In an increasingly competitive and capital-constrained biotech landscape, choosing the right development model and development candidate (DC) can be a deciding factor when attempting to gain traction with prospective Series A investors. This session will explore how VCs attempt to optimize the creation of their portfolios by evaluating the risk-return trade-offs between platform, single-asset and multi-asset drug development strategies in early-stage biotech companies.

Panelists will dive into financing tactics including the classic ‘rifle vs shotgun’ approach to capital allocation and how these align with current trends in institutional investment decision-making. Recent real-world case studies will illustrate successful paths to early-stage value creation. The discussion will also examine regulatory and reimbursement trends, including the impact of the IRA and payer pressures, shape valuation and investor interest.

Founders will walk away with actionable insights into tailoring their development strategies to meet and hopefully exceed Series A expectations while maximizing expected rate of returns evident in their capitalization models.

Speakers
• Franklin Rice, MBA (Moderator), CEO, Alumni Pharmaceuticals
• Max Farina, MD, Principal, 5AM Ventures
• Elton Satusky, Partner, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich Rosati

Raising a successful Series A round requires more than good science—it demands a strategic, well-timed approach to funding. In this session, founders will gain clarity on the biotech funding landscape, from seed to Series B and beyond, including how VCs, grants and non-dilutive sources fit into the picture.

Experts will break down how to plan your raise around key milestones, navigate equity dilution, and understand what today’s Series A investors are really looking for. The session will also cover the anatomy of a compelling pitch deck and how to build a persuasive value proposition that resonates with both scientific and financial audiences.

Attendees will leave equipped with the knowledge to craft a smart fundraising plan and position their company as a fundable investment opportunity.

Selecting your lead development candidate (DC) sets the trajectory for your biotech startup’s success—and its appeal to investors. This session will focus on identifying a data-driven developability pathway to demonstrate the viability of your DC to investors. Covered topics will include preclinical data needed before a pre-IND meeting, use of predictive modeling and drug developability assessments and how to structure a cross-functional team to support candidate advancement. Founders will learn how to reduce technical and regulatory risk while building a case that meets investor and FDA expectations. With insights into team-building and board structuring, attendees will gain practical guidance on how to increase the odds of clinical and financial success starting from this pivotal early decision.

As biotech founders prepare to cross the threshold into clinical development, a clear, capital-efficient strategy becomes essential for winning investor support and regulatory alignment. This session focuses on how to design an early-phase clinical program that demonstrates scientific rigor while staying lean.

Experts will walk through foundational principles of Phase 1 trial design—dose selection, safety monitoring, early efficacy signals—and how to incorporate biomarkers, inclusion criteria and adaptive designs. Founders will also learn how to manage development costs through smart outsourcing, milestone-driven planning and CRO partnerships. Through case studies and cautionary tales, the session will highlight how to navigate preclinical-to-IND transitions, avoid regulatory missteps and build a compelling case for Series A funding. Attendees will come away with a blueprint for advancing their lead candidate into the clinic with both investors and regulators on board.

Strategic partnerships can offer biotech startups critical resources—but knowing when and how to engage with pharma is just as important as the deal itself.

In this session, investors and business development experts will explore the timing, structure, and strategy behind early-stage biotech partnerships. Founders will learn how to evaluate when to pursue licensing or co-development deals, how to pitch to strategic partners, and what terms to prioritize in negotiations. The session will also dive into how VCs assess BD activity—what they see as value-building vs. value-eroding—and how to balance immediate funding needs with long-term upside. Practical guidance on term sheets, deal valuation and positioning for M&A will help founders make informed decisions that preserve optionality and maximize future returns.

This session is a must-attend for founders weighing external partnerships as part of their growth strategy.

Closing a Series A round requires more than a good pitch—it demands a rigorous, investor-ready due diligence process.

This final session in the series focuses on what venture capitalists expect to see behind the scenes when evaluating a biotech startup. Founders will learn how to assemble a compelling due diligence package, including scientific, financial, legal and regulatory documentation. Experts will walk through how to set up a clean data room, manage burn rate projections and prepare for investor scrutiny of IP, corporate structure and contracts. A live mock investor Q&A will give attendees hands-on experience in responding to tough questions, handling objections and defending valuation.

With actionable guidance on term sheets, SAFE notes, and negotiation strategies, this session equips founders to confidently navigate the final mile of Series A fundraising.