Meet the First Believers: The Investors Behind Tomorrow’s Breakthrough Companies

August 4, 2026 ~ Next Phase Admin ~ Leave a comment

By Momo Yamamoto, Senior Investor Research Analyst, LSN

Every successful life science company has a defining moment in its fundraising journey. Long before a major venture capital round or strategic partnership, there is often an investor willing to take the very first leap of faith.

At 9:00 AM on Wednesday, September 23, Day 2 of RESI Boston 2026 begins with one of the conference’s most valuable discussions for early-stage founders: The First Believers: The Investors Behind Tomorrow’s Breakthrough Companies.

Securing that first investment is about much more than capital. Early investors provide critical validation, open doors to strategic relationships, and help companies build the momentum needed to attract future financing. Understanding how these investors think can give entrepreneurs a significant advantage as they prepare for fundraising.

This panel brings together accomplished investors and innovation leaders who regularly evaluate breakthrough technologies at their earliest stages:

Renaud Jacquemart Omnium Global (Moderator)	Sam Gussman-Toh ARPA-H	William Hsu, PhD NuFund Venture Group
Rohit Jain HBS Alumni Angels of Northern California	Dushyant Pathak Autobahn Labs

These panelists represent a diverse range of perspectives across venture creation, angel investing, government-supported innovation, and early-stage venture capital. Collectively, they helped identify and support companies long before they became widely recognized.

During the discussion, attendees will gain insight into what separates promising startups from investable opportunities. The panel will explore the characteristics investors look for in founding teams, the technical and commercial milestones that inspire confidence, and the common mistakes entrepreneurs make when approaching investors during the earliest stages of fundraising.

The conversation will also address how startups can build credibility before institutional financing, demonstrate meaningful progress with limited resources, and develop fundraising strategies that position them for long-term success.

For founders preparing to raise their first outside capital, this session offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from the investors who are often the first to believe in transformative science and technology.

Whether you are refining your investment story, preparing for investor meetings, or mapping out your fundraising roadmap, The First Believers panel will provide practical insights that can help shape your next steps.

Don’t miss this opportunity to kick off Day 2 of RESI Boston with an inside look at how early-stage investors identify the breakthrough companies of tomorrow.

Build an Investor-Ready Company with Life Science Nation’s Education Program

August 4, 2026August 4, 2026 ~ Next Phase Admin ~ Leave a comment

By Karen Deyo, VP of Product, Israel BD, LSN

Raising capital is more than having innovative science. Early-stage life science companies also need a compelling story, a clear fundraising strategy, and the ability to engage the right investors. Life Science Nation’s (LSN) Education Program helps founders build those skills, preparing them for a successful fundraising campaign that typically spans 9 to 18 months.

Designed for biotechnology, medical device, diagnostics, digital health, and life science tool companies, the program gives entrepreneurs practical guidance while helping accelerators, incubators, universities, and regional innovation organizations better prepare their portfolio companies for investor engagement.

Two Programs, One Goal
Organizations can choose the level of support that best fits their companies’ needs.

Preparing and Executing a RESI Event includes:

Three virtual education sessions
In-person Pitch Practice and Shark Tank before RESI

Preparing and Executing a Global Roadshow includes:

Twelve virtual education sessions
A dedicated LSN mentor with coaching between classes
In-person Pitch Practice and Shark Tank

Throughout the curriculum, founders learn how investors evaluate opportunities, refine their branding and messaging, align fundraising goals with company milestones, and develop a systematic approach to investor outreach. Participants also learn how to navigate the RESI Partnering Platform, identify the right investors, execute productive meetings, and build an effective follow-up strategy after the conference.

The program concludes with an in-person Pitch Practice and Shark Tank held before RESI, giving companies the opportunity to present their technology, receive live feedback, and strengthen their investor presentations before meeting with active investors.

Putting Preparation into Practice

The Education Program is designed to prepare companies for the Redefining Early Stage Investments (RESI) Conference Series, where startups connect with active investors, pharmaceutical companies, strategic partners, and service providers from across the global life science ecosystem.

Companies can further increase their visibility by participating in the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge (IPC). Each company delivers a six-minute presentation followed by seven minutes of investor Q&A, while also showcasing its technology in the RESI Exhibition Hall. IPC participants receive additional exposure through the LSN Newsletter and RESI Program Guide, with audience voting determining the competition winners.

Together, the Education Program, RESI Conference, and Innovator’s Pitch Challenge provide founders with a complete framework for fundraising success—from developing an investor-ready message to building meaningful relationships that can help move their companies forward.

Interested in bringing the Life Science Nation Education Program to your portfolio companies? Visit www.lifesciencenation.com and www.resiconference.com to learn more.

Meet the Investors Shaping the Future of Life Science Innovation

July 28, 2026 ~ Next Phase Admin ~ Leave a comment

By Momo Yamamoto, Senior Investor Research Analyst, LSN

One of the most valuable aspects of attending RESI Boston is the opportunity to hear directly from the investors and strategic partners actively funding and partnering with early-stage life science companies.

This year’s agenda features an outstanding lineup of leaders representing global pharmaceutical companies, venture capital firms, strategic investors, government funding organizations, and mission-driven investment groups. Their sessions will provide firsthand insights into today’s investment landscape, what they look for in emerging technologies, and how startups can position themselves for successful fundraising and partnership discussions.

Farnaz Bakhshi American Cancer Society BrightEdge	Alan Chiu Breakthrough T1D	Yvanka de Soysa Foreground Capital
Shane Duffy Avanos Medical	Nimisha Gupta Jazz Pharmaceuticals	Sam Gussman-Toh ARPA-H
Jonathan Illicki Industrifonden	Nikhil Mutyal AstraZeneca	Rohit Nuwal TELUS Ventures
Parthiban Rajasekaran Sanofi	Armin Rump Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd

Register Today for RESI Boston 2026

Don’t miss your opportunity to learn directly from these industry leaders while connecting with hundreds of active investors, strategic partners, and innovative life science companies during Biotech Week Boston.

Join us September 22–23 in Boston, followed by three days of virtual partnering on September 25, 28, and 29.

Register now to secure your spot, take advantage of Early Bird savings, and begin scheduling meetings with the global life science investment community.

Gearing Up for RESI Boston: Master Your Fundraising & Development Strategy at the Pre-RESI Biotech Forum

July 28, 2026 ~ Next Phase Admin ~ Leave a comment

By Max Braht, VP of Business Development, LSN

On Monday, September 21, 2026, the day before RESI Boston 2026, Life Science Nation (LSN) and RESI Boston Silver Sponsor, Certara, will host a Biotech Forum focused on Developing Investor Ready Strategies.

Designed for early-stage biotech companies, the workshop will help founders evaluate their company’s readiness for a global fundraising campaign by identifying opportunities to strengthen their development strategy and reduce key scientific, clinical, regulatory, commercial, and fundraising risks. Through expert-led sessions and interactive discussions, attendees will gain practical insights into what investors look for during diligence, how to build a credible development roadmap, and how to position their company for successful fundraising.

Held immediately before RESI Boston, the workshop gives companies the opportunity to refine their strategy and messaging before meeting with investors and strategic partners throughout RESI.

Not yet signed up for RESI Boston 2026: Register Here

We look forward to welcoming you to the CIC in Cambridge as we kick off RESI Boston 2026 with a day dedicated to helping innovative biotech companies become truly investor ready.

Prepare for RESI Boston: Join Our Pre Conference Webinar Series

July 21, 2026July 21, 2026 ~ Next Phase Admin ~ Leave a comment

By Karen Deyo, VP of Product, Israel BD, LSN

Success at RESI Boston begins long before the conference starts. In the weeks leading up to the event, Life Science Nation is hosting a series of complimentary educational webinars designed to help innovators strengthen every aspect of their fundraising journey. From refining your messaging and marketing collateral to learning about emerging technologies, preparing your investor pitch, and navigating the RESI partnering system, these sessions will help you arrive at RESI Boston ready to maximize every opportunity.

Whether you are preparing for investor meetings, applying to the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge, or looking to sharpen your fundraising strategy, these webinars provide practical insights you can immediately put into action.

Branding and Messaging from Seed to Series B: Building Marketing Collateral That Attracts Investors

Monday, August 3 | 11:00 AM ET

Your marketing collateral is often the first impression investors have of your company. This interactive workshop explores how to build a compelling and consistent investment story across your tagline, elevator pitch, executive summary, one page tear sheet, and pitch deck.

Attendees will learn how to effectively communicate the three pillars’ investors evaluate: your technology, your market opportunity, and your business strategy while tailoring messaging for different audiences and strengthening materials through investor feedback.

Register: https://go.lifesciencenation.com/osolca

RESI Boston Partnering Tutorial

Tuesday, August 18 | 11:00 AM ET

The RESI partnering system is one of the most valuable tools available to attendees, but maximizing its potential requires the right strategy. Join the Life Science Nation team for a walkthrough of the partnering platform, including how to identify the best fit investors and strategic partners, manage outreach effectively, develop a successful meeting request strategy, follow up with purpose, and leverage RESI content to maximize your conference experience.

Registration: https://go.lifesciencenation.com/q5QmbZ

Educational Webinars Hosted by RESI Boston Sponsors

In addition to Life Science Nation’s educational workshops, RESI Boston sponsors are offering complimentary webinars that showcase their expertise and provide valuable insights for the life science community.

Biocytogen Webinar
RenSuper Workstation: An AI Driven Antibody Discovery Platform From Target to Antibody Leads in Click
Wednesday, August 26 | 1:00 PM ET

Discover how Biocytogen’s AI driven RenSuper Workstation integrates immunization, next generation sequencing, AI powered high throughput screening, and experimental validation to accelerate antibody discovery and deliver development ready antibody candidates.

Register: https://go.lifesciencenation.com/tooA7s

RSM Webinar – Life Sciences Strategic Managed Services Leader

RSM, a global consulting, tax, and assurance firm with deep expertise serving the life sciences industry, will host a complimentary webinar focused on helping emerging companies navigate growth, fundraising, and commercialization.

Tuesday, September 1 | 12:00 PM ET

Join RESI Boston sponsor RSM for a complimentary webinar featuring insights and expertise for life science companies preparing to grow, raise capital, and navigate today’s evolving business landscape.

Register: https://go.lifesciencenation.com/deHMNq

Maximizing the Power of Your Pitch

Thursday, September 17 | 11:00 AM ET

Just days before RESI Boston begins, this workshop will help innovators prepare one of the most important moments of fundraising: the investor pitch.

Learn practical techniques for crafting a compelling presentation, navigating the application process, delivering an engaging pitch, and confidently handling investor led questions and answers. Whether you are participating in the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge or meeting investors one on one, this session will help you present your company with confidence.

Register: https://go.lifesciencenation.com/akrBbw

Together, these webinars provide a comprehensive roadmap for RESI Boston preparation. From developing a compelling investment story and learning from industry experts to mastering the partnering platform and delivering a winning pitch, each session is designed to help you maximize every investor interaction before the conference begins.

Register for the webinars that best fit your fundraising needs and arrive at RESI Boston fully prepared to connect with investors, strategic partners, and industry leaders.

Finding the Right Investors Starts with the Right Data

July 21, 2026July 21, 2026 ~ Next Phase Admin ~ Leave a comment

By Max Braht, VP of Business Development, LSN

For early-stage life science companies, fundraising success depends on connecting with investors who are actively looking for technologies like yours. That is why Life Science Nation (LSN) has spent years building one of the industry’s most comprehensive investor databases, designed specifically to help innovators identify the right capital partners.

Unlike generic databases built through web scraping, the LSN Investor Database is curated directly through 1:1 interviews with investors and strategic in-licensors, providing startups with insights that go far beyond basic contact information or what you find on an investor’s website. Each investor profile includes valuable details such as typical check size, preferred modalities and indications, stage of development, geographic focus, and more, allowing companies to build a highly targeted fundraising strategy.

The database includes more than 4,000 global investment firms across 10 distinct investor categories and over 12,000 investor contacts spanning therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics, digital health, and other life science sectors. Whether you are raising a Seed, Series A, or Series B round, identifying investors who are an actual fit can save significant time and improve the quality of your outreach.

Not sure where to begin? Life Science Nation is offering a complimentary investor search to help companies uncover potential investors that may not already be on their radar. The search demonstrates how the LSN Investor Database can provide each company with a curated list of investors matched to their technology and stage of development, along with contact information to then go out and execute on a fundraising campaign.

LSN is also happy to offer a free Fundraising Readiness Assessment through our internally developed AI Agent. The assessment will generate a 6-page report that can be used to help transition your companies’ story from an “interesting technology” into a compelling and ultimately investable company.

Book your free investor search today or complete the AI assessment to take the first step toward building a more focused and effective fundraising campaign.

Book Your Free Investor Search Today

RESI Boston 2026 Agenda Announced: Two Days of Investor Insights, Partnership Strategy, and Networking

July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 ~ Next Phase Admin ~ Leave a comment

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

The agenda for RESI Boston 2026 is here, offering attendees an in-depth look at the conversations shaping the future of early-stage life science investment. Taking place September 22–23 at The Westin Copley Place in Boston, followed by virtual partnering days on September 25, 28, and 29, the expanded two-day in-person conference delivers more opportunities than ever to connect with investors, strategic partners, and industry leaders.

This year’s program reflects the evolving priorities of the healthcare investment ecosystem, with sessions designed to help innovators better understand today’s fundraising environment while building the relationships needed to move their companies forward.

Day one begins by exploring why Boston remains one of the world’s premier biotechnology hubs before examining key topics including partnering with health systems, how venture investors evaluate early-stage therapeutics, securing pharmaceutical partnerships, corporate venture capital strategies, digital health innovation, and the growing influence of family offices in healthcare investing. The day also features the Global Family Office Bioforum (GFOB), an invite-only private networking lunch that brings together select family office investors for high-value discussions and relationship building.

On day two, programming shifts toward emerging investment trends with sessions highlighting angel investing, women’s health, impact investing, and the increasingly important role of mission-driven capital. The conference concludes with two Reverse VC Pitch sessions, where investors take the stage to present directly to entrepreneurs, providing attendees with valuable insight into investment priorities, fund strategies, and what investors are actively seeking in new opportunities. The day also features the exclusive Global VC Connect Lunch, creating another dedicated opportunity for venture capital investors to build meaningful connections.

As always, RESI programming is designed to provide practical insights rather than theory. Whether attendees are preparing for their next fundraising round, pursuing strategic partnerships, or looking to better understand today’s investment landscape, every panel is curated to deliver actionable perspectives from experienced investors and industry leaders.

Combined with RESI’s partnering platform and three additional days of virtual meetings, the conference offers a comprehensive environment for companies seeking to advance fundraising and business development efforts.

Join the RESI Speaker Lineup

Are you an investor or strategic partner with valuable insights to share with early-stage life science companies? We are looking for dynamic speakers to join our RESI panels. Click here to submit your Speaker Interest Form today!

Registration is now open, with super early bird pricing currently available. Companies planning to attend are encouraged to register early to secure the best available rates and begin preparing for one of the most anticipated life science investment events of the year.