What makes an early-stage company stand out to investors, and what can stop a promising startup from being investment-ready? Cara Schoettes of Sims Venture Capital and Isaiah Reeves of Solas BioVentures share investors' perspectives on what matters when evaluating early-stage companies. This session explores the key factors investors consider, common gaps and red flags they [...]
This Life Science Venture Program education session features a conversation with faculty founders who have taken the leap from academic research to building life science companies including Occulothereapy, Orion Therapeutics, and EndoLimb Orthoplastic Solutions. Speakers include: Dr. Monica Joblanski (UTHSC), Dr. Trey Fisher (UTK), Dr. Dustin Crouch (UTK), and Dr.Steven Newby (UTK) These panelists shared [...]
Securing funding is one of the most critical, and often challenging, aspects of building a life science startup. While equity investment can play an important role in growth, non-dilutive funding opportunities and government resources can provide valuable support without requiring founders to give up ownership. This session explores the landscape of non-dilutive funding available to [...]
Bringing a life science innovation to market—especially beyond the U.S.—requires more than strong data. It depends on building a solid regulatory and quality foundation early, from documentation and quality management systems to clearly defined indications for use. In this session, BSI's Jason Butcher provides a high-level overview of how early-stage companies can align their development [...]
This session explores how life science startups can strategically plan their early research to maximize the probability of a technical and regulatory success. Discussion will include designing studies that generate decision-enabling data, preparing for regulatory engagement, and avoiding common pitfalls that slow progress from the benchtop to the bedside. Adam Haeberle is a Senior Director [...]
This session focuses on practical strategies for navigating commercialization pathways in the life sciences, from positioning and capital strategy to decision-making frameworks that help companies move from technical validation to market traction.
Learn what it takes to successfully build and scale a lab as a life science startup, from early planning through growth and commercialization.
Learn about the insurance fundamentals every life science and biotech startup should understand as they move from research to commercialization.
A strong regulatory strategy is essential to translating scientific innovation into real-world impact. This session will explore how early integration of regulatory considerations—from quality systems and compliance to clinical and market planning—can shape product development decisions and accelerate time to market.
Together in a joint, hybrid presentation, these speakers share insights on how startups should be looking at and approaching venture capitalists in the life science and biotech industries. They offer practical guidance on what venture capital firms look for, how startups can prepare for funding, and strategies to build lasting investor relationships.