Exit Strategies for Biotech and Pharma

About the event

In order to attract investors, small biotechs & pharmaceutical companies, or larger ones seeking investment in a particular product, need an exit strategy, i.e. an endpoint at which the investors can see a decent return on their investment.

The successful commercialisation of a product is more often than not a long slog, lasting years, if not decades. Given this timeframe, it is often difficult to keep investors on board and in order to provide a steady stream of capital. Indeed, it is probable that different types of investor will be needed at the different stages of the product lifecycle. Thus each product or business needs to provide investors not only with viable exit options, but also viable entry options. In reality, funds are raised best on the basis of a good track record of exits.

This event will look at this issue from both the side of the investor and the side of the biotech/pharmaceutical company in order to try to see which strategies are mutually beneficial. In particular, the following issues will be addressed:

• Planning and working out a valid exit strategy well before the need for funding
• The different exit strategies for developing a business or executing a product
• The importance of finding "smart money," investors who have expectations in line with reality
• Understanding the lifespan/lifecycle of investors
• Ensuring that accompanying the exit strategy is an "entry strategy" for other investors at the different stages of the product lifecycle
• How far back in the product lifecycle are big pharma looking and does this mean an earlier exit strategy?
• Optimising the timing of an exit
• Do IPOs only work for companies with a very short-term product development or with a product at a very late stage of development?
• Comparing mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances as exit strategies
• The advantages of selling out completely to big pharma (highest spot valuation) vs the downside (no continuing revenue stream)
• Are licensing agreements getting too complex and thus beyond the reach of most as an exit strategy?
• Total (or partial) outsourcing as a valid exit strategy
• Are investors' exit interests forcing biotechs to take the M&A route instead of waiting for the right IPO window?

Networking evening

One of the main reasons to attend this event is the opportunity to meet other key players within the industry, whether they be CEOs, Finance Directors, other key Directors, Consultants, Lawyers etc.

The cocktail party immediately following the event (it is almost worth coming for the famous Four Seasons canapés themselves!) is the ideal place to discuss matters in a less formal environment, whether this discussion is directly related to the event topic or not.
 

Excellent speaker panel

Hugh Ilyine - Vice President and Chief Operating Officer   Stem Cell Sciences plc Mr Ilyine is a director of Stem Cell Sciences plc, and acts in the capacity of Vice President and Chief Operating Officer with the company, responsible for global operations. The company is now successfully listed on both the London AIM and Australian Stock Exchange. Mr Ilyine is a member of the UK National Stem Cell Network Steering Committee. Prior to joining SCS in 2000, Mr Ilyine spent seventeen years with the Rhone-Poulenc group of companies in various international marketing and company managing director roles in France, Indonesia and Australia. He brings to Stem Cell Sciences plc considerable international experience in developing companies and their IP, licensing, product development and operational management.”

Dr Naveed Siddiqi - Partner   Nomura Phase4 Ventures Naveed is a Partner at Nomura Phase4 Ventures based in London. Phase4 Ventures leads investments into private mid- to late- stage biotechnology companies based in North America and Europe. He holds two professional qualifications as a medical doctor (Guy’s Hospital, London) and a chartered accountant (KPMG). Naveed has been closely involved with many of Phase4 Ventures' investments and has over a decade of experience of healthcare venture investing, buy-outs, cross-border M&A, private and public fund raisings.

Dr Georg Büchner - Business Development Director   Haptogen Dr Georg Büchner is Business Development Director with responsiblity for new business and licensing. Dr Büchner joined Haptogen from PharmaVentures Ltd (London UK) where as a Consultant and business development manager, he provided scientific and strategic advice to life science companies focusing on strategic issues, valuation and licensing deals. Dr Buchner also completed an MBA at the Judge Institute of Management, Cambridge, adding a business training to his scientific background.

Who will attend?

Expected breakdown of job titles

 

Expected breakdown by audience sector

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