Tag: business

Freedom to Operate: What It Is and Why Your Startup Can’t Afford to Ignore It 

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By Michael J. Moedritzer, Associate, Polsinelli (Special Guest Contributor)

For biotech founders, intellectual property (IP) can make or break a company. The life sciences industry is driven by innovation, but it is also crowded with patents. While it’s essential to build your own IP portfolio, it is just as critical to ensure that your product will not infringe on someone else’s. Overlooking this risk can expose your startup to costly lawsuits that could derail your business before it has a chance to grow.

What is an FTO Opinion?
An FTO Opinion is a legal review by an IP attorney that determines whether your startup can develop, manufacture, and sell a product without infringing existing patents. The attorney analyzes relevant patents and applications in your target markets and provides guidance on whether changes to your design or a licensing agreement might be necessary.

Why Founders Need It
For founders, an FTO Opinion provides more than legal coverage. It gives you peace of mind that you are not unknowingly putting your company at risk. It can also provide protection if litigation arises, helping you defend against claims of willful infringement and limiting potential increased damages. Most importantly, it strengthens your credibility with investors and partners by showing that you have done the due diligence to safeguard your innovations.

Where to Start
Securing an FTO Opinion requires working with an experienced IP attorney, who will tailor the analysis to your product and market strategy. While it is an investment, it is one that could save your company millions and ensure that your innovation makes it to market.

Michael Moedritzer is an Associate in Polsinelli’s Intellectual Property department. He focuses his practice on domestic and international patent prosecution and works with clients to revise, analyze and evaluate intellectual property-related issues to provide comprehensive overview of the portfolio.

Hot Investor Mandate: Europe-Based VC Firm Invests Through Seed to Growth-Stage Life Science Companies Across the Globe, With Preference for Therapeutics and Platform Technologies 

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A venture capital firm with a major presence in Europe invests in life science companies through various funds. The firm targets seed, venture, and growth-stage investments in European companies but also considers North American and Asian opportunities. Initial investment size ranges from €500K – 10M, preferentially in the form of straight equity. The firm is capable of leading or co-investing in financing rounds; however, for U.S. deals, the firm prefers a local investor to lead unless it is a later-stage round (i.e., B, C, etc.) and the prior round was led by a U.S. investor. The firm has greater flexibility for European-based companies and typically leads these rounds. The firm is currently in investing mode, actively seeking opportunities, with the average investment ranging from €3–5M. 
 

The firm takes a true venture approach to investing and prioritizes breakthrough technologies with a strong IP position. Microbiome therapeutics and platforms are the primary interest, with willingness to invest as early as pre-clinical in this subsector. For other therapeutics, preferred phases of development are typically limited to pre-clinical investments into companies with a platform technology rather than those reliant on a single therapeutic asset. Medical technology and connected health companies are also evaluated, regardless of stage. 
 

The firm prefers to work with mature, experienced management teams but is open to all entrepreneurs. The firm will invest in pre-revenue as well as revenue-generating companies, with maximum revenues of €50M. 

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

Hot Investor Mandate: Investment Firm With Global Interests Seeks Novel Disruptive Therapeutics and Platform Technologies from Pre-Seed to Series A

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A global venture capital investor builds, incubates, and invests in biotech companies. The firm invests from an evergreen fund and prefers to invest at company formation or seed stage, with the latest stage being Series A. Typical investments range from $1-5M, but larger tranched investments may be made in therapeutic opportunities. With offices across multiple global hubs, the firm invests worldwide. The firm can act as either a lead or a co-investor. 

The firm’s investment strategy focuses on disruptive therapeutics platform technologies and novel therapeutic modalities. 

The firm prefers to back teams with a strong track record but is also open to first-time entrepreneurs. At company formation, the firm not only provides funding for initial proof-of-concept studies, but also supports the assembly of the founding team and other essential business development activities. 

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

Hot Investor Mandate: USA-Based VC Firm Invests in Seed-Stage Life Science Companies, With a Focus on Companies in Longevity and AI

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A venture capital firm founded in 2018 and based in the US actively invests in early-stage life science and healthcare companies with a focus on seed stage opportunities, investing up to $1M. The firm invests mostly in US, Europe, and Israel.  
 
The firm focuses on 2 areas: longevity and AI / future of healthcare. The firm is open to investing in therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health and will consider promising opportunities outside of these focus areas. 
 
The firm does not have specific management team requirements. The firm can lead or co-invest, and will typically seek board representation when leading investment rounds. 

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

Hot Investor Mandate: Seed Stage Investor Focuses on Pre-Clinical Drug Discovery Companies in CNS, Oncology, and Other Indications, Supporting Them for Clinical Readiness

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A venture capital investor primarily makes angel investments in seed-stage companies and works hands-on with portfolio companies to facilitate regulatory approval and commercialization. Typical initial check size is in the $500–750K range, with tranche investments possible beyond this amount. The firm is open to global opportunities. 

The firm focuses on therapeutics companies in the early stages of drug discovery and development. Current areas of interest include CNS and neurodegenerative diseases, oncology, and pulmonary diseases pursued with novel approaches. While the firm works primarily with pre-clinical opportunities, it may consider other indications from time to time. 

The firm’s long-term strategy is to help companies progress toward Phase II readiness for pre-clinical assets. With broad expertise in regulatory and toxicology matters, the firm takes a hands-on approach to supporting portfolio companies. 

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

Experience the Innovation at RESI Boston 2025! 

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

The Innovator’s Pitch Challenge (IPC) is a highlight of RESI Boston, bringing early-stage life science startups into the spotlight. Finalists will present across multiple sessions, showcasing breakthroughs in therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics, digital health solutions, and R&D tools. Each pitch is delivered to a panel of active investors and industry experts who provide interactive questions and constructive feedback, while attendees also get a front-row seat to see the next wave of healthcare innovation.

RESI attendees are more than just spectators; they play an active role in the competition by “investing” their RESI cash in the companies they believe in most. This unique format allows the community to engage directly with the innovators, and the winners are revealed after the votes are tallied during the closing cocktail reception.

IPC participants also benefit from one-on-one partnering, exhibit space in the RESI Exhibition Hall, and the chance to compete for complimentary registration at future RESI conferences. Here are the presenting companies at RESI Boston September:

While applications to the IPC are now closed, you can still register for RESI Boston September 2025 to take part in everything the conference has to offer — from casting your vote in the IPC, to connecting with investors, attending panels and workshops, and making valuable new partnerships.

FREE Pre-RESI Event: Structuring Your Startup: Legal, Tax, Funding, and Strategic Decisions

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By Max Braht, Director of Business Development, LSN

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Life Science Nation (LSN) invites early-stage life science and healthcare companies to a free, in-person pre-conference event designed to equip founders and executives with the knowledge and tools to build a successful venture in the U.S. market.

Structuring Your Startup: Legal, Tax, Funding, and Other Strategic Decisions will be held on Tuesday, September 16, from 1:00–5:00 PM at CIC Cambridge, Havana Room, One Broadway, Cambridge, MA. Taking place the day before RESI Boston 2025 (September 17–19), this workshop is a valuable opportunity for companies in town for Biotech Week Boston to gain practical insights and make new connections.

Attendees will hear from leading organizations, including Polsinelli, Eva Garland, LabCentral, Savills, and EisnerAmper, along with LSN, on the critical decisions that shape an emerging life science company. Topics will span legal frameworks, risk mitigation, tax considerations, fundraising approaches, deal structuring, operational planning, and pathways for life science companies entering or looking to scale within the U.S. market.

The program also features time dedicated to networking, giving founders and executives the chance to connect with peers, advisors, and potential partners before the RESI conference begins.

This pre-conference session is part of LSN’s ongoing effort to support life science entrepreneurs in landing their companies in the Boston innovation ecosystem and expanding into the U.S. market.

Registration is free, but space is limited. Don’t miss your chance to join.