The NextGen VC Podcast

LaunchBio

The NextGen VC Podcast is the premier podcast for forward-thinking venture capitalists eager to dive in and sharpen their skills. It unpacks the opportunities, challenges, and breakthroughs shaping life sciences investing today, and is curated by Wilson Sonsini and LaunchBio with hosts Michael Hostetler and Jen Fang.

Email the show: questions@launchbio.org

Learn about in-person NextGen VC events: launchbio.org/programs/nextgen-vc-forum/

Discover resources for the life sciences community: launchbio.org

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20 episodes
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July 7 · 49 min
Why the Future of Biotech Starts With the Brain
What does neuroscience have to do with venture capital? Quite a bit, according to Jason Pitts. In this episode of the NextGen VC podcast, Mike Hostetler and Jen Fang sit down with Jason, Principal at General Atlantic, to talk about the winding path that took him from studying the brain at Cornell to evaluating some of the most promising companies in biotech. Jason shares how a series of unexpected opportunities led him from the lab at Regeneron to McKinsey and ultimately into venture investing. Along the way, he reflects on the mentors, relationships, and career pivots that shaped his journey. The conversation also explores what separates great biotech companies from the rest, why clinical rigor often makes the difference between success and failure, and how investors develop conviction in an industry where uncertainty is part of the territory. Jason also discusses his work with companies like Karuna Therapeutics and explains why advances in neuroscience and brain-shuttle technology could help unlock the next wave of innovation in biotech. Whether you're exploring a career in life sciences, breaking into venture capital, or simply curious about where biotech is headed next, this episode offers an inside look at the science, strategy, and decision-making behind today's most exciting healthcare investments.
June 8 · 47 min
The $2.25B Exit That Changed Lumira's Investment Strategy
Jen and Mike sit down with Dr. Suman Rao, Principal at Lumira Ventures, to discuss her path from academic science to healthcare venture capital and why she believes the best investors lead with mission before money. Rao shares Lumira’s approach to investing beyond traditional biotech hubs, the firm’s sidecar fund model with partners like Merck and the Terry Fox Foundation, and the story behind Histosonics, a Midwest medtech company that grew into a $2.25B exit and helped shape Lumira’s next investment thesis. She also offers candid advice for aspiring VCs: don’t follow the prescribed path. Build your own.
May 6 · 53 min
Aimee Raleigh (Atlas Venture): Building Biotech Companies from Day One
What does it actually take to turn an idea into a biotech company? Aimee Raleigh, PhD, Principal at Atlas Venture, joins Mike and Jen as she walks through how companies get built before they’re even companies. From evaluating early science to forming a real point of view, Aimee shares how investors build conviction at the earliest stages. We get into the pace of early-stage venture, how to juggle multiple opportunities, make decisions with imperfect data, figure out what’s worth leaning into, and more. Aimee discusses her path into venture and what she’s learned along the way in an industry that doesn’t slow down. Listen and be prepared to walk away seeing early-stage ventures a little differently.
April 8 · 51 min
From Scalpel to Term Sheet: Rich Gaster on Building Conviction, Backing Winners, and Fighting for Claire
What does it take to go from performing reconstructive plastic surgeries at Harvard to becoming a managing partner at one of biotech's most focused venture firms? Rich Gaster, Managing Partner at venBio Partners, joins Mike and Jen to trace a career path that runs through Stanford MD-PhD training, two grad school startups, the company-building engine at Third Rock Ventures, and the founding team of Pliant Therapeutics — before landing at venBio, where he helped engineer three back-to-back acquisitions in a single quarter. Rich breaks down what makes venBio's small-team, high-conviction model so effective, how asset-focused investing differs from platform company builds, and what he looks for when deciding to pull the trigger on a deal. He also shares hard-won advice for the next generation of biotech investors — including why thinking like an investor during your training matters more than your degree. The conversation closes with Rich sharing the deeply personal story of his daughter Claire's diagnosis with ATRT, an ultra-rare pediatric brain cancer with a 30% two-year survival rate — and how his medical training, network, and willingness to fight the system helped save her life. He also discusses his work with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and how others in the VC and biotech community can get involved. Join Team Claire by donating here: https://curethekids.org/teamclaire_wsgr
March 27 · 55 min
Anna French on Building Qiming in the States and the Global Future of Biotech
Dr. Anna French, Managing Partner at Qiming Venture Partners USA, joins the NextGen VC Podcast to trace her nonlinear path from an Oxford DPhil and BCG boardrooms to becoming employee #1 at one of biotech's most globally connected venture firms. Anna shares what it's really like to build a fund from the ground up, why she championed Umoja Biopharma's bold bet on in vivo CAR-T and in-house manufacturing, and how a global perspective — forged in UK labs, Korean hospitals, and Parisian roundtables — shapes the way she looks for innovation. She shares candidly about LP fundraising, the US-China biotech opportunity, and what work-life balance actually looks like when both you and your spouse are running full speed.
February 4 · 46 min
Risk, Rigor, and Reality: Suan Tuang on Investing Across Private and Public Biotech
Suan Tuang didn’t take a traditional path into biotech investing, and this journey shapes how he evaluates risk today. Now at TCG Crossover, and with prior experience at Foresite and Eventide, Suan brings a clinician-scientist lens to investing across private and public markets. In this episode, Suan shares how his immigrant journey and academic challenges at MIT and Harvard have shaped his unique approach to risk and resilience. Learn how he leverages clinical data over hype, balances scientific rigor with market realities, and more. Suan also offers practical advice for aspiring investors and entrepreneurs. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiration. This episode may feature current or former clients of Wilson Sonsini. This podcast is for general informational purposes and is not intended to provide and should not be relied on as legal advice. The information in this podcast is not tailored to a particularized situation or jurisdiction, may not reflect the current state of the law, and should not be considered a substitute for the advice of your own legal counsel. You should not consider this podcast an invitation to form an attorney-client relationship, and no attorney-client relationship is created by your use of this podcast. Wilson Sonsini disclaims all liability in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on the content of this podcast and notes that prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This podcast may be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions.
January 15 · 39 min
The Science of Company Building: A Conversation with Third Rock’s Noreen Rizvi
What does it take to turn breakthrough science into a breakthrough company? In this episode of the NextGen VC Podcast, we sit down with Noreen Rizvi, Principal at Third Rock Ventures, whose journey from chemical engineering to venture creation offers a rare look inside the art and science of biotech investing. Noreen discusses how she bridges science and strategy, what she’s learned from building companies like Trace Neuro and Faze Medicine, and why Third Rock spends years incubating ideas before launch. She also shares how mentorship, collaboration, and a “take the call” mindset have shaped her path. Tune in for a grounded, inside look at company creation, risk-taking, and the evolving biotech landscape from RNA therapeutics to the next generation of life science innovation. This episode may feature current or former clients of Wilson Sonsini. This podcast is for general informational purposes and is not intended to provide and should not be relied on as legal advice. The information in this podcast is not tailored to a particularized situation or jurisdiction, may not reflect the current state of the law, and should not be considered a substitute for the advice of your own legal counsel. You should not consider this podcast an invitation to form an attorney-client relationship, and no attorney-client relationship is created by your use of this podcast. Wilson Sonsini disclaims all liability in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on the content of this podcast and notes that prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This podcast may be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions.
Sep 9, 2025 · 42 min
Breaking Barriers: Dr. Tia Lyles-Williams on Biotech Innovation and Mentorship
Join us on the NextGenVC Podcast as we dive into the inspiring journey of Dr. Tia Lyles-Williams, a trailblazer in the biotech industry. Discover how mentorship shaped her path, the challenges she overcame, and her vision for inclusive biotech innovation through her accelerator, HiveBio. Dr. Tia shares insights on building a community-driven biotech ecosystem and the importance of perseverance in the face of obstacles. Tune in for an engaging conversation that highlights the dynamic world of venture capital and biotech in Philadelphia.
Jul 9, 2025 · 37 min
Unlocking Biotech's Full Potential: A Conversation with Excedr's Jon Chee
Hosts Mike Hostetler and Jen Fang are joined by Jon Chee, CEO of Excedr and host of The Biotech Startups Podcast. Jon shares insights from his work with early-stage life science companies, trends he's observing in biotech, and what he’s learned from interviewing founders and industry leaders on his own podcast. He also reflects on the importance of company culture, capital structure, and resilience in building successful biotech ventures. Tune in to hear how Jon is helping founders navigate startup challenges, scale smarter, and stay focused on science.
Jun 3, 2025 · 33 min
Exploring Venture Capital Investing in China with OrbiMed's Ran Geng
In this episode, hosts Jen Fang and Mike Hostetler welcome guest Ran Geng, a Principal on the Private Equity Team at OrbiMed. The discussion covers the unique opportunities and challenges in the Chinese market, including government policies, the rise of tech startups, and more. They also explore the influence of China's rapid technological advancements, current investment trends, and strategies investors can adopt to succeed in this quickly evolving landscape.
May 20, 2025 · 39 min
The Intersection of Venture Capital and Biotech Innovation: A Conversation with Chris Garabedian
In this episode of the NextGenVC podcast, hosts Jen Fang and Mike Hostetler are joined by Chris Garabedian, founder of Xontogeny and biopharma veteran, to discuss the transformative impact of early-stage biotech investment. Chris shares his journey from biotech corporate leadership to venture capital, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful drug development and the value of nurturing early-stage companies. He explains the inception of Xontogeny, its collaboration with Perceptive Advisors, and the unique venture incubation model they follow. Chris also highlights the essential qualities for success in biotech investing and offers insights for budding entrepreneurs and potential VCs alike.
Apr 22, 2025 · 32 min
Building Biotech from the Ground Up with Dr. Josep Bassaganya-Riera
On this episode of the NextGen VC Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Josep Bassaganya-Riera, the president and CEO of NImmune Biopharma and founder of The NIMML Institute, a nonprofit research organization. A scientist turned entrepreneur, Josep shares his journey from academia to launching multiple biotech ventures, including Lando Biopharma (acquired by AbbVie). He reflects on the pivotal moments that led him to leave the university world and build companies at the intersection of science and innovation. We dive into the early stages of company formation, his experiences working with investors like Chris Garabedian and Perceptive Advisors, and why maintaining control over company direction and governance is critical—especially for repeat founders. Josep also shares insights on the future of immunotherapy and the promise of precision medicine in treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation!
S1 · E10
Mar 18, 2025 · 49 min
Unveiling the Future of Biotech VC with Felix Breyer: Insights and Innovations
In this episode of the Next Gen VC podcast, hosts Mike Hostetler and Jen Fang sit down with Felix Breyer from J.P. Morgan Life Sciences Private Capital. Felix, with a background as a molecular and cellular biologist, dives deep into the critical role of private capital in life sciences and biotech. He shares his journey from academia to venture capital, emphasizes the importance of mentorship, and provides an insider's perspective on the evolving landscape of biotech investing. Tune in to explore key trends, challenges, and opportunities in the biotech sector, and gain valuable insights for aspiring venture capitalists. Sponsored by Wilson Sonsini and Launch Bio.
Feb 18, 2025 · 46 min
Enrique Lin Shiao: Navigating Science, Venture Philanthropy, and Genetic Medicine
In this episode of the NextGenVC podcast, Mike Hostetler and Jen Fang sit down with Enrique Lin Shiao, a venture investor and fellow podcaster, to discuss his fascinating journey from earning a PhD at the University of Pennsylvania to becoming a key player in venture philanthropy, especially in the realm of cystic fibrosis research and treatment. Enrique shares his experiences with his podcast ‘Caminos en Ciencia,’ his insights into the development and challenges of genetic medicine, and the impactful work being done at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Tune in to explore how his diverse background and unique perspective drive meaningful investments that push the boundaries of what’s possible in biotech and venture philanthropy. 00:58 Enrique Lin Shiao's Podcasting Journey 03:50 Navigating Uncertainty in Science and VC0 4:52 Enrique's Academic and Professional Path 10:31 Venture Philanthropy Explained 11:58 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Impact 24:20 Future of Venture Philanthropy 27:55 Global Perspectives and Diversity in VC 37:58 Advice for Aspiring Venture Capitalists 43:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Dec 10, 2024 · 36 min
Exploring the Intersection of Biotech and Corporate VC with Danjuma Quarless
In this episode of the NextGen VC podcast, hosts Mike Hostetler and Jen sit down with Danjuma Quarless from AbbVie Ventures to delve into the world of corporate venture capital. Danjuma shares insights on how corporate VCs like AbbVie differ from traditional VCs, particularly in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Listeners will learn about the strategic focus of AbbVie Ventures, the importance of scientific and competitive differentiation in securing investment, and the fluid communication within AbbVie's ecosystem. Danjuma also shares his personal journey from a research scientist to a venture capitalist, offering valuable advice for those looking to break into the venture capital space. The podcast also touches on the current trends in biotech, the challenges and opportunities in various regional ecosystems, and the importance of promoting diversity within the venture capital industry. Tune in to hear about the latest innovations in biotech, the differences in investment approaches between various regions, and how AbbVie Ventures aims to build communities and support underrepresented groups in the industry.
Oct 16, 2024 · 50 min
A Deep Dive into MedTech VC, Part 2: Jeff Chu
The NextGen VC Podcast's next episode highlights Jeff Chu, founder and managing partner of Features Capital, an early-stage medtech venture capital firm. Hosted by Mike Hostetler and Jen Fang, partners at Wilson Sonsini, the discussion explores Jeff's journey from owning a consulting firm to co-founding a venture fund, the unique approach that Features Capital takes towards investing in medtech startups, and the importance of diversity and first-generation wealth creators in the venture capital space. Jeff also shares the personal philosophies and strategies that have shaped his career and now the culture of Features Capital. Don't miss Part 1, which features Jenny Barba, the firm's other founder and managing partner.
Oct 2, 2024 · 48 min
A Deep Dive into MedTech VC, Part 1: Jenny Barba
This episode features an in-depth conversation with Jenny Barba, founder and managing partner of Features Capital, an early-stage medtech venture capital firm. Hosts Mike Hostetler and Jen Fang explore Jenny's journey from neuroscience and finance to founding her own VC firm, her passion for supporting diverse and first-time founders in MedTech, and the unique challenges and opportunities in venture capital investment. Listen to gain a behind-the-scenes look at building a portfolio. Jenny also shares personal anecdotes, including the touching story behind the name 'Features Capital,' driven by a conversation with her son. Don't miss Part 2, which will feature Jeff Chu, the firm's other founder and managing partner.
S1 · E6
Aug 28, 2024 · 39 min
Data-Driven Decisions: Unpacking VC Compensation with Jody & Morgan Thelander
In this episode of the NextGen VC Podcast, we explore the intricacies of venture capital compensation with Jody and Morgan Thelander of Thelander Consulting. With a deep background in executive compensation and a unique understanding of the biotech industry, Jody shares how Thelander Consulting’s real-time compensation survey has become an essential resource for over 5,000 investment firms. Jody and Morgan discuss crucial aspects of VC compensation, including base pay, bonuses, and carried interest. They share insights for both established VCs and those new to the industry. Whether you’re structuring compensation packages or navigating career changes, this episode is packed with practical advice on leveraging data to make informed decisions that drive growth and success for careers in venture capital. Join us to understand the data-driven strategies shaping compensation's future.
Jul 9, 2024 · 44 min
Journey to Venture Capital: Insights with Jeni Lee
In this episode of the NextGenVC podcast, hosts Mike Hostetler and Jen Fang engage in an in-depth discussion with Jeni Lee, a partner at Pivotal bioVenture Partners, which invests in transformative therapeutic-focused healthcare companies. They cover a range of topics, from the announcement of Pivotal's second fund to specific investment strategies and the unique aspects of investing in life sciences. Jeni also shares insights into her PhD journey, her strategy in transitioning into the investment world, the importance of embracing risk and what has shaped her career trajectory thus far. The conversation also explores the crucial role of network building for aspiring venture capitalists and the dynamics between investors and companies within the venture ecosystem.
S1 · E4
May 1, 2024 · 32 min
Navigating Board Governance in Biotech Ventures
This episode introduces the 'Venture Ed' series aimed at biotech investors. Hosts Mike Hostetler and Jen Fang, partners at Wilson Sonsini, as they talk with Amy Simmerman, a corporate governance expert from the firm's Wilmington, Delaware office. They discuss legal nuances of serving as a biotech company board director, exploring duties of care and loyalty, conflict of interest management, and the importance of confidentiality and transparency. Special attention is given to the challenges venture investors face balancing their duties to the companies they invest in with their responsibilities to their funds. The episode also highlights the upcoming NextGen VC Forum in San Francisco, a learning and network event for life science investors co-sponsored by Wilson Sonsini and LaunchBio. 00:00 Welcome to Venture Ed: Navigating Biotech Investments 00:30 Introducing Amy Simmerman: Legal Insights into Biotech Board Governance 01:06 Role-Play Insight: CEO and VC Perspectives on Board Dynamics 03:05 Deep Dive into Board Governance and Fiduciary Duties 17:02 Navigating Conflicts of Interest and Board Meeting Best Practices 31:46 Closing Thoughts and Invitation to NextGenVC Forum

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