AGENDA

5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Conference Registration

6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Welcome Reception and Dinner

7:30 – 9:00 a.m.

Registration and Networking Breakfast  

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Partnering Hall

9:00 – 9:10 a.m.

Welcome Remarks  

9:10 – 9:50 a.m.

Venture Capital Financing Trends Panel
This panel will discuss recent trends in venture financings, including corporate venture capital and partnerships, valuations and round sizes, tranching and milestones, as well as platform versus asset considerations.

Moderator:
Jennifer Fang, Partner, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
TBD

10:00 – 10:45 a.m.

China Biotech Panel

Moderator:
TBD

Speakers:
TBD

10:45 – 10:55 a.m.

Break

10:55 – 11:40 a.m.

AI and Life Sciences Panel

Moderator:
TBD

Speakers:
Fez Ujjainwalla, CBO Terray Therapeutics

11:40 a.m.  – 12:25 p.m.

IP Patent with Big Pharma: Forging Successful Collaborations in Biotech Panel
Partnering with pharma is a critical piece of a biotech’s development and fund-raising strategy.  Join us for a panel of seasoned pharma and biotech executives to hear their perspectives on deal-making prospects and strategies for the coming years.

Moderator:
Lou Lieto, Partner, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Don Huddler, AGC at GSK
Laura Vogel, AGC Patent Litigation at GSK
Justin Huddleson, Head of Global Patent Valorization and Device Patents, Sanofi

12:25 – 1:30 p.m.

Networking Lunch

1:30 – 2:15 p.m.

Alternative Financings Panel
This panel will discuss the recent market dynamics for alternative financings.

Moderator:
Matt Bresnahan, Partner, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:

Jonathan Christopher Lipuma, Fortress

2:20 – 3:05 p.m.

M&A: Trends and Strategies for Navigating the Current Market Panel
Gain insights from panelists with a broad range of diverse experience as they share their perspectives on the M&A market for biotech companies, including how the current economic and investment landscapes are impacting the structure, terms, timelines, and likelihood of M&A transactions.

Moderator:
TBD

Speakers:
TBD

3:05 – 3:15 p.m.

Break

3:15 – 4:00 p.m.

Navigating Perspectives in Deal-Making: Insights from Key Stakeholders Panel
Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring leaders from Venture Capital, CEOs, CSOs, Business Development, and pharmaceutical science as we analyze the recent collaboration between Light Horse Therapeutics and Novartis, announced in January 2025. Our expert panel will provide insights into the complexities of such deals, exploring the diverse perspectives that drive value and collaboration in the dynamic biotech landscape.

Moderator:
Farah Gerdes, Partner, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Rami Hannoush, Venture Partner at Versant
John Tallarico, Novartis
Markus Renschler, CEO, Light Horse
Laure Escoubet, CSO, Light Horse
David Poon, Business Development, Strategy, and Transactions Advisor, SynapticBio Strategic Advisors Inc.; Co-Founder, Head of Corporate Development, DCx Biotherapeutics Corporation; Advisor, Light Horse

4:05 – 4:50 p.m.

Fireside Chat: David Bearss Ph.D., Co-Founder, CEO and President, Halia Therapeutics
Join us for this featured interview session moderated by Ian Edvalson, Partner, Wilson Sonsini.

4:50 – 5:35 p.m.

European Big Pharma Panel

Moderator:
TBD

Speakers:
Brian Bronk, Experienced Business Development Leader, Sanofi

5:35 – 6:15 p.m.

TBD – KEYNOTE SPEAKER

6:15 – 6:20 p.m.

Closing Remarks

6:20 – 8:30 p.m.

Venture Capital Uncorked: Wine Tasting Closing Reception 

*Please note that the schedule and panel topics are subject to change.*