While the world’s attention has been rightfully focused on the hope of a breakthrough that will eradicate COVID-19, the private biotech sector has racked up record-breaking investments during the first half of 2020. As much of the economy falls victim to the global threat, venture capital funding for biotech companies is not only weathering the storm, it toped over $6.4B in the second quarter of 2020—which is more than what was raised annually in every year prior to 2014!
The industry’s rapid response, collaboration, and determination to uncover potential therapeutics and vaccines to fight the pandemic have boosted interest in the sector as it becomes clear that science is what will lead us back to normal.
In addition, investors have not lost sight of the fact that biotechnology can potentially deliver solutions for unmet needs of patients. Emerging companies are often the ones to uncover breakthroughs that lead to treatments that change or save lives. Savvy investors recognize the exhaustive and time-consuming process of drug development and are willing to stick it out, regardless of what is going on in the rest of the economy.
Many of those investors will be on hand at this year’s BIO Investor Forum Digital, taking place October 13-15. For the past 18 years, this has been one of the most respected independent investor events. Already, more than 145 investors are registered.
With most business activity still being conducted remotely, the decision to move the annual event to a virtual format made perfect sense. Building on the success of BIO Digital held in June, the conference will include enhanced opportunities for business development networking through a virtual setting, including access to the BIO One-on-One Partnering system, the event’s primary business development networking platform, as well as the interactive features during the conference’s panel discussions and a curated set of small-group discussions by therapeutic area.
BIO Investor Forum Digital features include:
- Three days of enhanced BIO One-on-One Partnering, including maximum calendar capability across time zones for business development networking.
- Two days of interactive educational sessions, with speaker Q&A, focused on the most pressing industry topics including COVID-19, Infectious Diseases/ Vaccines, Oncology, Business Development, Election Outlook, and more.
- A library of on-demand company presentations, showcasing a company’s pipeline, R&D activities, and fundraising goals.
- The BIO SPARK Showcase will spotlight early stage assets from the university setting.
- Enhanced networking featuring informal small group and face-to-face video interactivity.
- Access to an increased global investor audience.
Speakers are still being lined up for the panel sessions that reflect today’s trending topics. These breakout sessions will be organized around two broad areas: business/public policy and therapeutics.
Business/public policy sessions:
- Biotech's Finest Hour: BIO Policy Work and COVID-19 Progress Update
- View from the Board: Managing Teams During a Pandemic
- BIO's State of VC Investment Trends
- China Deal-Making Now: New Opportunities and Barriers
- SPACs: Advantages and Disadvantages Versus Normal IPOs
- U.S. Election Outlook: Presidential & Congressional Scenario Planning for Biopharma Priorities
- Achieving Corporate Diversity and Inclusion Goals through Investment and Policy Choices
- “What's at risk next?” Patrizia Cavazzoni, MD, FDA
- Market Outlook: Solid Ground or Thin Ice?
- The New AMR Action Fund for De-risking Co-Investment
- Supply Chain Contingencies to Avoid Upheavals
Therapeutics sessions
- Addressing Racism and Disparities during Therapeutic Development and in the Clinic
- New Resources to Accelerate Translational Research
- Trends in New Oncology Target Treatments (KRAS, MET, STING, and Beyond)
- How to Pivot Neurodegeneration Treatment Research?
- New Directions in Diagnostics Innovation
- Conducting Remote Clinical Trials Productively During a Pandemic
- Treating Infectious Diseases: Lessons from COVID-19 and Avoiding Future Pandemic
Media registration is now open. It is complimentary for qualified reporters.
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