Venture Leaders Biotech scale new heights in Boston

Fresh off a successful week in Boston, the ten innovative startups selected for Venture Leaders Biotech 2024 are boosted for the next steps of their entrepreneurial journey. During their business development and investor roadshow, these Swiss Biotech leaders built connections with several investors, industry partners and gained crucial market exposure, driving their ventures towards global success.

Selected from over 70 applications by a jury of investors and experts, the ten Biotech startups joined the 19th edition of  business development and investor roadshow in Boston, one of the world's most important life science hubs. From May 13 to May 17, the roadshow connected the participants with international investors and industry leaders, accelerating their ventures' expansion in the US.



The week started with a session at Swissnex Boston, for an introduction to the Boston biotech ecosystem. The team continued with a tour of Bayer Co.Lab's facilities, led by Senior Director Alberto Nobili and his colleagues. It offered an in-depth look at Bayer's Cell and Gene Therapy incubator, witnessing firsthand how promising startups are developed into successful companies.

The afternoon was dedicated to the expert-investor feedback session, a 2 hours intense session where startups interact with Boston-based investors and experts and benefit from direct feedback on their pitch.  

The day concluded with a reception at the residence of the Swiss Consul, providing a networking opportunity in a more informal setting. This blend of expert guidance and industry exposure set a promising tone for the intense and productive week ahead.




On Tuesday, the entrepreneurs visited Biognosys, a Venture Leaders alumni in 2009, which went on to be nominated in the TOP 100 Swiss Startups for three years straight from 2010 to 2012 and was acquired by Bruker in 2018. The new generation benefited from their learning on growing in the US market and the lessons of growth. 

The day concluded with the Biotech Pitch Fest at Swissnex, where Swiss startups pitched to the 100+ audience from the Boston Biotech scene. David Roura Padrosa, Co-Founder and CEO of inSEIT, and Gabriel Liguori, Co-Founder and CEO of TissueLabs, made it to the final. Gabriel won, receiving a three-month stint at the Swissnex residency to connect with partners and gain a deeper understanding of the US market.



The agenda continued with visits to Vida Ventures, RA Capital headquarters, and an FDA regulation session on Wednesday, and ended with a flourish with a lobster dinner. Thursday was dedicated to a panel with Wyss Institute and global investment bank Locust walk.

"The program is giving us direct access to the vibrant biotech community in Boston and thanks to Venturelab and Swissnex we met with potential partners, stakeholders, and investors and gained a better understanding of the US market," commented David Pejoski, Co-Founder and CEO of Adoram Therapeutics.

The roadshow concluded with a fascinating fireside chat with George Arnold from Knightsbridge Advisers who shared invaluable insights on the Venture Capital scene, and a final pitch at 5AM Ventures. 



Venture Leaders Biotech is organized by Venturelab in partnership with Swissnex in Boston and New York and supported by Debiopharm, EPFL, ETH Zürich, Hansjörg Wyss, Kellerhals Carrard, Novartis, Swissnex Biotech Association, and VISCHER.


Learn more about the Venture Leaders Biotech 2024 startups below: