Xconomy Xchange: Reinventing Biotech's Business Model for the Big Apple October 4, 2012

The traditional model of biotech entrepreneurship—building full-service companies with discovery, R&D, and marketing under one roof—has proven especially challenging in New York. With wet-lab space scarce and expensive, a dearth of VC funding for early-stage research, and a high cost of living that makes it hard to attract talent, many researchers look elsewhere for entrepreneurial opportunities. But it doesn't have to be that way. A growing cadre of NYC entrepreneurs are embracing alternative business models that allow them to thrive in the Big Apple. Some are outsourcing everything from basic discovery to development. Others have found funding from disease-oriented foundations, and lab space and office options are growing as well. In this intimate evening forum, we’ll hear from a diverse group of entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and non-profit leaders who will share valuable insights about everything from recruiting top talent to raising funding—and building a vital life sciences cluster right here in New York.

Speakers include Sam Waksal, Founder & CEO of Kadmon Pharmaceuticals; Kevin Kinsella, Founder & Managing Director of Avalon Ventures; Jill O'Donnell-Tormey, CEO and Director of Scientific Affairs at Cancer Research Institute; Dennis Purcell, Senior Managing Partner at Aisling Capital; Arthur Tinkelenberg, CEO of Enumeral Biomedical.

Official Website: http://xconomyxchange6.eventbrite.com