CALTECH/MIT Enterprise Forum: How to Succeed In Starting a New Life Sciences Company in the Greater Los Angeles Area

The Greater Los Angeles area is not generally known for its startups in biotechnology businesses. However, the region boasts at least five world-class research centers producing breakthroughs in pharmaceutical and diagnostic technology. These sources of innovation are seeding a new generation of biotech enterprises. Creativity, perseverance, and a solid business perspective have already enabled a number of leading edge companies in the region to bridge the gap between basic university research, and a commercially viable development company.

The April 21, 2007 session of the Caltech/MIT Enterprise Forum will present life sciences entrepreneurs who started with science licensed from the major local research institutions, raised required startup financing, and opened their doors in the Greater Los Angeles area. They have in common that none followed the traditional path to institutional venture capital. Some used public company vehicles; others procured initial stakes from individuals with a passion to find a treatment or cure for a medical condition; still others developed income from government or commercial contracts. We will also be joined by the President of the Keck Graduate Institute, a part of the Claremont Colleges that focuses on educating scientists to tackle the challenges of a biotechnology business.