BioVenture VoiCes with Chris Garabedian

the early days of the biotech sector before it was common, the founding of Third Rock Ventures, and the unique culture at Third Rock that has produced so many investors and company builders who have achieved great things in their careers.

Jason Hafler shares an overview of the corporate side of the venture world. He describes the unique value that he believes a corporate based VC can bring to the companies it invests in. Plus, his description of cases where investments might ultimately be a good fit for BD and/or M&A within the company, and why an investment might ultimately land at a different suitor.

Blackstone's Senior Managing Director Kiran Reddy describes his early life and education, and the impact that patient care has had on his approach to investing. He describes notable investments in neuroscience, and a stop at Biogen, before returning to investing at Clarus, which was acquired by Blackstone. He recalls the unique opportunity he saw when a company with the resources of Blackstone decided to go big into life sciences.

Andrew Lam describes his career journey that started with a Doctor of Pharmacy education before working in industry, the investment world, back in industry, and then settling at Ally Bridge. He discusses the successful investments Ally Bridge has made in biotech, including in technologies like radiopharmaceuticals and ADCs, and the concept of being a bridge to China innovation.

BT Slingsby describes his education and career abroad, which ultimately led him to found and manage the largest life sciences VC firm in Japan, Catalys Pacific. He describes the dual role of taking assets from Japan and building companies around them internationally., and also in-licensing assets approved elsewhere and doing the clinical work in Japan to get them approved there. Plus, the story of the GHIT Fund, which is meant to bring Japanese innovation to neglected diseases around the world.

George Petrocheilos describes going to school at Hopkins and the relationships formed there that would ultimately lead down the road to specializing in healthcare investing. He discusses starting in life sciences investing at Camden Partners, and then co-founding Catalio. Over a short period of time, keys to success have been empowering academics and entrepreneurs and expanding into multiple strategies.

Adam Koppel describes his career path, which included a stop at McKinsey, Biogen, and twice at Bain (where he is now). He descrbies the private equity model they have been on the leading edge of, and his take on where we are in the biotech cycle. Plus, the critical importance of mentors.

Mike Carusi describes his early life and career, how gaining an appreciation for sales made an impression on him early on, and his philosophy of investing in medical devices - and the similarities and differences between that and investing in therapeutics.

Having been an early investor in many recent successes such as Revolution Medicines, Peloton, and Parabilis Medicines, he describes his investment philosophy and focus on precision oncology companies. Plus, his early life, getting hands on experience in biotech at Micromet, and learning from some of the top investors and scientific advisors in the industry.

Nanna Luneborg discusses hear career and joining Forbion. She describes the firm's investment approach, and her experience with everything from seed, to private, and to public investing in life sciences. Plus, thoughts on China and AI in biotech.