Blog

The inaugural Boston Biotech Investor Day (BBID) is officially in the books, and by all measures, it was a terrific event. This first-of-its-kind gathering was jointly developed by LabCentral, BioLabs and The Engine, three teams dedicated to supporting the biotech startup ecosystem. Startups from this network, as well as unaffiliated teams, were showcased to the greater Boston life sciences venture capital community – including traditional and corporate funds. 

The companies pitching collectively illustrated just how vibrant the ecosystem currently is. With concepts ranging from innovative gene editing platforms to drug delivery technologies to novel cell and gene therapies, the presenting companies are heading into the fall fundraising season with energy and optimism that their early-stage work will translate into real-world patient benefits. 

The full-day event included 200+ attendees, 42 pitching startups, dozens of investors, enthusiastic sponsors and numerous speakers. Rachel Sha, CEO of Vaxess, a LabCentral alumni, kicked off the day with her keynote remarks, followed by aState of the Market & investor outlook from J P Morgan Chase’s Skip Kelly, Managing Director. The afternoon included panels in addition to founder pitches. 

The non-traditional funding panel addressed the ‘elephant in the room’ – when funding will return to more customary levels. While no one brought a crystal ball, the panelists were both cautious and optimistic as they reflected on the increased activity in diligence teams. In addition to traditional venture funding, Gates Foundation panelist, Claire Wagner, Head of Corporate Strategy & Market Access, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and BARDA panelist, Rowan Cade, Program Manager, BARDA Ventures, BARDA Drive, were encouraging about the grant opportunities available to teams aligned with their charters. 

In the Founder Focus conversation, moderated by Jennifer Yang, Corporate Partner, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, the panelists including Yohan Tessier, COO, Mispro, Vinit Nijhawan, Managing Directorof MassVentures, and Mey Boukkena, VP, Pags Group explored some of the issues that founders face as they grow their companies. With reflections on alignment among co-founders and other normal tensions and real-life pressures (childcare, eldercare among them), one particular point was around the role of SAFEs as a vehicle for early-stage companies when valuations are unclear. 

In my role at LC, I often encourage the startups we work with to collaborate with others in all aspects of their work. Commercializing therapies does not happen alone, it takes a literal village to bring their innovations one step closer to patients. BBID was a great example of practicing what we preach, and it was made possible by the many stellar presenters, venture investors, sponsors and our co-hosts at BioLabs and The Engine. We look forward to reconvening next year! 

With gratitude to event sponsors including Goodwin Procter, Mispro, ThermoFisher[JM3]  Scientific, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Browne Consulting, Milipore Sigma, CBRE, Elemental Machines and Licor.