The NextGen VC Podcast

In this episode of the NextGenVC podcast, hosts Jen Fang and Mike Hostetler are joined by Chris Garabedian, founder of Xontogeny and biopharma veteran, to discuss the transformative impact of early-stage biotech investment. Chris shares his journey from biotech corporate leadership to venture capital, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful drug development and the value of nurturing early-stage companies. He explains the inception of Xontogeny, its collaboration with Perceptive Advisors, and the unique venture incubation model they follow. Chris also highlights the essential qualities for success in biotech investing and offers insights for budding entrepreneurs and potential VCs alike.

On this episode of the NextGen VC Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Josep Bassaganya-Riera, the president and CEO of NImmune Biopharma and founder of The NIMML Institute, a nonprofit research organization. A scientist turned entrepreneur, Josep shares his journey from academia to launching multiple biotech ventures, including Lando Biopharma (acquired by AbbVie). He reflects on the pivotal moments that led him to leave the university world and build companies at the intersection of science and innovation. We dive into the early stages of company formation, his experiences working with investors like Chris Garabedian and Perceptive Advisors, and why maintaining control over company direction and governance is critical—especially for repeat founders. Josep also shares insights on the future of immunotherapy and the promise of precision medicine in treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation!

In this episode of the Next Gen VC podcast, hosts Mike Hostetler and Jen Fang sit down with Felix Breyer from J.P. Morgan Life Sciences Private Capital. Felix, with a background as a molecular and cellular biologist, dives deep into the critical role of private capital in life sciences and biotech. He shares his journey from academia to venture capital, emphasizes the importance of mentorship, and provides an insider's perspective on the evolving landscape of biotech investing. Tune in to explore key trends, challenges, and opportunities in the biotech sector, and gain valuable insights for aspiring venture capitalists. Sponsored by Wilson Sonsini and Launch Bio.

In this episode of the NextGenVC podcast, Mike Hostetler and Jen Fang sit down with Enrique Lin Shiao, a venture investor and fellow podcaster, to discuss his fascinating journey from earning a PhD at the University of Pennsylvania to becoming a key player in venture philanthropy, especially in the realm of cystic fibrosis research and treatment. Enrique shares his experiences with his podcast ‘Caminos en Ciencia,’ his insights into the development and challenges of genetic medicine, and the impactful work being done at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Tune in to explore how his diverse background and unique perspective drive meaningful investments that push the boundaries of what’s possible in biotech and venture philanthropy.

00:58 Enrique Lin Shiao's Podcasting Journey

03:50 Navigating Uncertainty in Science and VC0

4:52 Enrique's Academic and Professional Path

10:31 Venture Philanthropy Explained

11:58 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Impact

24:20 Future of Venture Philanthropy

27:55 Global Perspectives and Diversity in VC

37:58 Advice for Aspiring Venture Capitalists

43:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the NextGen VC podcast, hosts Mike Hostetler and Jen sit down with Danjuma Quarless from AbbVie Ventures to delve into the world of corporate venture capital. Danjuma shares insights on how corporate VCs like AbbVie differ from traditional VCs, particularly in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Listeners will learn about the strategic focus of AbbVie Ventures, the importance of scientific and competitive differentiation in securing investment, and the fluid communication within AbbVie's ecosystem. Danjuma also shares his personal journey from a research scientist to a venture capitalist, offering valuable advice for those looking to break into the venture capital space. The podcast also touches on the current trends in biotech, the challenges and opportunities in various regional ecosystems, and the importance of promoting diversity within the venture capital industry. Tune in to hear about the latest innovations in biotech, the differences in investment approaches between various regions, and how AbbVie Ventures aims to build communities and support underrepresented groups in the industry. 

The NextGen VC Podcast's next episode highlights Jeff Chu, founder and managing partner of Features Capital, an early-stage medtech venture capital firm. Hosted by Mike Hostetler and Jen Fang, partners at Wilson Sonsini, the discussion explores Jeff's journey from owning a consulting firm to co-founding a venture fund, the unique approach that Features Capital takes towards investing in medtech startups, and the importance of diversity and first-generation wealth creators in the venture capital space. Jeff also shares the personal philosophies and strategies that have shaped his career and now the culture of Features Capital. Don't miss Part 1, which features Jenny Barba, the firm's other founder and managing partner. 

This episode features an in-depth conversation with Jenny Barba, founder and managing partner of Features Capital, an early-stage medtech venture capital firm. Hosts Mike Hostetler and Jen Fang explore Jenny's journey from neuroscience and finance to founding her own VC firm, her passion for supporting diverse and first-time founders in MedTech, and the unique challenges and opportunities in venture capital investment. Listen to gain a behind-the-scenes look at building a portfolio. Jenny also shares personal anecdotes, including the touching story behind the name 'Features Capital,' driven by a conversation with her son. Don't miss Part 2, which will feature Jeff Chu, the firm's other founder and managing partner. 

In this episode of the NextGen VC Podcast, we explore the intricacies of venture capital compensation with Jody and Morgan Thelander of Thelander Consulting. With a deep background in executive compensation and a unique understanding of the biotech industry, Jody shares how Thelander Consulting’s real-time compensation survey has become an essential resource for over 5,000 investment firms. Jody and Morgan discuss crucial aspects of VC compensation, including base pay, bonuses, and carried interest. They share insights for both established VCs and those new to the industry. Whether you’re structuring compensation packages or navigating career changes, this episode is packed with practical advice on leveraging data to make informed decisions that drive growth and success for careers in venture capital. Join us to understand the data-driven strategies shaping compensation's future.

In this episode of the NextGenVC podcast, hosts Mike Hostetler and Jen Fang engage in an in-depth discussion with Jeni Lee, a partner at Pivotal bioVenture Partners, which invests in transformative therapeutic-focused healthcare companies. They cover a range of topics, from the announcement of Pivotal's second fund to specific investment strategies and the unique aspects of investing in life sciences. Jeni also shares insights into her PhD journey, her strategy in transitioning into the investment world, the importance of embracing risk and what has shaped her career trajectory thus far. The conversation also explores the crucial role of network building for aspiring venture capitalists and the dynamics between investors and companies within the venture ecosystem.

This episode introduces the 'Venture Ed' series aimed at biotech investors. Hosts Mike Hostetler and Jen Fang, partners at Wilson Sonsini, as they talk with Amy Simmerman, a corporate governance expert from the firm's Wilmington, Delaware office. They discuss legal nuances of serving as a biotech company board director, exploring duties of care and loyalty, conflict of interest management, and the importance of confidentiality and transparency. Special attention is given to the challenges venture investors face balancing their duties to the companies they invest in with their responsibilities to their funds. The episode also highlights the upcoming NextGen VC Forum in San Francisco, a learning and network event for life science investors co-sponsored by Wilson Sonsini and LaunchBio.

00:00 Welcome to Venture Ed: Navigating Biotech Investments
00:30 Introducing Amy Simmerman: Legal Insights into Biotech Board Governance
01:06 Role-Play Insight: CEO and VC Perspectives on Board Dynamics
03:05 Deep Dive into Board Governance and Fiduciary Duties
17:02 Navigating Conflicts of Interest and Board Meeting Best Practices
31:46 Closing Thoughts and Invitation to NextGenVC Forum