The 2021 Arizona BioPreneur Conference, presented by the Flinn Foundation and Arizona’s Bioscience Roadmap Steering Committee, featured interactive presentations by angel investors and venture-capital experts, Arizona Commerce Authority representatives, as well as breakout sessions.
“Bioscience Entrepreneurs and the Pursuit of Capital” was held virtually from noon to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 23.
Keynote speaker Deborah Magid, director of software strategy for IBM Ventures, shared her global expertise on innovation and growth areas, including insights into mergers and acquisitions and venture-capital relationships.
In addition, there were expert panels and breakout sessions with themes including:
- Are you ready for fundraising?
- Structuring Equity
- Cap Tables
- Managing the money
- Achieving milestones
- Where to find capital
Moderators and panelists included:
Jill Howard Allen, VP, Research and Development, Arizona Commerce Authority 🔶 Mara Aspinall, Co-Founder and Managing Director, BlueStone Venture Partners LLC 🔶 Rob Ball, CEO, Shoulder Innovations 🔶 James Bates, CEO, AdviNOW Medical 🔶 Anita Bell, Director, University of Arizona Center for Innovation 🔶 Zachary Brooks, Director of Business Development, Botanisol Analytics 🔶 Patti DuBois, Assistant Executive Director, Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation 🔶 Janelle Goulard, Partner, Health Investment, Pangaea Ventures 🔶 Jim Goulka, Managing Director, Arizona Tech Investors 🔶 Scott Hansbury, CEO, Anthem One 🔶 Rep. Daniel Hernandez, Member, Arizona House of Representatives 🔶 Adam Hunke, Principal, Venture Group at Banner Health 🔶 Jock Holliman, General Partner, Valley Ventures 🔶 Vivek Kopparthi, Co-Founder & Executive Chairman, Neolight 🔶 Dr. Mitzi Krockover, Principal and Senior Consultant, SSB Solutions 🔶 Matt Likens, President & CEO, GT Medical Technologies 🔶 Joann MacMaster, CEO, Desert Angels 🔶 Nina Ossanna, Co-founder, MZ Biolabs 🔶 Nannon Roosa, President, CATS Tonometer 🔶 Ben Smith, Founder and Chief Strategist, Xcellerate 🔶 Eric Smith, Executive Director, University of Arizona Center for Innovation 🔶 Terry Winters, Venture Capitalist 🔶 Russ Yelton, President, Yelton & Associates
Now in its third year, the conference attracted entrepreneurs just starting a fundraising journey as well as those looking for the next million-dollar investment.
If you have any questions about the Flinn Foundation’s bioscience programs, contact Flinn Foundation Bioscience Program Manager Juliet Gomez.
Watch the opening session video featuring Rep. Daniel Hernandez and keynote speaker Deborah Magid: