BioVenture VoiCes with Chris Garabedian

Simeon George, CEO and co-founder of SR One and physician-turned-investor, led its spinout from GSK and builds biotech companies. He recounts SR One’s transition to independence, how they pick and reserve capital for bets across modalities and indications, and the role of collaboration and syndication in sourcing and scaling ventures. He also touches on global sourcing, selective tech bets, and how AI fits into R&D.

Jim Healy, Managing Partner and Chairman at Sofinnova Investments with decades in venture investing focused on therapeutics. He discusses product versus platform tradeoffs, why Sofinnova favors de-risked clinical-stage deals, how board seats and long holds shape outcomes, therapeutic and modality preferences, and how regulatory clarity and pharma interest drive diligence decisions.

Jessica Owens discusses the many experiences she has had in her career, including working on the venture side at Kleiner Perkins and Versant Ventures and on the operating side at Genomic Health and Grail. She highlights the value of VCs being able to understand how operators like CEOs think, and describes the type of investing INITIATE focuses on.

Brett Zbar, Managing Director and Head of Global Life Sciences at General Atlantic, is an experienced investor who built his career at Aisling and Foresite. He discusses differences between private equity and venture capital. He talks about GA’s patient capital and value-add model. He highlights thematic priorities like AI/ML, diagnostics, cardiometabolic and oncology, plus portfolio execution and board approach.

Art Pappas, founder and managing partner of Pappas Capital with decades in international pharma and life‑science investing. He recounts global pharma leadership and moves into early‑stage investing. Topics include building translational programs with universities, partnering with corporate LPs and co‑investors, Pappas Capital’s fund strategies and timelines, and how AI and simulation may reshape R&D.

Bob Nelsen, co-founder of ARCH Venture Partners, shares his journey from Walla Walla to the heights of biotech investment. He discusses the vital role of risk-taking in American innovation and contrasts the adventurous spirit of tech with biotech's conservativism. Nelsen emphasizes AI's potential to revolutionize diagnostics and urges for regulatory reforms to speed up human trials. He also reveals ARCH's strategy of backing hungry founders over traditional pharma execs and highlights their commitment to impactful science over profit.

Amy Schulman, managing partner at Polaris Partners and former Pfizer exec, brings law and corporate leadership to venture. She talks about translating science into commercial success. She recounts moving from litigation to running businesses. She explores how funding cycles and platform vs indication choices shape biotech strategy.

He describes his early life and education, 18 years of company building at Flagship Pioneering, founding Averin (previously called Bedford Bridge) with his brother, and investing at the intersection of healthcare and technology.

Clay Thorp, co-founder of Hatteras Venture Partners with over 25 years in life-science investing, shares his journey from co-founding a genomics startup with his brother to shaping North Carolina's biotech scene. He emphasizes the importance of hands-on operating experience for aspiring VCs. Clay also discusses the successful seed investment in the cancer drug Palbociclib and the significance of partnerships with academic founders. He highlights Hatteras's focus on oncology and women's health, revealing ambitious goals for future funds amid a challenging fundraising landscape.

Jay Lichter describes his roots growing up in Chicago, Yale, and an early career role at DuPont Merck before getting a call from Kevin Kinsella to try the world of venture at Avalon. Since that pivotal move, he describes numerous companies he either operated or funded, leading to his work today at Avalon Bioventures.