Tag Archives: finance

Hot Investor Mandate: Corporate VC Arm of Global Pharma Strategically Invests in Pre-Clinical Therapeutics in Areas Including Oncology, CNS, Immunology

27 Jan

A corporate venture capital arm of a global pharmaceutical company with a long operating history and an international footprint is actively seeking new investments. The parent organization operates worldwide and has expanded its global reach through strategic acquisitions in recent years. As part of its broader open innovation strategy, the parent organization actively pursues in- and out-licensing, early-stage partnerships, and strategic investments. The firm is responsible for executing strategic investments that support future partnering opportunities and help build the parent organization’s therapeutic pipeline. 

The firm was established a few years ago and operates from the United States. The firm manages an evergreen fund and focuses on pre-clinical startups with differentiated platforms and first-in-class programs in human therapeutics. The firm participates in Seed and Series A financing rounds, typically investing up to USD $5M initially, with the ability to invest up to USD $10M per company through follow-on capital. The firm is open to engaging with companies globally and has built a portfolio of more than a dozen investments, primarily across Europe and the United States. 

The firm targets pre-clinical to pre-IND, in-human therapeutics companies. Key areas of interest include oncology, neurology, immunology, and specialty disease areas such as fibrosis, endocrine disorders, and rare genetic diseases. The firm is modality-agnostic and considers small molecules, antibodies, nucleic acid-based therapies, and gene therapies. The firm does not invest in medical devices or diagnostics. 

The firm does not lead financing rounds. When co-investing or participating in syndicated rounds, the firm requires a board observer seat.

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

Hot Investor Mandate: VC Firm With Multiple Life Science-Focused Funds Seeks Early-Stage Therapeutics and AI-Enabled Technologies 

27 Jan

A venture capital platform associated with a leading global life sciences services provider manages multiple funds and focuses on investing in early-stage life science companies. The firm’s investment sweet spot spans from Seed through Series B stages. Initial check sizes typically range from USD $2–10M, with the ability to provide follow-on capital. The firm is open to both leading and co-investing and considers board or observer seats on a case-by-case basis. Backed by a major contract research organization, the firm leverages deep expertise in biotech research and development to deliver value beyond capital. 

The firm invests in biotech therapeutics, including small molecules, biologics, and drug discovery programs. Key areas of interest include oncology, immunology and inflammation, central nervous system diseases, and metabolic diseases, covering a broad range of commonly pursued indications. The firm evaluates opportunities from the pre-IND stage through Phase I clinical trials. In addition, the firm focuses on innovative AI-enabled healthcare opportunities with strong technological differentiation, including AI-integrated medical devices such as surgical robotics, brain–computer interfaces, and smart imaging systems, as well as AI-driven diagnostics, drug discovery acceleration platforms, and intelligent healthcare solutions designed to improve clinical efficiency and data-driven decision-making. 

The firm does not impose specific requirements regarding the composition of a company’s management team. 

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

Hot Investor Mandate: Early-Stage Focused Venture Fund Looks for Neuropsychiatric Opportunities from Pre-Seed to Series A Rounds

27 Jan

A venture capital firm focused on early-stage neuropsychiatric opportunities invests from Pre-Seed to Series A stages, with initial check sizes typically ranging from USD $50K to $1M. The firm is open to acting as the first institutional investor and may provide follow-on capital. The firm is open to both leading and co-investing and will consider board or observer seats on a case-by-case basis. The firm participates in both traditional equity rounds and SAFE agreements. While the firm primarily focuses on U.S.-based companies, the firm is also open to global opportunities. 

The firm invests in neuropsychiatric treatments and technologies aimed at improving mental health and general wellness. Areas of interest include psychedelic medicine, brain–computer interfaces, therapeutic platforms, precision diagnostics, and related technologies. For biotech opportunities, the firm prefers assets that are at or near the IND stage. For medtech opportunities, the firm is willing to engage earlier in the development process. 

The firm does not have strict requirements regarding management team composition but strongly prefers to work with founders who have prior pharmaceutical or biotech industry experience or a demonstrated track record of successful entrepreneurship. 

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

Winners Announced at RESI JPM 2026 Innovator’s Pitch Challenge 

21 Jan

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

RESI JPM 2026 brought together more than 90 innovative life science and healthcare companies over two days, creating one of the most competitive and high-impact RESI conferences to date. A centerpiece of the meeting was the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge (IPC), which provided early-stage companies with a powerful platform to present their technologies, engage directly with investors, and gain visibility within the global life sciences ecosystem.

IPC finalists delivered six-minute pitch presentations, followed by a seven-minute interactive Q&A with a panel of experienced investor judges. Beyond the stage, each participating company showcased its technology at a dedicated table in the RESI Exhibition Hall, enabling deeper conversations during partnering meetings and informal discussions throughout the conference.

A defining element of the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge is its attendee-driven voting model. Registered RESI JPM attendees—including startup executives, venture investors, and industry experts—were given RESI cash at check-in and used it to “invest” in the IPC companies they believed demonstrated the strongest potential. Voting decisions reflected not only pitch performance, but also the companies’ responses during Q&A, one-on-one interactions at their exhibition tables, and follow-up meetings held during the conference.

Life Science Nation is proud to announce the top three winners of the RESI JPM 2026 Innovator’s Pitch Challenge:

1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
Oncovita VerImmune Proseek-Bio
Oncovita VerImmune Proseek Bio

Participating companies were organized into 24 sector-focused pitch sessions, each featuring four companies and evaluated by expert judging panels. In addition to the top three overall winners, judges recognized standout companies for exceptional science, compelling business models, and strong execution.

Judges’ Picks:

Looking ahead: Applications are now open for Life Science Nation’s next European conference, taking place in Portugal on March 23, 2026. Companies interested in pitching can apply here. 

Apply to Pitch at RESI Europe 2026

RESI JPM Innovator’s Pitch Judges Announced 

6 Jan

By Momo Yamamoto, Senior Investor Research Analyst, LSN

RESI JPM brings together early-stage life science innovators and active investors during one of the industry’s most important weeks, and Life Science Nation is pleased to announce the investor judges participating in the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge (IPC).

This year’s IPC will feature more than 90 presenting companies across 24 pitch sessions over two days, offering startups a high-impact opportunity to gain visibility, pitch directly to investors, and receive real-time feedback from experienced decision-makers.

Each pitch session will be evaluated by a panel of investor and strategic partner judges with expertise spanning therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics, digital health, and life science tools. Following every presentation, judges will lead a live Q&A to assess the opportunity and share perspective on scientific differentiation, commercial potential, and investment readiness.

All IPC companies will also be assigned a dedicated space in the RESI Exhibition Hall, creating additional opportunities for follow-up conversations and deeper engagement with investors and conference attendees.

In addition, RESI JPM attendees will be invited to vote with their RESI Cash for their favorite presenting companies. The Top 3 companies will be announced during the conference reception. Winners will receive a prize and be featured in an upcoming issue of the LSN newsletter, reaching a global audience of investors and life science innovators.

Scroll down to see which investors will serve as judges for this year’s RESI JPM Innovator’s Pitch Challenge.

Smriti-Agrawal
Smriti Agrawal
TiE Angels
Christopher-Aleong
Chris Aleong
BioIdeations
Ibraheem-Alinur
Ibraheem Alinur
2Flo Ventures
Jolene-Anderson
Jolene Anderson
VectorPoint Ventures
Ali-Ardakani
Ali Ardakani
Novateur Ventures Inc.
Dylan Attard
Dylan Attard
Ikigai Ventures
Zachary-Betts
Zachary Betts
Zandia Ventures
Kumar-Bhargava
Kumar Bhargava
PharmaCatalyst
Benjamin-Chen
Benjamin Chen
Panacea Venture
Jenna-Chow
Jenna Chow
HKSTP Venture Fund
Michael Christensen
Michael Christensen
Prometheus Medical Ventures
Bruce-Cohen
Bruce Cohen
Xeraya Capital
Patrick Cooke
Pat Cooke
Merck Digital Sciences Studio
Anne-DeGheest
Anne Degheest
HealthTech Capital
Yizhen-Dong
Yizhen Dong
Raise Health
Karen-Drexler
Karen Drexler
Astia Fund
Linda-Elkin
Linda Elkins
W47 Angels
Bettina-Ernst
Bettina Ernst
BERNINA BioInvest
Idong-Essiet-Gibson
Idong Essiet-Gibson
She’s Independent
Larry-Florin
Larry Florin
Eckuity Capital
Karim-Galzahr
Karim Galzahr
OKG Capital
Dimitra-Georganopoulou
Dimitra Georganopoulou
Qral Ventures
Gary-Gershony
Gary Gershony
BayMed Venture Partners
Lucien-Ghislain
Lucien Ghislain
Life Science Angels
Kristin-Gleitsman
Kristin Gleitsman
Fellows Fund VC
Navin-Govind
Navin Govind
Evidence Ventures
Joe-Hanssen
Joe Hanssen
Osterbury Capital
Isaac-Haq
Isaac Haq
HINA Bioventures
Lindsay-Hoover
Lindsay Hoover
JLS Fund
Elena-Itskovich
Elena Itskovich
Nest Catalyst
Sherry Jiang
Sherry Jiang
Genertec America,Inc
Jacob-Johnson
Jacob Johnson
Laerdal Million Lives Fund
Mo-Kagalwala
Mo Kagalwala
NuFund Venture Group
David-Katz
David Katz
Angel Investor
Danil-Kislinskiy
Danil Kislinskiy
GGW Ventures (Go Global World)
Maria-Kondratyev
Maria Kondratyev
Phoenix Gate Ventures
Matthew-Konneh
Matthew Konneh
Atheneos Ventures
Rebecca-Lin
Rebecca Lin
Stanford Angels and Entrepreneurs
Ken-Lin
Ken Lin
ABIES Capital
Karen-Liu
Karen Liu
3E Bioventures
Wojciech-Majewski
Wojciech Majewski
Global Health Impact Fund
Nune-Martiros
Nune Martiros
Paladin Capital Group
Dana-Matzen
Dana Matzen
CTI Life Sciences Fund
Ray-Minato
Ray Minato
INERTIA Product Development
James-Murray
James Murray
ExSight Ventures
Naoki Nagakura
Naoki Nagakura
Teikoku Ventures, Inc. (TVI)
Pejman-Naraghi-Arani
Pejman Naraghi-Arani
Biomedical Advanced R&D Authority (BARDA)
Ken-Nelson
Ken Nelson
Medtech Advantage Fund
Tam-Nguyen
Tam Nguyen
Horizon 3 Biotech
Andrew-Offer
Andrew Offer
Scientific Health Development Partners (SHD)
Ying Ou
Ying Ou
Life Science Angels
John-Pennett
John Pennett
Mid Atlantic Bio Angels
Leonard-Pickard
Leonard Pickard
JLS Fund
Pablo-Prieto
Pablo Prieto
CG Health Ventures
Bikash-Rajkarnikar
Bikash Rajkarnikar
Haleon
Reza-Sabahi
Reza Sabahi
Tellaro Capital Partners
Julie-Schafer
Julie Schafer
Flu Lab
Roman Schenk
Roman Schenk
INOGROUP
Laly-Scherf
Laly Scherf
I-Next Capital
Jordan-Schultz
Jordan Schultz
Pacific Bridge NY
Claire-Smith
Claire Smith
Springtide Investments
Zane-Starkewolfe
Zane Starkewolfe
WuXi Biologics Healthcares Venture
Eran-Steinberg
Eran Steinberg
Imaging Arts
Stephanie-Steltzer
Stephanie Steltzer
University of Michigan – Michigan Biomedical Venture Fund
Timothy-Sung
Timothy Sung
Esplanade HealthTech Ventures
Prasad-Sunkara
Prasad Sunkara
Seed to Fruit Fund
Mark-Tang
Mark Tang
Good Health Capital
Kristin-Thompson
Kristin Thompson
Mérieux Equity Partners
Guillaume-Thoviste
Guillaume Thoviste
Mérieux Equity Partners
Paola-Torre
Paola Torre
Life Science Angels
Megha-Unhelkar
Megha Unhelkar
Connecticut Innovations
Santhosh-Vadivelu
Santhosh Vadivelu
AdimaBio
Tom-Vogelsong
Tom Vogelsong
K2X Capital
Nicole Wang
Nicole Wang
Intuitive Surgical
Sally-Wang-Liang
Sally Wang Liang
Xpanse Venture
Robert-Warren
Robert Warren
Hamamatsu Ventures
Jason-Weshler
Jason Weshler
Siemens Healthineers
Jim-Wu
Jim Wu
SaniMed Science Group
Wei Xiao
Wei Xiao
Lipos Healthcare Investment
Jun-Xiao
Jun Xiao
Life Science Angels
Deborah-Zajac
Deborah Zajac
SOSV
Rosanna-Zhang
Rosanna Zhang
Coho Deeptech
Adam Zha
Adam (Chunlin) Zhao
Anlong Medical Fund
Don-Zinn
Don Zinn
Crossject
Register for RESI JPM 2026

What are Best Practices for Cap Table Management? Investors & Banks Weigh In

6 Jan

By Sougato Das, President and COO, LSN

Sougato-Das

After moderating innumerable virtual and in-person investor panels like those that will light up the stage at RESI Europe, one question comes from the audience repeatedly: What do investors like to see in a cap table? How can you ensure that the ownership of your company is structured so

  1. There is enough to own for follow-on investors
  2. It attractive to investors
  3. You don’t get diluted too much
  4. Shares, rights and vesting schedules that your shareholders have make sense for who they are
  5. Underwriting and doing an IPO is easy when it’s time?

The answers to these questions are the bread and butter of investment bankers and investors.

LSN assembled panelists from J.P. Morgan and Mid Atlantic Bio Angels for a practical, founder-focused virtual session on Best Practices for Cap Table Management. This webinar will walk through the fundamentals every early-stage company needs to understand to make informed equity decisions and avoid costly mistakes down the road. Attendees will learn how to approach founder equity splits, navigate dilution, and confidently interpret SAFE notes. We’ll also explore how cap table structure directly impacts fundraising outcomes and why a well-designed stock option pool is critical for attracting and retaining top talent. This session is especially relevant for founders, CEOs, and CFOs who want to strengthen their financial strategy, prepare future rounds, and build a company that scales responsibly.

We’ve all heard the horror stories of founders who were diluted so much that they hardly made money after exiting. We’ve heard about non-investable companies that have great technology but are simply not financially attractive. We’ve heard about the difficult board member who had too many voting rights and slowed the company strategy. This webinar on cap table management will cover various use cases and explain why they do or do not work. There will be written Q&A during the webinar, so you can get all your questions answered.

Sign Up the Webinar

RESI JPM 2026 Investor Panels Announced 

16 Dec

Attendees voted with their RESI Cash alongside judges’ scores to determine this year’s winners.

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

Life Science Nation is pleased to announce the investor panelists for RESI JPM 2026, taking place January 12–13 during JPM Healthcare Week. Across two full days, RESI JPM will bring together active investors, strategic partners, and industry leaders for focused discussions on the funding environment, partnership strategies, and emerging opportunities across life sciences and healthcare. 

RESI investor panels are designed to provide founders and executives with direct insight from decision-makers who are actively deploying capital, forming partnerships, and shaping the future of the industry. Each panel features experienced investors and strategics sharing candid perspectives, followed by opportunities to continue conversations through RESI’s structured partnering platform. 

Investor Speakers on Day 1 (January 12)


Sharon Chan

Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS Asia Pacific

Irene Cheong

A*STAR

Ansbert Gadicke

MPM BioImpact

Dushyant Pathak

Autobahn Labs

Andrew Krowne

Dolby Family Ventures

Robert Balfour

ALSA Ventures

Rick Berenson

Mass Medical Angels

Gunes Bozkurt

Beiersdorf

Jian Cao

Medtronic

Jeff Chu

Features Capital

Karen Chu

Harvest Integrated Research Organization (HiRO)

Rod Cotton

2Flo Ventures

Juan Cueva

Johnson & Johnson Innovation

Bettina Ernst

BERNINA BioInvest

Jack Florio

NuFund Venture Group

Nirdesh Gupta

Cedars-Sinai Technology Ventures

Karen Harris

Alzheimers Drug Discovery Foundation

Uplaksh Kumar

Foresite Capital

Ken Lin

ABIES Capital

Michael Loftus

PoC Capital

Brianna McDonald

Ecosystem Venture Group

Swati Mehta

25BIO

Ahmed Mousa

LAFANA

Mahesh Narayanan

Neuvation Ventures

Kenny Nova

Mid Atlantic Bio Angels

Jessica Owens

INITIATE Ventures

Jojo Platt

Corundum Neuroscience

Steven Saltzstein

FORCE Family Office

Garth Smith

Ontario Brain Institute

James Spann

Boyd Street Ventures

Jessica Tam

Baxter Healthcare

Lee Chuan Teck

Enterprise Singapore

Varun Turlapati

Chaanakya Capital 

Investor Speakers on Day 2 (January 13)


Friedemann Janus

Bayer

Jiaping Gu

Takeda Ventures

David Berry

Averin Capital

Ekaterine Kortkhonjia

Johnson & Johnson Innovation

Nick Naclerio

Illumina Ventures

Eric Schaefer

March of Dimes

Marc Appel

Pacific Bridge NY

Anjan Aralihalli

Raya Therapeutic

Yaron Daniely

aMoon Fund

Miriam Dong

ID3 Ventures

Cristina Escoda

Tachyon Ventures

Yinghong Gao

Viva BioInnovator

Gary Gershony

BayMed Venture Partners

Tom Gibbs

Debiopharm Innovation Fund

Rohit Jain

HBS Alumni Angels of Northern California

Sai Jasti

Bayer

Anula Jayasuriya

Kidron Capital

Gautam Kainth

TCP Health Ventures

Jin Lee

Oxonian Ventures

Brian Miglionico

Agios Pharmaceuticals

Ralph Morales III

Aquillius Ventures

Stephanie Oestreich

Myeloma Investment Fund

Donna Parr

Cross-Border Impact Ventures

Bibi Sattar Marques

Buenavista Equity Partners

Takehiko Sawabe

Beyond Next Ventures

Venkat Srinivasan

Innospark Ventures

Anthony Vallance-Owen

We Venture Capital

Chensu Wang

Yonjin Venture

Chris Yoo

Xcellerant Ventures

Qing Zhang

LDV Partners

Register for RESI JPM 2026 

RESI JPM 2026 offers more than panels. Attendees gain access to curated investor meetings through RESI’s partnering system, targeted networking, and programming designed to support meaningful connections during one of the most important weeks in healthcare investment. 

Register for RESI JPM 2026