During this session our panelists will discuss early activities that researchers should engage in to meet and work with investors in life science technologies. The Lumira Venture Innovation Program, open for PhD, MBA and MD students, will be introduced and followed by a discussion panel. You will learn from real-world examples about how to gain exposure to life science venture capital, where to start and how to work with investors to build your technology and accelerate innovation in academic settings. You will learn about what to expect from an investor and how to gain an access to the investor community, professionals-in-residence, and funding. This session aims to stimulate commercial thinking during the research and discovery phase for everyone interested in drug, device and platform development at UofT.
The goal of PRiME's Jump Start series is to provide a comprehensive look into the essential steps involved in development of pre-clinical drugs, devices, and platform technologies. In the series we engage with experts to discuss important considerations to ensure success at each step of the development process.
These workshops are open to all Staff, Trainees and Faculty at UofT.
Speakers
Baye Galligan, MA
Associate, Lumira Ventures
Baye Galligan joined Lumira Ventures’ Toronto office as an analyst in 2017. She focuses on business and technical due diligence and analyses of investment opportunities, as well as financial analysis and proactive industry research.
Prior to joining Lumira, Baye was Research Manager at the National Angel Capital Organization and Associate Director of Maple Leaf Angels, the largest network of angel investors in Toronto, where she evaluated applications for early-stage investment, conducted due diligence, and organized community building initiatives. Baye holds a M.A. in organic chemistry from Harvard University, where she was an executive member of the Harvard Women in Chemistry. She also holds an HBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business and a B.Sc. in chemistry from Western University.
Nikhil Thatte, BSChE
Principal, Lumira Ventures
Nikhil joined Lumira Ventures in March 2019. As Principal, Nikhil focuses on business development, investment due diligence and technical analysis including forecasting and financial modeling.
Prior to Lumira, Nikhil worked as a Director with DRI Capital, a pioneer in royalty monetization solutions, where he managed relationships with inventors, academics and companies, and supported in the investment due diligence process. Prior to DRI Capital, Nikhil was a Consultant with ZS Associates, a global marketing and sales consulting firm where he provided expertise to over 20 pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients across a broad range of projects and therapeutic areas. Nikhil holds a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from McGill University.
Alice Luo, PhD
Analyst, Lumira Ventures
Alice joined the Lumira Ventures as a full-time member in January 2022, following her successful experience of being selected in 2021 as part of the inaugural class of the Lumira Venture Innovation Program. During her tenure as a VIP she worked closely with the Lumira team. Alice’s current focus is on conducting scientific and technical diligence of investment opportunities. She strongly believes that biomedical innovations hold the key to better healthcare delivery and treatments that will lead to better lives for patients and through her work at Lumira Ventures she hopes to help accelerate the development of novel therapeutics.
Alice holds a Ph.D. in pulmonary regenerative medicine from the University of Toronto. She has also completed an M.Sc. and B.Sc. in immunology and medical sciences from the University of Toronto. Prior to joining Lumira Ventures VIP, Alice was a Fellow with HaloHealth, a Canadian physician angel group where she evaluated investment opportunities in Canadian and U.S. based health technology start-up companies.
MODERATOR
Milica Vukmirovic
Director, External Programs & Partnerships, PRiME