture philanthropy, rare diseases, and translational research.
  • Andrew Marshall, Ph.D. — Former Chief Editor of Nature Biotechnology, a recognized leader in biotech venture creation and scientific commercialization.
Juan-Carlos-Lopez
Juan Carlos Lopez		 Andy-Marshall
Andy Marshall

LSN is proud to bring Haystack Corner to Next Phase readers, starting with this issue. LSN encourages you to explore and share these curated insights with colleagues and peers who are passionate about advancing life science innovation.

The Needle. Issue #1

Tags: , , , ,

Hot Investor Mandate: CVC Arm of Global CDMO Seeking Co-Investment Opportunities from Seed to IPO in Biotech – Open to Biologics, Antibodies, Proteins, DNA/RNA, Vaccines, and More

22 Apr

Founded in 2018, the corporate venture arm of a leading global Contract Research, Development and Manufacturing Organization is open to investing in anywhere from seed to IPO financing rounds. Initial investment size can vary and follow-on investment is possible. The fund primarily seeks opportunities in the US, and is open to China and Europe as well. The fund does not lead rounds and prefers companies with a lead investor in place. Depending on the investment size and deal terms, the fund may consider an observer seat or board seat. The fund makes equity investments only and does not have an equity-for-service model. 
 
Separately from the corporate venture arm, the parent corporation also runs a program which collaborates with over 25 partners, such as accelerators, seed/venture capital firms, incubators, and other similar programs to provide startups various tools and resources to accelerate biotech assets development. Startups must be an active participant or referred by a Program Partner to be eligible. 

The fund will consider a wide range of biotech assets, from antibody drug, protein therapeutics, vaccines, DNA and mRNA drugs. The fund is also open to orphan drugs. One type of asset that the fund does not consider cell and gene therapy. 

The fund does not lead investments rounds therefore would only invest when a lead investor is secured. The fund is open to working with new or first-time founders but hopes to see that the team has a good supportive network. The fund is interested in working with founders who are open to advice and suggestions. 

If you are interested in more information about this investor and other investors tracked by LSN, please email salescore@lifesciencenation.com. 

Hot Investor Mandate: U.S.-Based Venture Capital Firm Backed by Health System Seeks Medical Technologies to Improve Quality and Health Outcomes

22 Apr

A venture capital firm founded in 2014 is managing $150 million fund on behalf of a large, not-for-profit health system in the United States. The firm has closed a second $150 million venture and growth equity fund. 
 
As of 2025, the firm has initially closed a third fund and spun out as an independent venture capital firm. The firm has committed $150M, and the firm will seek to have a final close later in the year with additional LPs. Typical equity allocations had ranged from $8-15 million over the life of a company. The firm is looking primarily for opportunities across the US, and the firm would consider international companies with strong US advocacy and technology that can be deployed to the US market. 

The firm is looking for innovative medical technologies that are in line with the organization’s mission, improve quality and convenience, lower cost and improve health outcomes. Examples may include patient management systems for healthcare providers, home care systems, or monitoring devices for chronic disease management. The firm typically works with mature companies with revenue, consumer traction, or some validation on their technology. 

The firm is looking for solid management teams that show track records of success. The firm provides healthcare system expertise to portfolio companies to refine existing solutions, while expanding their adoption within and beyond its healthcare system. Providence Ventures is open to investing as a lead or co-investing along a syndicate. 

If you are interested in more information about this investor and other investors tracked by LSN, please email salescore@lifesciencenation.com. 

Hot Investor Mandate: Asia-based Private Equity Firm Invests Opportunistically in Life Sciences, including Therapeutics, Medical Devices, Digital Health and Diagnostics 

22 Apr

Founded in 1973, a private equity firm headquartered in Tokyo, Japan has a total capital commitment of its investment funds in Japan and overseas have approximately $8.5B USD. The life science investment team invests in breakthrough innovations that potentially addresses unmet medical need. The firm has a dedicated life science investment team and invests in early and venture stage companies. For life science, the firm invests within $10M USD per round. The firm invests opportunistically in the life sciences. The firm seeks an opportunity to invest in innovative therapeutics, medical devices, digital health, diagnostics, and healthcare services that are in discovery/development stage. The firm prioritizes new IP/NCE and modality over repurposed or reformulated products. The firm generally requires a seat on the board of directors or observers. 

If you are interested in more information about this investor and other investors tracked by LSN, please email salescore@lifesciencenation.com. 

Hot Investor Mandate: U.S.-Based Venture Capital Firm Interested in Pre-Seed to Series A Opportunities in AI for Healthcare, Diagnostics, and Medical Devices 

22 Apr

A venture capital firm was founded in 2014 and is based in Palo Alto, CA. The firm invests across multiple industries – within healthcare, the firm is interested in AI in healthcare and medical devices. The firm manages 3 funds right now, and the latest fund closed in 2022. The firm typically invests $1M-$2M initial check per company, and reserve 2/3 of the fund for pro rata. The firm prefers to lead the round and also open to co-investment. The firm typically makes 7-10 new investments per year, and only focuses on companies based in North America (USA & Canada). Furthermore, the firm has a considerable value-add in supporting companies leveraging their former entrepreneur and operator experience, and their CXO network which includes over 30 executives from Fortune 1000 companies. 

The firm is open to all subsectors of AI in healthcare, diagnostics and all classes of medical devices. The firm is indication agnostic and looks primarily at early-stage companies, particularly at the seed pre-Series A stage. 

The firm does not have a particular management team requirement, as it primarily assesses the technology itself. If leading the round, the firm will take a board seat after an investment. 

If you are interested in more information about this investor and other investors tracked by LSN, please email salescore@lifesciencenation.com. 

Why Do 90% of Life Science Startups Fail? Because the Science Never Gets Out of the Way 

22 Apr

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

DF-News-09142022The Core Challenge: Science Without Commercialization Fails

Despite strong science, most life science startups struggle to scale because their founders lack the commercial expertise and support to navigate the investor landscape. Traditional accelerators often fall short, offering generic mentorship rather than hands-on, market-facing guidance.

Life Science Nation (LSN) addresses this gap by preparing startups to succeed on the global stage. From seed to Series B, LSN equips companies with the narrative, materials, and investor access needed to execute targeted global roadshows. Startups don’t just get introductions—they get a playbook for matching with the right partners, at the right stage, for the right reasons.

A Two-Way Innovation Bridge

LSN’s platform operates in both directions. It helps startups leave their region to reach global capital and commercial partners and connects international investors and licensing firms with often overlooked emerging markets. LSN is the connective tissue linking regional science to global dealmaking from LATAM to China to Europe and North America.

Regions that succeed in commercialization align government, academia, and industry. LSN brings the final piece: a global engine that sources, vets, and connects startups with the right capital and channels to commercialize.

Most Regions Have Science. Few Have a Commercialization Engine.

Virtually every country boasts scientific talent and academic excellence, but most lack the infrastructure, regulatory flexibility, and partner networks to commercialize innovations globally. LSN fills that gap by preparing startups for the global market and helping international players tap into new regional pipelines. The result: cross-border dealmaking, accelerated product development, and a more connected global life sciences sector.

RESI & LSN Labs: Global Success Starts Here

LSN’s commercialization platform is anchored by RESI (Redefining Early Stage Investments), a global conference series that connects startups and investors through curated, stage-specific matchmaking. With over $5 billion raised by RESI alumni, the event has become a trusted launchpad for early-stage fundraising.

Startups also gain access to the Global Partnering Campaign (GPC) and LSN Labs—a standardized, education-driven accelerator that teaches narrative development, market fit mapping, and investor targeting. It’s a proven system that replaces chance with structure.

The Missing Capital Layer: Early-Stage Therapeutics Fund

To close the early-stage funding gap, LSN is co-launching a $50 million venture fund in partnership with a few strategic stakeholders (unannounced). The fund provides micro-investments, fractional executive support, milestone-based coaching, and access to a global CRO network, offering a de-risked, high-support runway from discovery to Series B. Fully integrated with LSN’s ecosystem, the fund provides capital, coaching, and commercialization support in one unified package, creating a new template for therapeutics’ sourcing, shaping, and scaling.

A Blueprint for the Future of Biotech Commercialization

LSN is rewriting the life science commercialization playbook. By integrating structured education, curated global networks, and early-stage capital, LSN is helping science finally get out of its own way. In doing so, it’s reducing the failure rate of life science startups and ensuring more breakthroughs reach patients worldwide. This is the new commercialization model—where science and business move forward, together.

Tags: , , , ,

Meet Meki Durakovic: The Hospitality Force Behind Boston’s Culinary Hotspots

22 Apr

Interview with Meki Durakovic, a Visionary Restaurant Owner by Caitlin Dolegowski, Marketing Manager, LSN

Meki Durakovic CaitiCaitlin Dolegowski

For life science professionals attending RESI and Bio in June, Boston offers more than innovation—it offers unforgettable hospitality. One of the city’s driving forces behind that experience is Meki Durakovic, a restaurateur whose journey from Europe to Boston has transformed the local dining scene.

Meki got his start running his family’s restaurant at 19 and quickly became known for hosting community events and building customer loyalty. After gaining global experience in Germany, he moved to Boston in 1996, working his way through every level of the hospitality business—from the kitchen to management—ultimately joining the influential Lyons Group.

Today, Meki is the co-owner of some of Boston’s most dynamic venues: Fin Point Oyster Bar & Grille, Tradesman Coffee, Lily’s, Amber Road, Urban Wild, One Beacon, and more. His venues mix warm hospitality, locally sourced menus, and inviting atmospheres perfect for both after-hours business gatherings and casual networking.

As the life sciences world converges on Boston this June, Meki’s restaurants offer more than just meals—they offer a taste of the city’s spirit. Make sure to experience his take on Boston hospitality while you’re in town.

Caitlin Dolegowski (CD): Could you tell us about your Restaurant Group and the several standout restaurants in Boston? Can you describe each one and what makes it unique?

 Meki Durakovic (MD):

  • Tradesman – Best Coffee Shop in Boston with unique pastries & specialty croissants, fresh sandwiches and more. We have Tradesman locations on Broad Street and Federal Street in the financial district as well as in Charlestown. (50 Hood Park Dr. Charlestown, MA )
  • Amber Road – Our newest venue which boasts an open-kitchen, open air concept and patio and serves refined global-inspired New England cuisine, craft cocktails, and an extensive wine list. We recommend this space for elevated full private buyouts for events up to 180 guests. (100 Federal St, Boston, MA)
  • Fin Point – The first restaurant opened by our group that has become the place to be in Boston’s downtown Financial District. Here we host everything from corporate lunches and impressive cocktail receptions to weddings, full corporate buyouts for 200 guests and more. The sophisticated dining space features a raw bar and high-end seafood dishes with global influences. (89 Broad St, Boston, MA)
  • Urban Wild – Boston’s newest entertainment destination features high-tech bowling like you’ve never seen, indoor and outdoor patios with games, and a giant beer garden covered in custom artwork for a true experience. The venue holds up to 600 guests and is located in Charlestown’s quickly growing Hood Park Neighborhood. (100 Hood Park Dr, Boston, MA)

CD: For visitors coming to Boston for RESI and the Bio convention in June, which of your restaurants would you recommend for a great dining experience?

MD: All of the above!

CD: Could you tell me what guests should know about making reservations at your restaurants? Do you recommend booking in advance, and how far out should they plan?

MD: Reservations can be made online on Open Table or by calling directly. Reservations for bowling at Urban Wild can be made 7 days in advance on our website. For events, email our Director of Events, Katie Lofstrom, at events@mnmrestaurantgroup.com

CD: For those looking to take a meeting over a meal, which of your restaurants provides the best setting for a business lunch or dinner?

MD: Fin Point has a fully private dining room perfect for those more private, important meetings and occasions. The room seats up to 20.

CD: What would you advise for those seeking an event where they book a space for a networking event, or want to book the whole bar or restaurant? Please describe your menus, cuisines, and creative dishes. What are some must-try items for first-time guests?

MD: Any of our venues are perfect for hosting full private buyouts. We make the planning process easy!

CD: If RESI attendees seek a spot to gather with colleagues after the conference, do any of your restaurants have bar seating, lounge areas, or late-night options?

MD: All of our venues have bar & lounges, perfect for late-night or mingling after work or after dinner!

Tags: , , , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →